I was forty-eight years old when I had the honour to become General Secretary of the Society in September 2010. I said at the time that (God and Council willing) I would remain in the post until I was sixty and then retire. At the time, 2022 seemed a long way in the future, but it is now almost upon me: I will be sixty next March.
I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with four excellent Presidents, capable and supportive Officers and trustees and a wonderful staff. I have enjoyed my time as General Secretary, and I hope that I have contributed to the evolution of the charity. Nonetheless, I have decided to remain true to my original plans, so I am writing to inform Fellows that I will be retiring as General Secretary at the end of April 2022.
There is much to do in my remaining months; for example, preparing for the public opening of Kelmscott Manor following the completion of the major project of repair and rejuvenation. However, the biggest issue remains the Society’s future at Burlington House, and I dearly hope that I will be able to hand over to my successor a solution to the problem that has blighted my term as General Secretary.
The process of searching for my successor has already started, I wish them all the very best at a time when the Society is facing extraordinary challenges.
John S.C. Lewis FSA
General Secretary
Image L-R: President Martin Millett, Maurice Howard Hon VPSA, Gill Andrews Hon VPSA, Paul Drury Hon VPSA and John Lewis FSA
3 comments so far
In many ways a thankless bloody task but — to mangle the metaphors — I reckon, John, you’ve cleared just about every hurdle Fate and Government have chucked at the Society. I noticed recently a joint Scottish and London Anticks event — as someone who is a Fellow of both (and, as far as Scotland goes I can but boast being one of the 25 Hon FSAScot more than which at any one time there cannot be) I would welcome much more of that.
For you the obvious question is ‘What next?’ — in these Deep Southern parts one can reply:
‘Catch yer next time . . !’
V
Thank you John, you are leaving a more relevant and resolute Fellowship. Whoever comes forward will step into large shoes.
Dear John,
Its been a real pleasure to see you and the society’s leadership steer the ship away from the rocks in these tempestuous times. You have done a job that you can be really proud of. I hope the next phase of your life will be as rewarding, although perhaps charting across calmer waters.
Heartiest congrats and thanks. Da bo chi.
Mac