Councillor Melvyn Stone, Ward Member for Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, was elected Chairman at this year’s Annual Council meeting on Thursday 14 May, and has been a South Hams District Councillor since 1987.  

He will be supported by Councillor John Baverstock who represents Stokenham Ward and was elected Vice Chairman of Council.  

Councillor Stone’s chosen charity this year is Help For Heroes, who raise money for soldiers and other servicemen and women both directly and through its support of other service charities. They help wounded returning service men and women to the UK.

Councillor Stone said: “I have chosen this charity to do all I can to work with our local military establishments and the community to help our armed forces and their families who are making daily sacrifices on behalf of our country.”

Councillor Stone is a Devon scribe who has written several books on calligraphy and heraldic history, which have received interest from as far afield as the USA.

Shortly after being elected, Councillor Stone said “I now look forward to my new challenge – to me this is the ultimate moment – becoming Chairman.  I look forward to representing the District Council and dedicate myself to all of the people of the South Hams”.  

Update on out-going Chairman, Cllr Basil Cane.

Due to unusual weather conditions the Pro-Am on 1st May had to be called off during the day, therefore Councillor Cane was unable to present his cheque to his charities at Annual Council.  This was a great shame as everyone who took part in the Pro-Am  had a really good time but a heavy mist set in late afternoon making it impossible to continue.  This event will now be held on Friday 26 June at Bigbury Golf Club.  The Chairman and Vice Chairman of Council will be supporting Councillor Cane on this occasion and hope that many members of the public will come along to play or just support the event and enjoy the day.

If you wish to enter this Pro-Am please contact Mr Nigel Blenkarne direct for details.

Mr Nigel Blenkarne,
Bigbury Director of Golf,
Bigbury Golf Club,
Bigbury on Sea,
Devon
TQ7 4BB                       Email: enquiries@bigburygolfclub.co.uk.  

Councillor Basil Cane will present his cheque to St Luke’s Hospice and the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust at Council on Thursday 23 July 2009.