Committee, Officers and Postholders
The committee of The Surname Society comprises the four officers (roles in bold) and up to three members who need not be post holders.
Role | Name | About | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Chair | Kirsty Gray | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Vice Chair | Sylvia Valentine | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Treasurer | Mandy Blake | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Secretary | Lynda Chiotti | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Editor | Jennie Fairs | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Webmaster | Vacant | Committee | Send email | |
Membership Secretary | Mandy Blake | Postholder | Send email | Read bio |
Social Networking Coordinator | Carole Steers | Committee | Send email | Read bio |
Marketing | Vacant | Postholder | Send email | |
School of Surnames | Vacant | Postholder | Send email | |
Assistant Webmaster | Colin Spencer | Postholder | Send email | Read bio |

Kirsty Gray
Chair

Sylvia Valentine
Vice Chair

Mandy Blake
Treasurer
My passion for genealogy started over twelve years ago when, as an adoptee, I traced members of my birth family, and I began a single-surname study for my maiden name of Stribling in early 2013. As well as belonging to various genealogical societies and organisations, I am Group Admin for the Devon FHS’s Facebook group. When I'm not doing something genealogy-related, I enjoy reading, technology and music. I'm married with a grown-up son.
As a Founding Member and Secretary of The Surname Society, I am looking forward to the future of both the Society and single-surname research.
Lynda Chiotti
Secretary

Jennie Fairs
Editor
My interest in genealogy began 30 years ago after starting research into my family history. After becoming a professional genealogist 20 years ago, I put my skills to work researching for book authors while continuing my passion of genealogy and, eventually, my obsession with a surname study.
Alongside my Edenborough surname study, I have administered the North Antrim Local Interest List for the past 8 years and I am currently a supervisor for candidates of the Diploma in Family History Studies with the Society of Australian Genealogists. I have also started a second surname study being Dempsey's of County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Mandy Blake
Membership Secretary
My passion for genealogy started over twelve years ago when, as an adoptee, I traced members of my birth family, and I began a single-surname study for my maiden name of Stribling in early 2013. As well as belonging to various genealogical societies and organisations, I am Group Admin for the Devon FHS’s Facebook group. When I'm not doing something genealogy-related, I enjoy reading, technology and music. I'm married with a grown-up son.
As a Founding Member and Secretary of The Surname Society, I am looking forward to the future of both the Society and single-surname research.

Carole Steers
Social Networking Coordinator
I've been researching my family origins for over ten years now, and having hit brick walls within my own tree, I have recently registered the PULESTON name. My 4x Great Grandmother was Mary Puleston, baptised in 1813 in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Denbighshire, Wales. My hope is that by undertaking a full study of the surname I can confirm the links that exist to Owen Glyndwr, the Last True Prince of Wales.
In 2013 I successfully completed the University of Strathclyde's Post Graduate Certificate Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies.

Colin Spencer
Assistant Webmaster
I am retired from full-time employment and live in Spain. I have been engaged in genealogical and family history research for over 30 years.
I am currently performing a surname study into my paternal grandmothers maiden name Lefever, research into the name so far has led me to families in the Caribbean, USA, Spain, Ireland and of course France and Belgium where the name originates.
As webmaster of the society I have the challenge of developing and maintaining the website.