NWR's Area Organisers

To contact an area organiser click on the envelope next to their name.

Jill Smith - AO EA07

I was rather a late convert to NWR. In my working life I commuted to London each day and by the time I got home it was too late to get involved in any kind of village activity. When I retired I looked around for something to occupy me and thought NWR might keep my mind, such as it is, a little active. In the year 2000 I attended my first Conference in Durham and my conversion was complete. I have been to every conference since and really appreciate, enjoy, and feel they are excellent value for money.
It was in March 2003 that, with a little 'gentle' persuasion from Eilis, I became AO for area EA07. My task is to look after 7 groups Cambridge, Elsworth, Hemingfords, Somersham, St. Ives, St. Neots and my own group Bar Hill. It was with some trepidation that I embarked on this course but I can honestly say it has been a joy. I try to attend at least one meeting with each group every year which is a great pleasure for me, it also brings to attention, to the individual groups, that we are part of a larger organisation. There was a little apprehension, from some of the groups, at first but now I am greeted like an old friend which is wonderful.

Janet Tuffs - AO EA02

I joined the Melton Mowbray group of NWR in 1978 and then my present group, Grantham on my move here in 1986. I became an Area Organiser in 1993 after attending my first National Conference. I currently look after 14 groups: Boston, Brant & Witham, Deepings, Farnsfield, Grantham, Grimsby & Cleethorpes, Horncastle, Lincoln South, Newark, Oakham, Stamford, Sudbrooke, Waltham, and Welton. I feel over this time I have built up strong relationships with many of these members.
I hold an annual Spring Area Meeting with a speaker and buffet lunch which groups take turns to host. Also I try to visit 3 or 4 of my groups each year. I help them plan their programmes and co-ordinate events. I have just finished chairing "A Good Read - the Sequel" with a very enthusiastic committee. One of my proudest achievements was findng memorable speakers for the 2001 Nottingham National Conference. I also work hard to follow up enquirers and try to set up new groups. I see an Area Organiser's role is to strengthen the profile of NWR and the links between members whilst having fun and gaining a circle of good friends.

Pauline Reymond - AO SE06

In my mid teens I made a decision - it was that because I'm an only child if I wanted to do anything with my life I had to be prepared to do it alone. I have followed this belief ever since!
Following an article and picture about NHR in Worthing in the Worthing Herald in 1963, I contacted Broadwater Group and became a member in January 1964. This is still my group. Family and sailing commitments prevented me from attending National Conference. My first National Conference was Brighton (1989) when I joined the Committee. I haven't missed one since!
Talk of introducing area work seemed a logical way forward, and I supported the idea from the start, so when the opportunity to become AO for SE06 in 1992 came along I went for it.
Since late 2007 the groups in my area are now: SE06 Bognor Regis, Chichester, Pulborough/West Chiltington, Shoreham by Sea, Steyning, Worthing Broadwater, Worthing Durrington, Worthing Goring by Sea, Worthing Marine, East Preston/Rustington. SE07 Battle & District, Seaford, Lewes, Hastings, Hassocks & Area, Hailsham, Eastbourne, and Brighton.
I like to have an Area Meeting in say October for Local Organisers to get together and discuss future area events (encouraging groups to organise events), group problems and NWR generally.
By using a computer, and overcoming my fear of the internet (I did a free 1 hr course on the internet at a local college sponsored by the BBC) the job of AO has become easier. Fewer people phone in the middle of my evening meal, and my digestion has improved!

Pat Wallace - AO SC05

I joined NWR in 1985 when it was still known as Housewives Register. At the time I was a health visitor, Newmilnes area of Ayrshire. One of the mothers at the Well Child's Clinic asked me to come along and join the Kilmarnock and Loudon group. I spent a number of very happy years with this group but eventually moved south. I didn't find another group until I moved to Galloway in 1990 and I joined the very lively Newton Stewart group.
We meet in each others homes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, in the morning. The main reason for it being in the morning is because of the wide area we cover. Twelve miles to the north, eight miles to the east and twenty miles to the south so a long dis-tance to travel in a winters evening.
During the time I've been in Newton Stewart I have been Local Organiser twice and Treas-urer once. Last year I was invited to be Area Organiser of Dumfries and Galloway. I have only one other group in my area, Castle Douglas which is thirty four miles away. We have now made contact with Castle Douglas and had a joint coffee morning last June. This June we are going to have a joint informal evening in Castle Douglas. Unfortunately so far I have been unable to start another group further to the west but I will keep trying.
I have enjoyed many conferences, Edinburgh, Guildford, York, Swansea, Reading, Durham and I hope to be able to go to the one in Bath in September.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the NWR develops in this area in the foreseeable future.

