Catherine McArdle 1962–2024

It came as a sad shock to many in BIALL and the wider profession to hear of the passing of Catherine McArdle in January of this year, after battling cancer since 2016.Here we have given some of her friends and colleagues the opportunity to write some words in her memory, starting off with a contribution from current President Julie Christmas. Julie Christmas (President of BIALL 2023/4)In her professional life outside of Lincoln's Inn Catherine was a dedicated and active BIALL member.As you will read in the testimonies below, she took on many different roles over the years and was an active volunteer right to the end.Aside from her own involvement she made a huge contribution to the Association by encouraging others to volunteer, including at least one future President and very probably more.In 2013 Catherine's work was recognised by her being awarded Wildy Law Librarian of the Year, although as you will learn she may not have appreciated having to transport the award home from the Conference.And it is with the Conference that I will always associate Catherine.It is where we first met, with me as a completely terrified first-time attendee and Catherine with that knack of spotting at 50 paces those needing a little help and reassurance.Over the years we would often first encounter each other at the bar stocking up on fresh milk to take back to our rooms to make tea, but then she would be everywherein front at all the sessions, chatting to all the exhibitors and then out on the dance floor, as you will see from others' conference memories.Lincoln's Inn and the Conference will not be the same without her.