On 21st September the district held its last AGM under the old guise of the District Executive Committee, this brought to an end the many-year reign of Derek Burt who has been Chairman continuously from the mid 1970s, firstly Chairing the Wimborne District and when it split into two, The Vale of Allen and to date East Dorset. We announced that evening that Derek had held that role longer than anyone else in the United Kingdom, now that is an accolade! Derek was thanked by myself for his years of unstinting service and to loud applause Derek was unanimously elected Vice President.

The new admin governing body will be known as the East Dorset District Trustees Board. Prior to the meeting Claire Safi Mitchell DC asked me to be the new Chairman to which I accepted, this is supposed to be a short-term fix, and I was subsequently appointed at the AGM.

 

I have known Derek for over 50 years and he will be a hard act to follow, I have great respect for him and hope that I can follow on seamlessly. I hope that I can do justice to my role and as it says in our promise, I promise to do my best.
In the photo is Derek handing over and wishing me well in my new role with our President Sir Ronald Stuart Paul keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.

John Curtis