Don H. Williams, MCIM
Having lived in Teesside, Cumbria and later in Northumberland, Don’s working life has been focussed on developing the perception of both traditional and new commercial enterprises in the North East of England. In particular, this has been achieved through his abilities in advertising, marketing, and publishing. With talents that also extend into writing and photography, his work has created interest in a spectrum of publications.
In the 1970s and early 1980s Don worked as the Marketing Director of a commercial printing and magazine publishing company. He was also a founder member and Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Business Club. In 1983, he established an advertising agency Adworld UK. As Chairman this grew to have a nationwide client base specialising in the hotel and leisure sector. During 1995, he founded AC Group, an agency producing specialist trade publications. Then for the retail sector, Kingdom of Northumbria Publishing was launched in 2005. With several books already written and published, Don’s own work as an author has been featured in newspapers, magazines, television and on radio. The inspiration for one of his books, A Portrait of Achievement, was his fascination with success stories. This lavishly illustrated hardback volume took him seven years to complete and sales have extended to Europe, USA, Canada, and the Middle and Far East. In 2009, the first of his new series of books under the Explorer’s Guide title will be launched. In addition to his mainstream work, Don has been involved in numerous Royal Charity events and also conducts talks to North East based organisations.
Don writes:
“Last September I was proud to chair the 100th AGM of The St. Beghians’ Society. As well as being a significant landmark in our history, it was not long before I became aware that currently there is a mathematical issue. This is not with our accounts but with huge numbers of lost St. Beghians. For some we have no address details whatsoever and others that we fear, in many cases, are no longer up to date. Like the Bermuda Triangle, these St. Beghians seem to have been lost in time. I am told that when nostalgia creeps in some will pop back up again, but for now all are missed. Today, whilst we are more frequently on the move both in this country and abroad, it is increasingly important that we strive to maintain contact with those that were around us at the heart of our formative years. Whatever cards are dealt to us through life, we have one amazingly enduring bond, we know we are of one product and will remain St. Beghians. So, please help us keep up to date with any address changes, and nudge anyone for new details should you think they may be about to disappear in the St. Bees Triangle.
For the future it will be key to promote The Society through the radical change in demographic profile and interests of members. I am pleased that the more traditional North East Branch Dinner is still enjoyed by both new and old members of The Society. However, clearly there is also a place for more informal events. Together with my wife Linda, we were delighted to meet and exchange stories with many that attended the St. Beghians’ Day and the Autumn Ball, the Yorkshire Branch Sunday Lunch at The General Tarleton, and the informal weekend Scottish Gathering on the Isle of Seil, near Oban. As a result of this and a little on the spot market research at the North East Branch Dinner, I am organising a Newcastle Races event this year. The details and possible dates are being negotiated whilst this bulletin is being produced. All are welcome to join us. If you are interested please contact our administrator Pam Rumney.
At our new office, Pam Rumney is now providing an important link and central source for all matters of communication and maintenance of society records. Together with this facility I am certain that we can work towards an even more vibrant society with tangible benefits for St. Beghians and the School. One of my own initiatives is a concept to provide a Virtual Careers Forum using members’ experience for guidance and potential employment avenues. Ideally, this may work also for those who have already left school or university. This is ideas’ time. Any suggestions will be welcome to turn this concept into reality and indeed any other ideas for the well being of our membership and work with the School.
Lastly, in order to landmark my term as President, it is my intention to publish a book of humorous stories and anecdotes about our times at St. Bees. Everyone’s contributions will be appreciated and accordingly attributed. So, keep smiling and let me in on the stories too! Well, I think that’s enough for now, but please communicate without delay and hopefully we’ll meet up, talk or have a written exchange sometime soon in 2009.”Don H Williams MCIM, President.
Contact information:
Telephone 01670 789489
Facsimile 01670 789464
E-mail don@ac-group.co.uk or don@kingdomofnorthumbria.co.uk
Web site www.ac-group.co.uk or www.kingdomofnorthumbria.co.uk
The St.
Beghian Society,
St. Bees School, St. Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS
Tel: 01946 828093
osb@st-bees-school.co.uk