Lynn Welsher - AO MD04

I joined NWR when I moved to Solihull from Bristol in 1986. I had young children and was delighted to find a ready made group of �lively minded women� of a similar age group and situation. I knew immediately it was for me and soon got involved, taking on the roles of Local Organiser and Treasurer during the years I have belonged. Many of us are still members 22 years on but now with grown up families ! I started attending the Conference in 1990 and loved it - a chance to be ME, not someone's wife or mother - I have been to nearly every one since.
In 2003 I was asked to join the Area Committee set up by Jean Hamilton, a former AO. The Committee comprises representatives from many of the 13 groups in our area. We organised A Medieval Day that year and have followed that with various Area events such as quizzes, coach trips, theatre trips, Literary and Antiques Days. After 13 years in the job Jean decided to step down in 2006 and asked Ann Banks and myself if we would share the job - which we now do.
Being an AO is a very rewarding job and certainly makes you feel part of the National Organisation. It is a great way to meet with other members both locally and also around the country at the annual AO meeting and workshop is to be thoroughly recommended !

Lyn Dennis - AO NE03

I joined the Hornsea NHR Group in approximately 1980 when, with 2 young children and a mundane job fitting around school times, it gave me the stimulation to get my mind active again and helped me to make new friends. On moving to Beverley 8 years later I joined that group too and, when the Hornsea Group dwindled, the few remaining members followed me. There are still 4 of us from that original Hornsea Group and a 5th has just joined us again.
With members of the Beverley Group I have helped to organise a number of events - day conferences, discussion lunches and quiz days - and have also served on both of the York National Conference committees. I find these events challenging and rewarding and get quite a buzz out of seeing everyone enjoying themselves on the day. I try to get to any day events that are within reach (we have actually gone further afield and stayed overnight occasionally) and have been to every National Conference since Southampton in 1993.
I became Area Organiser early in the 90s and, after handing the reins to Gaynel Munn (now a Trustee) for a few years, came back to it 2 years ago. My area has recently increased as 2 adjoining areas were without an AO and I now have groups from Durham down to Doncaster and Willerby across to Leeds. I am hoping that will give plenty of members to draw on for the area day that is planned for 5 July.
Although my husband has retired I still work 3 days a week as the Finance Manager for a training company. We enjoy holidaying in Greece, exploring a different area each year, and try to get other breaks too - rarely to somewhere we have been before. Last autumn we went to Lake Garda for our son's wedding; we gained not only a daughter-in-law but a grandson and they are expecting a baby this summer. We also have a daughter who lives in Bath, a visit is definitely on the cards in September (to coincide with the NWR annual National Conference) of course!

Helen Watson - AO SE09

I joined NWR in 1987 shortly after moving to Canterbury. Membership has been everything I hoped it would be, and more.. I didn�t manage to attend Conference until 2006 in Manchester, but am now �hooked� and like the sense attendance gives of being part of a wider organization.
I became joint AO with Lindy for SE02 in 2007 after a certain amount of �gentle arm twisting�. The groups are Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Sheppey and Whitstable., So far the arrangement seems to be working well. We have now visited all the groups to introduce ourselves. We have been welcomed and hopefully have dispelled any apprehension there might have been about our reasons for visiting. It has been an enjoyable experience meeting other members and seeing how other groups run their programmes. The next stage is to invite some members from each of our groups to Canterbury with a view to holding an Area event in the near future.

