One of the stalwarts of the SJA and of Fleet Street, Jon Ryan, has been given Honorary Membership of the association.
Jon stepped down from the committee earlier this year and was given the lifetime award at a lunch in his honour.
Jon was sports editor of the Sunday Telegraph for nine years, having joined from the Mail on Sunday where he was also assistant editor, news editor and sports editor from 1984 to 1999. Jon, a keen racing fan, was appointed Director of Communications by the British Horseracing Authority in 2008 and since stepping down in 2010 has been involved in a variety of projects, including the Henley Literary Festival.
Andy Elliott, co-chair of the SJA, said: “We are immensely grateful to Jon for giving his time and enthusiasm to the association, which has benefitted enormously from his experience and his blue chip contacts book. I am sure he will continue to be involved with the SJA in some way, but we were delighted to show our appreciation with the Honorary Membership.”
Jon was presented with his award by SJA President Pat Collins (pictured above).