Rosemary Clarke MBE, 1954-2013

Im so sad to hear this news. Rosemary's work has been such an inspiration to us all. Let us continue to keep her passion for books and reading vibrant.

Rosemary was a very inspiring lady and this is such a sad loss to Booktrust, Bookstart and to library services around the country. She was firmly committed to inspiring children from an early age to enjoy stories, rhymes and books. I use her Maia DVD often to promote how valuable books are in a young child's life. She will be greatly missed but she has left behind a great legacy. RIP Rosemary.

Rosemary was a whirlwind of energy, she was a fantastic person who has left behind an enormous legacy. As my former boss each speech I saw her do gave me goosebumps she was so passionate and her messages were always powerful. Each day when I read to my twin daughters I will think of her as I turn the pages seeing their faces smiling and full of curiosity. I will miss her greatly sweet dreams Rosemary my thoughts are with her family at this sad time xxx

So very sad. Such a lovely lady x

So sorry to hear the bad news, you will be truely missed. A huge loss for bookstart

What sad news and heartfelt condolences to Rosemary's family. I seek solace in the knowledge of a life well lived, she had a positive effect on so many, directly and indirectly, I was fortunate enough to be one of those people.

Very sad to read this news, I knew Rosemary when I worked at PTC - always an elegant, confident and consciousness lady.

So shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news. My thoughts go out to Rosemary's family and all her colleagues at Booktrust.
I first met Rosemary in 1999 when I became involved in the Bookstart Programme and it was her passion and enthusiasm that has inspired me to continue to share the Bookstart message with all parents and carers of young children.

A week since we heard the news and it still seems unreal. I met Rosemary back in 1998, when we had just secured vital funding from Sainsbury’s to develop Bookstart into a national programme. I was interviewing for regional development managers to manage the roll-out of the programme in four (vast) regions of the country. I interviewed Rosemary along with our Chief Exec Brian Perman. Even then, she blew us away with her enthusiasm, passion and drive. I don’t remember actually informing her that the job was hers. We didn’t need to – I think she had already told us that in the interview. Rosemary was all that Bookstart stood for. And unceasingly for the next fourteen years, she devoted her energy to making it a success, rising to challenge after challenge and believing wholeheartedly in the very special power of Bookstart to affect children’s and families’ lives for the better. She inspired us all with her dedication & commitment and supported us with her friendship & loyalty. She will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life. Miss you, RC.

Shocked and saddened by this news - Rosemary was such a passionate advocate for Booktrust - we will miss her. Condolences to her family.

Rosemary came into my life in 1999 when Bookstart was launched in Sheffield. I was so pleased she came to speak at the Books for Babies conference of 2000 in the city and inspired so many people at that time and continued to do so. Whether it was at a small meeting or a huge event Rosemary was always so enthusiastic for Bookstart and supportive of her colleagues. "One of a Kind" God Bless Rosemary

So very sad, a lovely women who I worked with and who was also part of me for 14 years. Rosemary was such a kind and caring person who inspired all. I can still hear her now telling me that if I ever won the lottery that I still have to come to work, even if she was to put a helipad ontop of the building!! Miss you Rosemary xx

Rosemary was such a vibrant,dynamic woman and so full of life. I can remember when I first heard her speak about Bookstart and she so inspired me with her vision of how she wanted to grow Bookstart. I think everyone came away from that conference raring to go and really make Bookstart a success in their area and it's rare that someone can have that affect on you.

What sad sad news and what a big loss to Bookstart

'Ta. R'

This is such sad news. Rosemary was a brilliant battler for Bookstart, a powerhouse of energy, yes she was the tireless sender of late night emails and all that, but also capable of learning and responding with great sensitivity to changing circumstances. And she was fun. I loved working with her.

This is such sad news. Rosemary was a brilliant battler for Bookstart, a powerhouse of energy, yes she was the tireless sender of late night emails and all that, but also capable of learning and responding with great sensitivity to changing circumstances. And she was fun. I loved working with her.

What sad and devastating news, Rosemary was a true inspiration for many and her dedication and passion have made a real difference to many lives. My thoughts go out to her family, friends, and to all at Booktrust.

This is awful news. As a journalist I met Rosemary from time to time over the years. Not many people manage to be really nice & stunningly impressive at the same time. What she achieved with Bookstart - always on a shoestring, more recently under heavy attack from a government that doesn't care how much damage it does - was amazing. It's about as impressive a legacy as anyone could hope to achieve. I'm very sorry we have lost her. We need all the Rosemarys we can get.

So sorry to hear that. May she rest in peace and her family take comfort in how great she was. Children of many generations have and will benefit from her great deeds

Rosemary was a wonderful inspiration to me in Greenwich in her passionate commitment and dedication to sharing a love of books with all children from birth. Her enthusiasm motivated me to share the Bookstart message to inspire parents and carers in libraries, children's centres and health centres to learn and grow together with their children. Rosemary will be sadly missed by those of committed to Bookstart.

A Lady I Truly respected and loved - I will miss you so much. I remember your kindness at the Booktrust Christmas lunch a few years ago when you won a prize at the raffle, and it was a book I really wanted, and you gave it to me as a gift Nigella Lawson's Cookbook. LOL

I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. May I send my condolences to Rosemary's family and all at Booktrust.