Ann Banks - AO MD04

I have been a member of NWR for about 9 years, after I moved to Solihull and needed to make new friends. This I have certainly done. During my membership I have been LO, and am currently treasurer. I also am a member of the the Warks and West Midlands Group, and have helped with most of their events, acting as first point of contact for members applying for a place at our various events. I recently took part in a radio programme about 'Women's Organisations' (as did Sarah, of course). Being joint AO is an enjoyable position and helps me to get a wider picture of how various groups organise both their group and their meetings. Joining other AO's at our meetings gives an even wider perspective of NWR and its many activities.

Lindy McDonnell - AO SE09

I joined NWR in 1993 when we came to live in Canterbury. I felt I needed something to stretch my mind after giving up my career to look after my children. I've really enjoyed being a member as I have found not only the stimulation I craved but also many good friends. I attended my first conference in 2002 and have only missed one since then. It was through conference that I felt a greater attachment to NWR as a national organisation and as a consequence decided I could perhaps offer a little more. Last year Helen and I agreed to job share the role of AO to SE Kent. It's a small area encompassing only 5 groups. We have visited all the groups and hope to arrange a joint activity with their combined help next year.

Ruth Snaith - AO MD11

I was welcomed into the National Housewives Register as it was known then, in 1976 and have never looked back. NWR is a stimulating, friendly and ever evolving organisation that has so much to offer. Each group although autonomous has 'Space to be You' and provides a platform for learning, discussion, fun and friendship.Over the years I have been Local Organiser of my group several times and also treasurer. I was also treasurer for the National Conference at Keele University in1992 and Chairperson at the same venue in 2007. I ran a Sports Conference in 1994 with other members of my group and have attended several day conferences and weekends away. As Area Organiser for Shropshire I hope I can work alongside other groups and with them, organise area meetings and events. NWR has such a wide variety of lively minded and interesting members there is always something to look forward to and so many interesting ideas and themes to follow up. I love it!

Patricia Barrett - AO SE04

I joined NWR in 1985 when I moved to Tadley, near Basingstoke. I didn't say much but felt accepted. I took my turn at being LO and attended my first Day Conference in Birmingham and represented my group in the annual Hants/Berks Quiz Nights. In 1993 I married and moved to Sutton. I tried various groups but never re-joined. When we moved to Redhill I immediately joined the group. I was so impressed by the feedback from members who attended the Edinburgh conference I decided to go to Chester the following year. As a chartered management accountant I attended the 2000 prospective trustee weekend but decided against standing for election. Instead I tried organising a local event: a walk along the North Downs. Then I volunteered to be an Area Organiser. Following a suggestion at my first AO weekend I started visiting each group for a typical meeting. After a discussion lunch at Andover I decided to plan an Area Lunch and I also started an Area Newsletter. Last year I invited all the LO's from Surrey to a lunch in Guildford to promote a day Event organised by the Bookham group. The benefits of being an AO are I feel I can influence and have greater access to the staff and trustee. I am made aware earlier of future events and used as a sounding board at annual AO weekends. I can assist and encourage LO's if asked and provide a link among nearby groups. My other leisure interests include being a Horticultural exhibitor of roses, fruit and vegetables at local shows and Yoga.

Alex Beeson - AO NE05

I joined NWR in the 1980s when I moved to Chesterfield. At that time I had two young children; I had returned to work after each child, although on a part-time basis, but felt I needed an outlet where I could talk about things other than children or work. NWR (or NHR as it was then) was just right and over the years I was Local Organiser on a number of occasions. At one of the area events the then Membership Co-ordinator Eilis Thorn mentioned looking for an Area Organiser and as my work commitments were no longer so tying I thought I'd give it a go. I try to organise one or two whole area events each year, which have included quiz nights, visits to local museums, speakers and barbecues. The links we now have between groups reinforces the national nature of the organisation, and groups within the area now often have joint meetings. I have been to Conference - not as often as I would have liked, but have thoroughly enjoyed those I have attended. I go home invigorated and enthused.

