Meet the 2025 recipient of the TEA Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award
by David Willrich
How people know Lynn
Lynn Willrich’s remarkable career in themed entertainment has often taken place behind the scenes at DJW, the company she co-founded with her husband (and humble author of this feature) David Willrich in New Forest, U.K. It wasn’t until David began volunteering as a Board Member for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) in 2008 that Lynn’s presence became more widely known. As a devoted wife and mother, Lynn quickly emerged as a beloved and welcoming figure at TEA events, embodying the spirit of community and support.
Lynn, the worker
As co-owner of DJW, an audiovisual design, integration, and consultancy firm, Lynn plays a pivotal role in the company’s success. Established in 1986, DJW has a reputation for quality and service, focusing on innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. Operating across various sectors, including themed entertainment, museums, and visitor attractions, DJW fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Lynn’s ability to juggle multiple roles within the organization as finance director, HR manager, office manager and more is instrumental to our company’s achievements. With six Thea Awards, four Inavation Awards, and four AV Awards (among others), DJW strives to deliver the very best projects (of which we are proud to be a part).
Lynn has assimilated an incredible knowledge of both our industry and the solutions that DJW design and engineer. She is frequently the first contact new clients have with the company, where she shares her knowledge and advice. Lynn understands how important “story” is to our business and is very quick to drill down into the story to be told, or to focus a client on the story rather than getting hung up on the technology that they think they want! She prepares them for passing their call onto the technical team by conditioning them to start thinking about the stories they wish to tell and the guest experience they wish to create.
Lynn, the matriarch and volunteer
While both Lynn and David are cherished members of the TEA community, they also have a family life. (Though, sometimes those lines are blurred!) Together, they raised three children: Tim, Chris, and Hayley. Hayley and her husband Michael (who is also Installation Manager at DJW) have two kids, Roman and Ayda, making Lynn a proud “Nana” who devotes much of her time to her grandchildren. Oldest son Tim, who runs his own U.K.-based Production Company for film and bespoke experiential / immersive content, also gets involved with the TEA through SATE, as content producer. Chris has been at DJW for over 20 years and is currently a Director, Project Manager and resident troubleshooter.
Of all the kids, Chris is currently the most active in TEA, having just finished a term as Europe and Middle East (EME) Board President, and now serves on the International Board. Chris says, “We’re all immensely proud of Mumsy. We’ve known our whole lives what an incredible and supportive human being she is, and for the TEA to recognize her contributions over the years is special for our entire family!”
Lynn has been a constant presence at TEA events across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Whether helping with name badges, offering guidance, or making crucial introductions, she exemplifies the essence of a TEA volunteer, selflessly giving her time without ever asking for anything in return.
Lynn, the hobbyist
Lynn’s passion for volunteering extends beyond the TEA; she has dedicated 55 years to Girlguiding in the U.K., 40 of which as a Leader of Brownies and Guides. She also enjoys playing table tennis in a local league with her club, currently serving as Vice-Chairperson and Welfare Officer. She previously helped at a local Netball Club for girls for about 10 years. (Netball is like basketball, but with teams of seven playing in set areas of the court, and players cannot run with the ball.)
Lynn is also known for her exquisite Japanese embroidery, a traditional art form that preserves and perpetuates the cultural heritage of Japanese embroidery through the pursuit of Nuido. The word Nuido is made up of two parts: Nui, or embroidery, and Do, the way of Nui, which refers to the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge. The craft involves the use of silk thread on silk material, extremely tiny needles, and a lot of patience!
Two years ago, Lynn joined her church choir, and a year later the bell ringing team, hoping to build up to the point of being able to ring ahead of church services and weddings! She likes to say three of her hobbies are ping-pong, singsong and ding-dong!
With such a full life, it’s remarkable how Lynn balances her personal interests with her professional commitments, and still maintaining her volunteer support of organizations such as TEA. The entire Willrich family joins in thanking Lynn for her service and dedication to not only our company and our family, but the Themed Entertainment Association as well. •
