Ruth Rendell Award launched by ALCS & the National Literacy Trust
A new annual award has been launched by the National Literacy Trust and ALCS in memory of bestselling novelist, Ruth Rendell on what would have been her 86th birthday.
The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented to the author or writer who has done the most to raise literacy levels in the UK either through their writing and books, or through their advocacy and championing of the cause of literacy. Ruth Rendell was a supporter of the National Literacy Trust since the charity’s launch 21 years ago.
Nominations for writers who have made a significant contribution to the cause of literacy over the past year are being sought from schools, charities, libraries, booksellers and individuals. The closing date for entries is 31 May.
The judging panel is chaired by Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust. It includes writer Jonathan Fryer, an ALCS board member and Sue Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Reading Agency, a member of the National Literacy Forum which includes representatives from Government, business, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector.
The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented by Ruth’s son, Simon Rendell, at a ceremony at the House of Commons in December 2016 during the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group Winter Reception.
Ruth Rendell, who died last year aged 85, was a bestselling author of crime novels and psychological murder mysteries, including the Inspector Wexford series. She also wrote under the pen name Barbara Vine and won a number of awards for her books in a career which spanned six decades.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting such a fitting tribute to Ruth Rendell. Ruth herself was such a champion of literacy and this award will serve to highlight the fantastic work being done by other authors in this area.”
Ruth Rendell, who died last year aged 85, was a bestselling author of crime novels and psychological murder mysteries, including the Inspector Wexford series. She also wrote under the pen name Barbara Vine and won a number of awards for her books in a career which spanned six decades.
National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas said: “This brand new award celebrating the commitment of authors to the literacy cause is a wonderful tribute to Ruth Rendell, who was a much-loved author and a powerful advocate for literacy.”
Ruth Rendell at The ALCS AGM in 2010 after addressing ALCS Members as Guest speaker.
Photograph © Matt Crossick
Simon Rendell said: “Ruth would be delighted with the idea of an award for literacy: Reading was a huge part of her life both professionally and privately. I look forward to presenting the award to a worthy winner next December”.
Barbara Hayes, Deputy Chief Executive of ALCS said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting such a fitting tribute to Ruth Rendell. Ruth herself was such a champion of literacy and this award will serve to highlight the fantastic work being done by other authors in this area”.