CE02 Jenny Smith

EA06 Yvette Llewellyn

MD02 Marilyn Vigurs

NW04 Helen Teige

SC04 Noreen Russell

SW05 Carolyn Hempenstall

SW05 Margaret Lavelle

Jill Smith - AO EA07 I was rather a late convert to NWR. In my working life I commuted to London each day and by the time I got home it was too late to get involved in any kind of village activity. When I retired I looked around for something to occupy me and thought NWR might keep my mind, such as it is, a little active. In the year 2000 I attended my first Conference in Durham and my conversion was complete. I have been to every conference since and really appreciate, enjoy, and feel they are excellent value for money. It was in March 2003 that, with a little 'gentle' persuasion from Eilis, I became AO for area EA07. My task is to look after 7 groups Cambridge, Elsworth, Hemingfords, Somersham, St. Ives, St. Neots and my own group Bar Hill. It was with some trepidation that I embarked on this course but I can honestly say it has been a joy. I try to attend at least one meeting with each group every year which is a great pleasure for me, it also brings to attention, to the individual groups, that we are part of a larger organisation. There was a little apprehension, from some of the groups, at first but now I am greeted like an old friend which is wonderful.

Janet Tuffs - AO EA02 I joined the Melton Mowbray group of NWR in 1978 and then my present group, Grantham on my move here in 1986. I became an Area Organiser in 1993 after attending my first National Conference. I currently look after 14 groups: Boston, Brant & Witham, Deepings, Farnsfield, Grantham, Grimsby & Cleethorpes, Horncastle, Lincoln South, Newark, Oakham, Stamford, Sudbrooke, Waltham, and Welton. I feel over this time I have built up strong relationships with many of these members. I hold an annual Spring Area Meeting with a speaker and buffet lunch which groups take turns to host. Also I try to visit 3 or 4 of my groups each year. I help them plan their programmes and co-ordinate events. I have just finished chairing "A Good Read - the Sequel" with a very enthusiastic committee. One of my proudest achievements was findng memorable speakers for the 2001 Nottingham National Conference. I also work hard to follow up enquirers and try to set up new groups. I see an Area Organiser's role is to strengthen the profile of NWR and the links between members whilst having fun and gaining a circle of good friends.

Pauline Reymond - AO SE06 In my mid teens I made a decision - it was that because I'm an only child if I wanted to do anything with my life I had to be prepared to do it alone. I have followed this belief ever since! Following an article and picture about NHR in Worthing in the Worthing Herald in 1963, I contacted Broadwater Group and became a member in January 1964. This is still my group. Family and sailing commitments prevented me from attending National Conference. My first National Conference was Brighton (1989) when I joined the Committee. I haven't missed one since! Talk of introducing area work seemed a logical way forward, and I supported the idea from the start, so when the opportunity to become AO for SE06 in 1992 came along I went for it. Since late 2007 the groups in my area are now: SE06 Bognor Regis, Chichester, Pulborough/West Chiltington, Shoreham by Sea, Steyning, Worthing Broadwater, Worthing Durrington, Worthing Goring by Sea, Worthing Marine, East Preston/Rustington. SE07 Battle & District, Seaford, Lewes, Hastings, Hassocks & Area, Hailsham, Eastbourne, and Brighton. I like to have an Area Meeting in say October for Local Organisers to get together and discuss future area events (encouraging groups to organise events), group problems and NWR generally. By using a computer, and overcoming my fear of the internet (I did a free 1 hr course on the internet at a local college sponsored by the BBC) the job of AO has become easier. Fewer people phone in the middle of my evening meal, and my digestion has improved!

Pat Wallace - AO SC05 I joined NWR in 1985 when it was still known as Housewives Register. At the time I was a health visitor, Newmilnes area of Ayrshire. One of the mothers at the Well Child's Clinic asked me to come along and join the Kilmarnock and Loudon group. I spent a number of very happy years with this group but eventually moved south. I didn't find another group until I moved to Galloway in 1990 and I joined the very lively Newton Stewart group. We meet in each others homes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, in the morning. The main reason for it being in the morning is because of the wide area we cover. Twelve miles to the north, eight miles to the east and twenty miles to the south so a long dis-tance to travel in a winters evening. During the time I've been in Newton Stewart I have been Local Organiser twice and Treas-urer once. Last year I was invited to be Area Organiser of Dumfries and Galloway. I have only one other group in my area, Castle Douglas which is thirty four miles away. We have now made contact with Castle Douglas and had a joint coffee morning last June. This June we are going to have a joint informal evening in Castle Douglas. Unfortunately so far I have been unable to start another group further to the west but I will keep trying. I have enjoyed many conferences, Edinburgh, Guildford, York, Swansea, Reading, Durham and I hope to be able to go to the one in Bath in September. I'm looking forward to seeing how the NWR develops in this area in the foreseeable future.

