Alison Guy – Thanks

The paperweight presented to Ali, from the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop, cut by Fiona Boyd.

At our recent AGM, Alison Guy stepped down as the Society’s Honorary Secretary, a role she had fulfilled magnificently since 2007.

Here are a few thoughts from past Chairs who were lucky enough to benefit from having Ali alongside them:

“Alison was such a joy to work with during my time on the committee and especially my year as Chair. She’s an organisational wizard, made everything run like clockwork and look effortless – the Society really wouldn’t be what it is today without her.”
Becky Chilcott

“Thanks Alison for all your support from my initial involvement as Honorary Designer through the rigours of Vice and the duties of Chairmanship – and especially in your confidence that I can stand in during your extended leave of absence – ha ha. I have always remembered the two words that you said following my first Committee Meeting as Chair. I’m sure it is said to all, but it goes a long way; ‘Well done’. Seems fitting to return that simple phrase, ‘with bells on’.”
Jeremy Tankard

“I can never thank Alison enough for all the help and guidance she gave me when I was Chairman, I was fairly new to the Society and she always knew who to suggest to invite to committee lunches, where to sit them and where not to sit them!”
Colin McHenry

“Ali is the tops!”
Lida Lopes Cardozo Kindersley, Graham Beck, and all at the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop

“I was daunted by the prospect of being Chairman but Alison made my year incredibly easy by her calming influence and ready reminders and suggestions. All I had to do was engage speakers and organise the Summer Outing; and thanks to Ali gently keeping the pressure on, it all came together! My sincerest thanks to Alison for everything she has done for the society and for all the previous Chairs.”
Justin Hobson

“Being Hon Treasurer for almost as many years as Ali was Hon Secretary, we got to know each rather well. She was an extremely efficient secretary, and not flappable. Above all she is a tower of strength, and a great friend.”
Robin Smeeton

“There was Peter Guy and then Alison Guy. I never met Peter, so I can honestly say that Alison was one of the best Guys I ever met. One of the most organised, caring and kind Guys, a good Guy. Alison thank you.”
Paul Harpin

At the AGM, Ali was presented with a beautiful paperweight, cut by Fiona Boyd at the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop; a stunning calligraphic artwork by Carol Kemp, as well as a Minutes Book with thoughts and thanks from some of the membership (organised by Lynda Brockbank).

The calligraphic artwork created by Carol Kemp

Ali wanted to express her thanks to everyone, and has asked me to post this letter, the text from which I have copied below:

November 2024

Dear Kindred Spirits

I want to thank you all for your unfailing support during my secretaryship. It has been the most enormous privilege to be allowed to have such a deep-seated role in the Society. I have had unqualified encouragement from amazing and dedicated people, and been permitted to interfere in all manner of ways.

I have made far many more lifelong friends than I deserve, and been the lucky recipient of immeasurable friendship and support. The words ‘kindred spirits’ don’t even begin to cover it.

I was overwhelmed at our November Luncheon by so many good wishes, and utterly beautiful gifts. The gorgeous paperweight cut by Fiona at the Kindersley Workshop, Carol’s unbelievably lovely alphabet, and the inspired ‘Minute Book’ masterminded by Lynda, which has so many touching messages from so many members that I had to sit down with a box of tissues to read it – I thank you all.

It is difficult to thank individuals as there are so many to whom I owe so much (and I apologise for straying from my usual aversion to long-winded letters), but I do just want to mention all our wonderful past chairpeople and committees – all different, and all amazing. The other officers past and present have been unflinching in their support, Paul G, Lynda and Robin, as have the ‘Hons’ – Sue, Justin, Matt and all our talented designers – who work so hard for the benefit of us all. And of course our unsung heroes who toil behind the scenes, Alistair, Paul H, Judith, Mark and Peter. And finally, I have to mention our lovely Paul B, who was a cornerstone of our Society and is so much missed.

I know I’m going to feel completely bereft, but will derive much comfort from watching Jeremy, Lynda, Paul and our new Chairman and Committee, doing a brilliant job of taking us onwards and upwards to an exciting future for our wonderful Society.

With my heartfelt thanks to you all

Alison

Ali has passed the baton on to Jeremy Tankard, our new Honorary Secretary.