Help Shape the Future of the London & South Region — Changes to the Regional Committee

As several members of the London & South Region Committee prepare to step down, we’re reaching out to invite new volunteers to get involved. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the region’s future and be part of a supportive, creative team.

Nick Cowlishaw has stepped down as Chair with immediate effect. A former Chair and long-time contributor, we are very grateful for his thoughtful leadership and years of service.

Talitha Wachtelborn and Meagen Smith will leave the committee at the end of the year. Both have played key roles over many years—Talitha as a former Chair and Meagen as Secretary—and were instrumental in launching and running Book Arts Day.

David Brown will also step down at year’s end. With over twenty years on the committee, including terms as Regional and National Chair, his experience and steady guidance have been a great asset to the region.

Following these resignations, we are now seeking new volunteers to join the committee and take on these roles:

Chair / Regional Representative

The Chair supports and guides the work of the regional committee, helping to maintain momentum and direction. They also represent the region at national level and act as the key link between the L&S Region and the wider Society.

Events Coordinators

The Events Coordinators plan and deliver the region’s programme of workshops, visits, talks, and seasonal gatherings. This is a shared role, with responsibilities divided flexibly between volunteers depending on interests and availability. Some may prefer to focus on a specific area (e.g. visits or the Christmas meeting), while others may support across the full programme.

Working together — and with support from the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer — the team ensures that events run smoothly, are welcoming and enjoyable, and reflect the interests of our regional members.

Fiona Johnston will remain as Events Coordinator, and the programme is developed through a collaborative, creative process with support always available — you won’t be doing it alone.

Book Arts Day Coordinators

The Book Arts Day Coordinators organise and deliver the region’s annual Book Arts Day — a one-day event featuring stalls and displays from book artists. This role may be shared between two or more volunteers and works closely with the Event Coordinators and other committee members to ensure the smooth and successful running of the event.

What to Know if You’d Like to Volunteer

• You don’t need to live in London to join the committee — many tasks can be done remotely, and meetings are mostly held via Zoom.
• We’re planning to elect new committee members at our AGM and Christmas gathering on 13 December.
• If you’d like to put yourself forward, please let us know by the end of November.
• We’ll be holding an informal committee meeting in mid-November — if you’re interested in getting involved and would like to hear more from current and outgoing members, get in touch and we’ll send you the link.

If you’re interested in joining the committee and taking on or sharing one of the available roles, please get in touch by emailing Piotr at [email protected]. A detailed description of each role is available to download below.