Lynn Welsher - AO MD04 I joined NWR when I moved to Solihull from Bristol in 1986. I had young children and was delighted to find a ready made group of �lively minded women� of a similar age group and situation. I knew immediately it was for me and soon got involved, taking on the roles of Local Organiser and Treasurer during the years I have belonged. Many of us are still members 22 years on but now with grown up families ! I started attending the Conference in 1990 and loved it - a chance to be ME, not someone's wife or mother - I have been to nearly every one since. In 2003 I was asked to join the Area Committee set up by Jean Hamilton, a former AO. The Committee comprises representatives from many of the 13 groups in our area. We organised A Medieval Day that year and have followed that with various Area events such as quizzes, coach trips, theatre trips, Literary and Antiques Days. After 13 years in the job Jean decided to step down in 2006 and asked Ann Banks and myself if we would share the job - which we now do. Being an AO is a very rewarding job and certainly makes you feel part of the National Organisation. It is a great way to meet with other members both locally and also around the country at the annual AO meeting and workshop is to be thoroughly recommended !

Lyn Dennis - AO NE03 I joined the Hornsea NHR Group in approximately 1980 when, with 2 young children and a mundane job fitting around school times, it gave me the stimulation to get my mind active again and helped me to make new friends. On moving to Beverley 8 years later I joined that group too and, when the Hornsea Group dwindled, the few remaining members followed me. There are still 4 of us from that original Hornsea Group and a 5th has just joined us again. With members of the Beverley Group I have helped to organise a number of events - day conferences, discussion lunches and quiz days - and have also served on both of the York National Conference committees. I find these events challenging and rewarding and get quite a buzz out of seeing everyone enjoying themselves on the day. I try to get to any day events that are within reach (we have actually gone further afield and stayed overnight occasionally) and have been to every National Conference since Southampton in 1993. I became Area Organiser early in the 90s and, after handing the reins to Gaynel Munn (now a Trustee) for a few years, came back to it 2 years ago. My area has recently increased as 2 adjoining areas were without an AO and I now have groups from Durham down to Doncaster and Willerby across to Leeds. I am hoping that will give plenty of members to draw on for the area day that is planned for 5 July. Although my husband has retired I still work 3 days a week as the Finance Manager for a training company. We enjoy holidaying in Greece, exploring a different area each year, and try to get other breaks too - rarely to somewhere we have been before. Last autumn we went to Lake Garda for our son's wedding; we gained not only a daughter-in-law but a grandson and they are expecting a baby this summer. We also have a daughter who lives in Bath, a visit is definitely on the cards in September (to coincide with the NWR annual National Conference) of course!

Helen Watson - AO SE09 I joined NWR in 1987 shortly after moving to Canterbury. Membership has been everything I hoped it would be, and more.. I didn�t manage to attend Conference until 2006 in Manchester, but am now �hooked� and like the sense attendance gives of being part of a wider organization. I became joint AO with Lindy for SE02 in 2007 after a certain amount of �gentle arm twisting�. The groups are Canterbury, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Sheppey and Whitstable., So far the arrangement seems to be working well. We have now visited all the groups to introduce ourselves. We have been welcomed and hopefully have dispelled any apprehension there might have been about our reasons for visiting. It has been an enjoyable experience meeting other members and seeing how other groups run their programmes. The next stage is to invite some members from each of our groups to Canterbury with a view to holding an Area event in the near future.

