It's not all work and no play: Meet Lewis Taylor

BSc (Hons) Animal Health and Welfare final year student Lewis Taylor knows exactly how to manage the work life balance. While studying, he is also the chairman of the Harper Adams Gaming Society, a group that offers a safe and relaxed place to socialise and, ultimately, game. Named Society of the Year 2017/18 by the True Blues, the club is rising in popularity and hosts a variety of meetings throughout the week.

Lewis explained how he found the society, saying: “I joined as the second year of the gaming society began when there were only six members that regularly attended. They became my closest friends during that year because we all shared that same common interest of games. The society hosts both video and tabletop gaming sessions so there really is something for everyone and because of that, I’ve met people from across campus that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It really has changed my Harper experience.

“As an exec, you’re both part of the fun and helping people to have the best experience possible. It’s great to see a shy individual come in for the trial week and by the end of that time, they’re to the forefront of their own group of friends and have come into their own. I’m really proud to be part of making that a reality for people.”

While the society does not centre its activities around social drinking, Lewis explained how the society is entirely about bringing people together: “The whole event is literally a room to chill out and play games - you can chat with people if you want, but you can also just play games. It’s not isolating and everyone is very welcoming whether you pop in before going to The Welly Inn or you’re here to play for one of our 12 hour marathons. It does take courage to walk in the first time but everyone is there to help. You get out what you put in.”

Whether you want to play Mario Kart, try out your first Dungeons and Dragons campaign or simply come for a chat, Gaming Society runs two sessions each week on a Tuesday and Thursday with additional events scattered through the academic calendar. To find out more about the society, click here.