Des acquired a lifelong affinity for writing with fountain pens that began way back in the mists of time at a Welsh primary school when 'steel nibs' were in use. Indeed, his handwriting at a young age won him a school competition for the best handwritten letter which was sent to Dr Vivian Fuchs, leader of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition which reached the South Pole overland in 1958.
Although not specifically a collector of pens, Des is fortunate to have a wife whose varied interests include pens, paper, inks and related ephemera, so he has excellent access to an ever-changing stock of writing equipment. He also enjoys learning more about the world of writing equipment through his collective membership of WES.
Following retirement, Des envisaged many peaceful hours sitting at his desk, writing to friends and family, but computers, email and several years spent renovating an old Farmhouse in al-Andalus (Southern Spain), managed to shatter that particular fantasy!
Having recently returned to the UK (Wales), maybe now he will find time to ink up his favourite fountain pen and get writing again, plus he’s really looking forward to taking on his role as Membership Secretary for the Society.
