Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of two new patrons: skeptic and folklorist Deborah Hyde and novelist and media personality A J West. Deborah and AJ join more than 200 Humanists UK patrons with notable careers in the arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.
Deborah Hyde is an author, presenter, and producer who uses psychology, cultural anthropology, history, and folklore to understand why people believe in the supernatural. She has written for periodicals such as The Guardian and has contributed material to book anthologies such as Palgrave Macmillan’s Werewolf Legends (ed. Willem de Blecourt). For ten years, Deborah was editor-in-chief of British magazine The Skeptic and is a fellow of The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. She makes frequent TV appearances, being a regular contributor to Strange Evidence and Mysteries at the Museum, and has presented sceptical insights in some of BBC iPlayer’s most successful podcasts including Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist, and Lucy Worsley’s Lady Swindlers.
A J West is a Sunday Times bestselling novelist, media personality, and former BBC television newsreader with a fascination for history. His books include The Spirit Engineer – which won the HWA Debut Crown Award – and The Betrayal of Thomas True. He writes for newspapers and magazines and appears regularly on national television and radio. He is a publishing communications specialist and advocate for LGBT rights.
Commenting on Deborah and AJ’s appointment, Chief Executive, Andrew Copson, said:
‘It gives me great pleasure to welcome Deborah and AJ to our family of patrons. Both bring unique voices and exceptional talents – Deborah with her incisive skeptical insights and AJ with his compelling storytelling. Their dedication to truth, reason, and examination of the human condition make them outstanding additions, and I very much look forward to working with them to advance humanist ideals.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.
Humanists UK has more than 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Alice Roberts, Shaparak Khorsandi, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, and Polly Toynbee.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 140,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.