BECTU Elect First Woman President

The independent trade union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment and interactive media have announced the election their first woman president.
Christine Bond was confirmed as BECTU Union President for the 2010-2012 term at their annual conference this week.
The declaration of the results of the president's and NEC elections concluded the day long event.
Christine has been a union activist for the past 18 years and has experience at branch, committee and NEC levels; her CV includes freelance stills photography in film and tv.
Welcoming the ballot result Christine said: "I am surprised and happy; it's a real privilege to be elected as president. Looking at the work which Tony Lennon has done, how will I follow him? Rest assured that I will work to be best of my abilities.
"I also thank my competitors [Peter Cox and John Handley]; democracy is a good thing."
Reflecting on the challenges for the union she commented: "Tough times are not necessarily bad times; in tough times we always work better if we work together. Let's get out there and keep going."
Tony Lennon, Union President for the past 18 years, did not stand in this year's election following his retirement from the BBC; Tony's contribution to the union's development, to its industrial campaigns and his expert stewardship of annual conference were widely praised at the delegate meeting held in Bournemouth.
The following divisional representatives will serve on the NEC for 2010-2012:

• Arts and Entertainment: Chris Tweddell, Jo Livesey, Douglas McGill
• BBC: Alistair Hendrie, Jane Perry, Winston Phillips, Mark Rivers
• Independent Broadcasting: Robert Scott
• London Production: Benetta Adamson, Tunji Akinsehinwa, Peter Cox, Nick Wray
• Regional Production: John Handley, Ann Jones
• Benetta Adamson (Writers Producers Directors), Ann Jones (North West Freelance), Chris Tweddell (Cineworld) and Nick Wray (Grips) join BECTU's NEC for the first time

The first meeting will be held on Sunday 6th June 2010.
(BMcN)