As we went to press the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) was interviewing applicants for the post of National Executive Officer.

The post has been temporarily filled by David Holtom, the facilitator of the industry\'s Joint Steering Committee, since Theresa Quinn, who held the title of chief executive, left at Christmas after handing in her resignation during the national conference in September last year.

David Holtom had only ever intended to stand in for six months while the NAMM Executive decided what they were looking for in a replacement and appointed someone to fill the post.

He says there was a high number of applicants for the £25,000 a year job. A short list was created and the applicants interviewed in mid May with the hope of appointing someone by the end of June.

Holtom has been standing in on a part-time basis, supposedly working for NAMM two days a week, although it has often stretched out to more than that.

It\'s been great, he says. I have really enjoyed it. But it does need a young, full-time person. It needs 24 hours a day almost - it\'s a very big job with a wide scope.

Theresa Quinn said when she resigned that she would remain available as a consultant for NAMM for as long as they needed her help and she has been involved in organising the NAMM annual conference and exhibition being held in Telford in September although she was not on the selection board for the new National Executive Officer.

When Theresa Quinn left at Christmas, so did the newly appointed office manager, Jackie Edwards, following a bereavement. Liz Perryman, an established employee of NAMM\'s, was promoted to office manager and an assistant was recruited.

David Holtom, who says he will stay on to facilitate the continued smooth running of NAMM while the new National Executive Officer, believes another member of staff is probably needed on a part-time basis, but that that decision will involve the new Chief Executive Officer.