We are sorry to report that Georgette Renwick, The List’s first accounts manager, has died suddenly after a fall. She kept the show on the road through the magazine’s early difficulties and went on to stay for 26 years. Georgette joined the company in 1986 when the magazine was in its infancy; they were exciting but tough times and the accounts department were under more pressure than anyone, with substantial trading losses coming up against limited resources.

Georgette would always remain extremely calm and optimistic even when sheriff officers were calling in at the office to seize computer equipment which they threatened to confiscate and sell at auction (they were chasing payment for the rates and for HMRC). But there was simply not enough money to go round. Georgette had been told to prioritise staff and individuals ahead of the government and local authorities. But this was easier said than done with cheques bouncing, bank managers fretting and creditors demanding all at once.

Georgette’s remarkable resilience and strength of character never faltered. These qualities had enabled her to triumph over numerous challenges from her childhood. In time, we began to earn enough to pay our way and eventually cleared our debts. Georgette was able to relax and would lead the way in celebrating the good times, dancing the night away at many List parties. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to her husband George, her daughter Caroline, her son George Michael, and to her grandchildren.