British Pest Control Association awarded three BPCA life memberships at the 2020 AGM.

Frances McKim, Helen Riby and Jonathan Wade were all recipients of the prestigious life membership during the first ever Digital AGM on 27 August.

Frances and Helen have a long history of pest management PR and comms work. Frances launched BPCA’s Professional Pest Controller (PPC) magazine in 1993, and was publisher and editor of it for 15 years.

Together they co-founded Pest Magazine in 2008 and, until its recent sale, were the title’s writers, editors and publishers.

Through both magazines they have made a significant contribution to the sector. Pest has established itself as a leading independent source of information for pest professionals, not only in the UK, but around the world.

Additionally, Frances has served as Chair of the M&D Committee, on the BPCA Board and is a former President of the Association (1982/83) during her time working for Fisons and FBC (now part of Bayer) as UK and international marketing manager for Ficam.

Dr Jonathan Wade has had a distinguished career in the global pest control industry, which began when he obtained a first degree in Zoology and was awarded a PhD from the Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for work on vector mosquitoes.

Since then Jonathan has spent time advising the Libyan Government, heading a pest control team in Dubai and has been awarded an honorary Lectureship at the Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He also worked at Zeneca Public Health and, most recently before his retirement, at PelGar International.

Jonathan was awarded the inaugural BPMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 by a panel of judges independent of BPCA.

Speaking at the AGM on receiving the award, Frances commented:

“I’d like to say it came as a bit of a surprise, being asked to be a life member of BPCA, as in many respects I feel like it’s been part of my life for a long time already. I’ve been involved with the industry for over 40 years on and off, which includes being President of BPCA in 1982/83, so it’s been a long journey.

“Much has changed and it’s been hard work, but it’s been great fun to be involved with the industry, I’ve made a lot of friends over the years both in the UK and internationally. Thank you very much BPCA.”

Helen was also shocked to receive the nomination, saying:

“When this letter arrived from Phil you could have knocked me over with a feather! I really was genuinely surprised to be nominated for this lifetime membership. I’ve always been very proud of what Frances and I have done with Pest magazine, but to have my part of it recognised by the whole industry, it was really touching.

“I’d like to restrict my individual thanks, not just to BPCA for this award, but to the one person who got me involved with all this: Frances, thank you for introducing me to the joys of pests and all of those involved in their management.”

I’ve always been very proud of what Frances and I have done with Pest magazine, but to have my part of it recognised by the whole industry, it was really touching.

Helen Riby

Jonathan also expressed his thanks to BPCA, saying, “Like the other nominees I was surprised, delighted and extremely honoured to receive this nomination. Words from a Yorkshireman not to be taken lightly, so I’m very grateful to be offered this life membership from BPCA.

“A final word of thanks and appreciation for this honorary membership and, in retirement, I now have the greatest satisfaction in handing over the mantle to my son, Alex.

“My thanks to everybody at BPCA, I’m truly touched by this tribute and I’ll do my best to uphold the continued high quality and diligence of the BPCA in the years to come.”

BPCA President Phil Halpin said: “These awards aren’t nominated lightly, there’s always a case study put forward to the Board, they get a look at the track record behind the nominees and then the Board votes to accept the life members.

“These are three very well-deserved life memberships, the contributions made by the nominees to the pest industry are enormous, and we’re delighted to be in a position to highlight that and reward them.”

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Source: Online