WCGS People
The society was formed in 1984 by a small group of friends seeking to share a common interest and the enjoyment of playing together. Upholding the traditions of its founding members, the society has evolved into a modern and forward looking charity with two main areas of activity: combining the aims of a performing organisation with those of a promoting society.
Hayley Savage
Patron of the WCGS
Guitarist, composer
"As patron of the Worcester Classical Guitar Society, I am very proud to be closely linked to such a vibrant and ever-evolving society. Under the guidance and immense dedication, enthusiasm and knowledge of Stephen Begley the society is helping to push the boundaries of classical guitar music-making to reach an ever wider audience.
"The recording, ensemble and concert schedules that bounce into my inbox are indicative of the society’s forward looking approach, capped by the recently launched ‘New Artist's Scheme’ that very much embodies the spirit of the society in looking to the future of the classical guitar."
Hayley Savage - 16th March 2009
The WCGS Committee
The elected members of our committee are all volunteers who act as the society’s executive officers in accordance with the rules set out in the constitution. The job of governing the society is wide-ranging and so the duties are divided among the executive.
Stephen Begley
Music Director of the WCGO
New Artist’s Scheme Co-ordinator
Stephen’s role is in two parts, as MD his task is to develop the orchestral programme and conduct rehearsals. As the co-ordinator of the NAS and a passionate advocate for emerging talent, Stephen's role is of managing producer. For a more complete description of Stephen’s duties, go to the Music Director page.
Andrew Filer
Secretary
Andrew is the first point of contact for many who approach the society with a view to becoming a member and he can advise you on what the society is all about, what it does and how it does it. Andrew is also the first person many acts approach when they are seeking engagements. The role is partly defined by our constitution as well and during meetings Andrew records the minutes.
Paul Benson
Treasurer
The treasurer’s role is to hold the purse strings. All financial matters and accounting pass eventually through the treasurer’s hands so they are responsible for collecting subs, paying for goods and services, directing the charity’s accounts in both its everyday running and around concerts, and generally making sure we stay in the black.
Tim Roberts
WYGO Leader
Concert Co-ordinator
An ex director of the WCGS himself, Tim applies his vast array of skills running WYGO and you can read more about Tim’s work in the WYGO pages. As the WCGS concert co-ordinator, Tim is the nominated representative of the society in contractual matters and he helps keep us all on an even keel by running the diary for all our concerts.
Laura Templeton
Funding Co-ordinator
As our profile and our programme as a performing and a producing charity has grown so too has the need for funding. Almost exclusively self-funding to the present, an ambitious set of projects and events on the horizon means that we are looking at funding from the public and commercial sectors in the near future and in these areas, Laura is the voice of reason.
Jake Brooks
Publicity Co-ordinator
Jake took over the co-ordination of the society’s marketing at the start of 2010 and with a schedule that now includes five productions a year he will be bringing his logistical and creative talents to bear on a busy public profile of events. Jake oversees the marketing and is busy mapping out the future with social networking.
The society also enjoys the voluntary efforts of several of its other valued members who help out in various and often essential ways. We like to keep things informal where possible and many simply help out when they can. Through the selfless dedication of these individuals, the society thrives and continues to serve the community even after 25 years.