Sonia Howells-Jones is dead

WE LEARN, with a great deal of sadness, that Sonia Howells-Jones, a PR of the old school with a great belief in the positive power of journalism, died last week of a stroke.

She had vast experience of IT and also was, like the best public relations people, sympathetic and encouraging to journalists.

Let me give you a personal example. When I found myself on a bit of a tricky wicket five years ago, having left the Rogister and contemplating starting the INQUIRER, Sonia couldn't have been more supportive. This wasn't the first time she helped out - in the 20 or so years I knew her she was kindness itself.

Sonia, actually, lived in the next street to the Magees. We shared more than an interest in IT technology. She was instrumental in animal rescue, took a strong interest in the local community, and did her best to make life better for those around her and who knew her.

The Magees, personally, will miss her, and she had so many friends in the IT industry, amongst IT hacks and in the IT PR community, that she will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held in the next few weeks, we understand. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.