This is a work in progress

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I have been a member of the group for just over 10 years, I have made so many friends amongst the group, and learnt so much.

I joined the committee fairly early on and became the Workshop Secretary, which was a very good way to get to know fellow members and tutors. After 6 years a new Chair was needed and so I offered my services.

My role as Chair really is a bit of a multi faceted thing. The “buck” stops with me technically, and my name is on the note paper, but in reality the Committee as a whole is very supportive of each other and so any decisions made have the backing usually of everyone concerned. I see my role as someone who delegates things to other people to do, whilst keeping an overall eye on all that goes on. At meetings I make sure that we don’t digress too far off the agenda, we run on time, and that everyone gets the chance to be heard. I feel it is important that I try to keep the group moving forward with fresh ideas, and actively try to encourage this. This is why it is so important that no one stays as Chair longer than 4 years to keep it “fresh”. Some people may be put off by the title, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the role, and having the chance to work with such a lovely bunch of people.

As Secretary I attend committee meetings (having my say), take the Minutes and disseminate the Action List for committee members and general information, eg dates, events and offers, to all members in the form of an interim newssheet.

I look after the CPS Sales Stock (another thing that has expanded) and am the caretaker of various CPS bits like the mount cutter; glass display cabinet and display boards – and anything else that won’t fit under someone’s bed!

I have always loved working with letters but it is only in the last few years that I have taken Calligraphy more seriously, going back to basics with professional calligraphy teachers and joining Cinque Ports Scribes, Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society and Society of Scribes and Illuminators. My enjoyment of ‘beautiful writing’ has turned into a passion. Calligraphic Workshops and Festivals have stretched my abilities, extended my knowledge and heightened my skills to run various workshops and promote my own calligraphy undertaking commissioned design briefs for wedding and special event pieces. I am inspired by contemporary calligraphy and freedom of movement.

I would class myself as being at the early stages of calligraphy despite having been a members of the group for some four years now. I still have scripts to learn and develop but currently feel most comfortable with the Italic script. I have enjoyed exploring some of the book making techniques and look forward to another workshop run by Shirley on this. I enjoy coming to workshops and subScribes as these provide the stimulation to actually get on and produce something! It is great to observe the skills of others and have a free exchange of ideas as well as receiving tuition.

As workshop secretary I co-ordinate everything so that the workshop runs smoothly on the day.

This includes booking the hall, checking with Julia that the tutors are OK, distributing equipment lists, and dealing with late cancellations, late bookings and other emergencies.

Forms go initially to the treasurer, so she has the cheques, but are then passed on to me for final checking, dealing with over subscribed workshops and everything else above.

Consequently I have periods when the phone and e-mail are very busy, and other times when there is nothing to do.

Workshops

I make the bookings of the tutors, the venues, gather the materials and costs information for each and where necessary arrange overnight accommodation for tutors that have to travel from a long distance or when there is one of our 2 or 3 day workshops.

Exhibitions

Working closely with Frances with the setting-up of our exhibitions and covering the promotional and advertising of these including designing the exhibition posters, mailouts out to Libraries, community centres, tourist offices etc as well getting the shows listed online. I create the labelling, signage, write-ups where required and I have also designed the CPS Leaflet which are displayed at our shows to attract new members.

I'm responsible for website design and maintenance, as well as our Facebook Page.

I'm a relative newcomer to both calligraphy and the CPS, but I enjoy both thoroughly and hope to improve as the years go by. Although this is my first committee position with CPS I have extensive experience of committees through other hobbies.

I source, coordinate and edit articles and photographs to produce the bi-annual CPS Newsletter. I liaise with the printers and distribute the Newsletter to members. I have been a CPS member since 1994, committee member since 1998, and Newsletter Editor since 2001. I am also on the Executive Committee of CLAS.

I enjoy gilding, collage, colour and capitals. I have undertaken many private commissions and frequently exhibit my work.

Please email me anything you'd like to include in the newsletter via newsletter@cinqueportsscribes.com