CHRIS LEWIS

Chris has been a WES member for nearly twenty years and has previously served on Council, supporting special projects such as a successful handwriting competition at a past London Writing Equipment Show.

Collecting pens – mainly modern fountain pens, but also a few vintage ones, as well as rollerballs and ballpoint pens – is not the only thing Chris is interested in. An unhealthy obsession of buying notebooks, of any shape, size or colour, has left many cupboards overflowing at home with occasional comments from her husband asking if they will ever get written in!! This obsession sometimes extends to inks, paper and any other type of ephemera related to writing equipment. Chris is certainly the person to come to if in need of anything stationery related!

Chris has a background in education and training – initially in IT desktop application training and latterly in Project Management training. She has also worked with companies producing in-house magazines and so has had some useful experience to call on in her role as the WES Journal Design & Publication Editor.

Chris took on the role of Journal Editor in 2023 following the death of the then Chair and Journal Editor, Ian Williamson. She transformed the Journal’s production process by introducing clear procedures and structured workflows. Through her dedication and hard work, Chris has ensured that the Journal is delivered on time and to the high standard expected of such a respected specialist publication, while also working to broaden its content.

When Chris became WES’s first female Chair in January 2025, she remained closely involved with the Journal. She continues to oversee its design and layout and works with the current print and publication company, Reeds. Hazel Greaves, WES Secretary, has taken on the role of Lead Content Editor, responsible for researching and developing content for the Journal. Additional support is always welcome, and a new role of ‘roving’ Content Editor has been created. If you are interested in helping Hazel and Chris and would like to find out more, please get in touch with Hazel at editor@wesonline.org.uk.

DUTIES

As Chair:

• Support, encourage and, where needed, assist WES Council members in carrying out their roles and responsibilities.
• Oversee all Society operations.
• Approve Society expenditure.
• Exercise a casting vote when required.
• Represent WES in dealings with other organisations.
• Promote the Society to attract and support members.
• Approve and help develop Member Exclusives and other benefits where appropriate.

As Design & Publication Editor:

• Work with the Lead Content Editor and Content Editors to agree the content for each Journal.
• Serve as a member of the Journal proofreading team.
• Prepare the digital layout for each Journal, either personally or in coordination with our publishers.
• Ensure contributors approve proofs before publication.
• Liaise with our publishers on the distribution and mailing of printed copies to members in line with agreed delivery deadlines.