Ann Banks - AO MD04 I have been a member of NWR for about 9 years, after I moved to Solihull and needed to make new friends. This I have certainly done. During my membership I have been LO, and am currently treasurer. I also am a member of the the Warks and West Midlands Group, and have helped with most of their events, acting as first point of contact for members applying for a place at our various events. I recently took part in a radio programme about 'Women's Organisations' (as did Sarah, of course). Being joint AO is an enjoyable position and helps me to get a wider picture of how various groups organise both their group and their meetings. Joining other AO's at our meetings gives an even wider perspective of NWR and its many activities.

Lindy McDonnell - AO SE09 I joined NWR in 1993 when we came to live in Canterbury. I felt I needed something to stretch my mind after giving up my career to look after my children. I've really enjoyed being a member as I have found not only the stimulation I craved but also many good friends. I attended my first conference in 2002 and have only missed one since then. It was through conference that I felt a greater attachment to NWR as a national organisation and as a consequence decided I could perhaps offer a little more. Last year Helen and I agreed to job share the role of AO to SE Kent. It's a small area encompassing only 5 groups. We have visited all the groups and hope to arrange a joint activity with their combined help next year.

Ruth Snaith - AO MD11 I was welcomed into the National Housewives Register as it was known then, in 1976 and have never looked back. NWR is a stimulating, friendly and ever evolving organisation that has so much to offer. Each group although autonomous has 'Space to be You' and provides a platform for learning, discussion, fun and friendship.Over the years I have been Local Organiser of my group several times and also treasurer. I was also treasurer for the National Conference at Keele University in1992 and Chairperson at the same venue in 2007. I ran a Sports Conference in 1994 with other members of my group and have attended several day conferences and weekends away. As Area Organiser for Shropshire I hope I can work alongside other groups and with them, organise area meetings and events. NWR has such a wide variety of lively minded and interesting members there is always something to look forward to and so many interesting ideas and themes to follow up. I love it!

Patricia Barrett - AO SE04 I joined NWR in 1985 when I moved to Tadley, near Basingstoke. I didn't say much but felt accepted. I took my turn at being LO and attended my first Day Conference in Birmingham and represented my group in the annual Hants/Berks Quiz Nights. In 1993 I married and moved to Sutton. I tried various groups but never re-joined. When we moved to Redhill I immediately joined the group. I was so impressed by the feedback from members who attended the Edinburgh conference I decided to go to Chester the following year. As a chartered management accountant I attended the 2000 prospective trustee weekend but decided against standing for election. Instead I tried organising a local event: a walk along the North Downs. Then I volunteered to be an Area Organiser. Following a suggestion at my first AO weekend I started visiting each group for a typical meeting. After a discussion lunch at Andover I decided to plan an Area Lunch and I also started an Area Newsletter. Last year I invited all the LO's from Surrey to a lunch in Guildford to promote a day Event organised by the Bookham group. The benefits of being an AO are I feel I can influence and have greater access to the staff and trustee. I am made aware earlier of future events and used as a sounding board at annual AO weekends. I can assist and encourage LO's if asked and provide a link among nearby groups. My other leisure interests include being a Horticultural exhibitor of roses, fruit and vegetables at local shows and Yoga.

Alex Beeson - AO NE05 I joined NWR in the 1980s when I moved to Chesterfield. At that time I had two young children; I had returned to work after each child, although on a part-time basis, but felt I needed an outlet where I could talk about things other than children or work. NWR (or NHR as it was then) was just right and over the years I was Local Organiser on a number of occasions. At one of the area events the then Membership Co-ordinator Eilis Thorn mentioned looking for an Area Organiser and as my work commitments were no longer so tying I thought I'd give it a go. I try to organise one or two whole area events each year, which have included quiz nights, visits to local museums, speakers and barbecues. The links we now have between groups reinforces the national nature of the organisation, and groups within the area now often have joint meetings. I have been to Conference - not as often as I would have liked, but have thoroughly enjoyed those I have attended. I go home invigorated and enthused.

CE02	Jenny Smith
EA06	Yvette Llewellyn
MD02	Marilyn Vigurs
NW04	Helen Teige
SC04	Noreen Russell
SW05	Carolyn Hempenstall
SW05	Margaret Lavelle