We are pleased to officially announce that WPDS’ new chairman is Des Wilby. At this years AGM Des was elected unanimously to the post. He has been a WPDS member for 12 years and has been the committee member for publicity since 2019. He is also currently a NODA rep for the London area.

Our annual awards for acting, backstage and outstanding overall contribution also took place during the AGM.

The John Pagan Award for acting was presented to Luke Buckingham for an outstanding performance as Arnold in the April 2025 production of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Improbable Fiction’.

The Ken Smith Trophy for backstage was presented to Hugh Jones for his set design and lighting work during the year.

Finally, in his last duty as Acting Chairman, Hugh presented the Tony Parfitt Cup, awarded by the Chairman to the person who, in their opinion, has made an outstanding overall contribution to the society, to Caroline Tuson.