New President and Vice President for Society of Master Saddlers

Cirencester Saddlers proprietor Laurence Pearman is the new President of The Society of Master Saddlers. Laurence will be working closely with the Chief Executive Hazel Morley, the Executive Committee and the sub committees over the coming year to continue to carry out the proposals set out by their 2012 strategic review. Another new appointment at the AGM was Helen Dart, owner of Bookham Saddlery, in Surrey, who has stepped into the Vice President’s role. Said Laurence: “For me this is a great honour to be asked to be President of the Society even more so as it is the second time around for me. “I feel that as members of the Society of Master Saddlers we should represent all types of British quality manufactured saddlery and work more closely to help our manufacturers, as well as keeping up with new developments and technology. “I would also like to promote the formation of more SMS Regional Groups. We have always had a vibrant South West Region and another has recently been formed in the Eastern area. “Regional groups encourage members to not only join in socially but also to talk about mutual thoughts, ideas, problems and put forward any issues for discussion at the Executive meetings. One of the biggest aims is to bring in more younger members to get their ideas onboard as they are the future.” For more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk Picture Caption: Laurence Pearman and Helen Dart.