CUPA pays tribute to communications manager John Clare

Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUPA) has paid tribute to John Clare, PR and research communications manager, who died unexpectedly in early January aged 49.  

The press said in a statement: “John Clare always believed there was a story to be told and he used his tremendous powers to help others tell theirs.  

“As an education, crime and local government reporter, as a press officer, as a punk musician and as a friend and colleague, his warm personality, incessant curiosity and generosity brought out the best in others.” 

Clare grew up in Barking, London. He read History and Politics at Exeter University, graduating in 1994, before training as a journalist in Preston, Lancashire.  

His reporting career included stints at the Surrey Advertiser, Stockport Express, Cambridge Evening News and Masons News Service, which included reporting work for ITV Anglia. He covered everything from homelessness to the Soham murders.  

As the RSPB’s conservation and policy media officer, he helped national and global audiences better understand climate change, wildlife and efforts to save endangered species. At CUPA Clare was praised for “bringing clarity and a sense of fun to complex ideas” such as his entertaining explainers on the nuts and bolts of academic research journals, the digitisation of historic works, and what happens behind the scenes in publishing.  

The publisher said his last piece of written work was typically creative: using “Twelfth Night” to take a "fresh and accessible look at the past, present and future of Shakespeare publishing at Cambridge".  

CUPA added: “He often spoke with pride of his son William’s achievements in and out of school. John and his wife Karen were inseparable at Cambridge events, laughing and joking together, with John beaming as he told friends and colleagues about Karen’s own accomplishments as a communications professional.  

“John’s storytelling prowess hit another level at any social event. Whole rooms would pause in delicious anticipation as John, with a twinkle in his eye, said: ‘When I was a junior reporter . . .’ 

“Many Cambridge colleagues’ last experiences of John were suitably joyous at a work Christmas party in Madingley Hall on 16th December: donning fancy dress, Adam Ant-style glittery paint and belting out ’Parklife’ with a gaggle of new and old friends.” 

Mandy Hill, managing director of academic publishing, worked closely with Clare through his four and a half years at the organisation. She said: “Everyone who worked with John is going to miss him terribly. He was brilliant at his job and a joy to work with. His ability to distil our thoughts and ambitions into a clear story or announcement never failed to impress me. I have worked with John on some extremely challenging issues and will always be grateful for the thoughtful approach he took to all our discussions.  

“But it will be the loss of him as a person, his humour, candour, empathy and integrity that will leave the biggest hole.” 

A book of condolences is open in the reception of University Printing House, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge until the end of January. Messages can also be sent by emailing press@cambridge.org with “Remembering John Clare” in the subject line.