Words in Watchet Committee

Lesley Barclay

Born in London, Lesley moved to West Somerset in January 1999. Following retirement she now runs a book group through our local u3a. For the very first ‘Words in Watchet’ in 2024, she volunteered as a steward, joining the committee the following year.

Wendy Berry

After a career in software design and development in Berkshire and then South Africa, Wendy returned to the UK on retirement, settling in Somerset. Always an avid reader, she has been involved in Words in Watchet from the beginning; first as a guest, then a steward and now on the committee.

Amanda Boyd

I joined the Words in Watchet team last year and was immediately inspired by their enthusiasm! I enjoy being part of the positive, innovative committee. My background is in education and I was the manager of a large special needs department. I am now retired and enjoying the West Country.

Rachel Irven

Secretary

Rachel was delighted to return to her childhood home on retirement. An ex Social Worker, she has always dreamed about sharing her enthusiasm for books and writing, so became one of the founders of Words in Watchet. Sharing a February weekend with other booky enthusiasts makes all the planning worthwhile.

Anne Lovejoy

Chair

Anne is one of the founder members and chair of Words in Watchet. She spent her career in education. Now retired she is a member of The Quantock Poets and published her first poetry book - ‘Opening the Memory Box - Poems inspired by walks in the Quantocks’ in 2024.

Danusia Malina-Derben

Danusia Malina-Derben is one of the Creative Directors of Words in Watchet. In her day job, she advises organisations on how power, strategy and leadership are wielded within boardrooms. She is the author of NOISE, writes the Parents Who Think Substack, and hosts the podcast of the same name.

Cheryl Meddeman

I moved to Somerset in 1978 self-employed in my home accessories and furnishings business; until I sold it in 1992 to work with our daughter. On retirement, my husband and I planned future events. However, since he passed away my life, though challenging, has become rewarding in unexpected ways. I enjoy being able to give my support to the Words in Watchet Literary Festival - a really positive addition to my life.

Josh Ogilvie

Josh is an Engineer, Programmer, Fabricator, Father, and dysfunctional Nerd. He has worked in Formula 1, had a stint designing robots for a living and has built his very own sports car from scratch. When he isn’t creating, he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and two chaotic doggos Charlie and Bertie. He has just published his first book, FurKnight: Epic Fantasy. Little Hero

Isobel Pring

Isobel‘s career began in journalism writing about technology in entertainment and the arts. She went on to publish newsletters and interactive, digital magazines, before leaving to spend 12 years in East Africa working in marine conservation. She currently manages the Trail Partnership for the King Charles III England Coast Path in Somerset.

Linda Stroud

Linda is a founder member of Words in Watchet. After a career in education, a move to Somerset has enabled fulfilment of a dream, putting books at the heart of her life. Linda also manages Watchet's Community Bookshop.

Donna Terry

Donna is another of the founding members of Words in Watchet. She is a wildlife artist and has her ‘Secret Studio’ and gallery in Swain Street, Watchet.

Liz Wass

Treasurer

Liz was raised locally until a secretarial course provided a passport to Swinging London! Following family commitments, she obtained a degree in Conservation and Restoration. 30 years ago she returned to the Watchet area with her husband and set up an Antiques business which continues to keep them busy today.

Angela Wensley

When she's not volunteering as our Social Media lead, Angela Wensley is a Quantock Poet. Raised in East Quantoxhead, her poetry journey has flourished under the tutelage of such poets as Liv Torc, Ralph Hoyte and Jawbone. Angela is a regular at East Quay's Spoken Word night, and her personal poetry has touched several hearts, both live and via GPS - 'find me' at quantockpoetrytrail.uk

Graeme Ryan

Associate member (Poetry Curator)

Graeme Ryan taught Drama and English for many years and is the author of seven plays for young people. His debut poetry collection Valley of the Kings came out in 2023 and The Dreaming of Hinkley Point, a collaboration with Somerset artist Georgina King, was published in 2025. He is a member of Taunton's Fire River Poets and often MC's their live events, showcasing poets and encouraging new writers from all over the country.