Interesting experiences
In the course of her work Jane has travelled
extensively across the UK and Ireland in pursuit
of interesting news with visits to France, Spain,
Portugal and China.
“I’ve had so many interesting and unusual
experiences,” she recalls.
“Whilst attending a Fuel Distribution
Forum in Portugal, a very inebriated man broke
into my room in the middle of the night and
lay down on the bed next to me – luckily he
was English and responded to my request to
leave immediately! I was also nearly arrested
in the line of duty on another trip…”
On show
Jane experienced her first FPS EXPO in 1999
with the event quickly proving to be an
annual favourite. From that very first event
at the Norbreck Castle in Blackpool, where
she was introduced to the world of tankers by
Brian Edwards of Road Tankers Northern, the
networking and camaraderie at such events
remains exactly the same.
“I’ve always found people in the fuel oil
distribution industry to be extremely friendly,
willing to talk about their experiences and to
share their stories,”
Jane, who celebrated her milestone
anniversary at a special lunch with colleagues
and friends, said:
“Oil is a global product, one which touches
everyday life for almost everyone on the planet
and there’s always a story to tell.
“The UK’s fuel oil distribution industry
runs very efficiently and smoothly, and while
there have been incidents such as Buncefield
in 2005, they are few and far between. Over
the past 20 years, it has been an absolute
privilege to meet so many interesting people
who work in this fascinating industry, to build
relationships and to share their news with Fuel
Oil News readers.”
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Fuel Oil News on HMS Belfast in 2003 – Jane with
Geoff Hall, Hall Fuels and Susan Hancock, Federation of Petroleum Suppliers
On their 10th anniversary in 2009, Jane and Ann were presented with special editions of Fuel Oil News
Nick Smith, managing director of A&D
Publishing, added:
“James Smith, the founder of Fuel Oil
News, always felt we were very lucky to
have Jane as editor. She has been the face
and heart of the title for half of its 41 years
in existence. I too, am full of admiration
and appreciation for all her passion and
commitment in telling the story of the fuel
distribution business. Along with her trusty
colleague, Ann, who has organised the
production of 240 issues over 20 years, they
make an awesome team.”
Toasting Margaret Boydell’s 20th anniversary in 2011
Fuel Oil News | July 2019 17