The Jane Austen Society is delighted to announce that Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, Godmersham Park, and the forthcoming (22 May) The Elopement, has kindly agreed to become Honorary President of the Society when the current President, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, retires at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on 5th July 2025. In the 250thanniversary of Austen’s birth, it is marvellous to have a distinguished novelist appointed to this role, especially one who is doing so much to excite interest in Austen’s life and family.
Gill Hornby commented: ‘I am honoured to take over from Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles and excited to play a part in this lively and thriving community of Austen aficionados.’
Sir Sherard said: ‘Serving as President of the Society has been one of the joys of my life. And I am thrilled and honoured, in this year of all years, to be succeeded as President by someone who not only appreciates Jane in all her literary glory, but is also a novelist of distinction and great humanity.’
