Colleagues remember “powerhouse” Maureen Duffy

Chris Barlas, writer and former ALCS Chair

Maureen’s death certainly marks the end of an era. It was a simpler era, without the threat of multiple audiovisual delivery channels and the advent of AI, but Maureen met its challenges, along with colleagues like the late Ted Willis. Maureen was an incredible powerhouse and her achievements on behalf of writers are exceptional. From the birth of ALCS, the implementation of PLR to her work with the British Copyright Council, Maureen was a crusader for what she believed was due to creative writers. She was also a personal mentor to me. She brought me onto the Council of ALCS, then, on her own retirement from the post, proposed me as the new Chair, which was an honour. We did not necessarily always agree on every issue, but I had enormous respect for her knowledge and fighting spirit.

Of course, we should not forget that Maureen was also a prominent author. Her book, The Microcosm, written when in her 20s, was groundbreaking, both in its form and its subject matter. Just as she fought for writers, she also fought for what has become the LGBT movement. As an out gay woman, Maureen didn’t take prisoners. She was also a vegetarian which was part of her approach as a humanist, as was her support for animal rights (reflected in her book Gor Saga). She was, all round, an astonishing person whom I am privileged to have known. The last time I saw her was over lunch in West London. She was as sparky as ever. And in my last conversation with her on the phone last year, when her mind was clearly somewhat clouded, she was still full of verve. I will miss her.

Tony Bradman, author and former ALCS Chair

It’s hard to think of ALCS at all without thinking of Maureen. She was definitely a living legend, and always a link to the founding spirit of that brave band of writers who created ALCS in the first place. Maureen was kind and very helpful when I first became a director, and full of wise advice when I became Chair. But what I liked about her most – apart from her wit and humour – was the fact that was always first and foremost a writer, and happiest herself when she was talking about the writing life. Of course she’ll be missed – but in many ways she’ll be part of ALCS, and therefore of writers’ lives, forever.

Andrew Yeates, former Director of British Copyright Council

It will be a strange feeling for all at ALCS and across the industry that such a pillar of support is no longer there to make sure that messages are heard, and action taken. I am sure that there will be a deluge of messages and appreciation recognising not only Maureen’s work as an author, but the way in which she championed rights of the literary world in general. She will be missed by so many people. I am one of them and will always be grateful for the many occasions on which Maureen “put me right” on matters of authors’ rights.

Anita Huss-Ekerhult, Chief Executive and Secretary General of IFRRO

Maureen was an extraordinary person, an exceptional writer, a pioneering voice, and a tireless defender of authors’ rights, who had such a warm, generous, and inspiring presence. Those who had the privilege of working with her will always remember her – her legacy will continue to guide and strengthen us all.

Julia Eccelshare, Head of Policy and Engagement at PLR

When someone as inspirational as Maureen dies, all those of us who are left can think, after the sadness, is: aren’t we lucky to have known such a brave, wise, tireless and all-round amazing person? And we must never let down the amazing causes she championed at ALCS and PLR. What a legacy of a life well lived — and what great memories we all have to remember her by.