Cllr Robin Cook has been elected as the new chairman of East Dorset District Council.
Cllr Cook and his wife Sue came to live in Wimborne from Broadstone in 1987, having moved to Dorset in 1972.
He joined local home furnishing retailer Tappers of Wimborne in 1978. During his time there he became closely involved with many aspects of the local community and is a past president of the Wimborne & District Chamber of Commerce.
He became a Wimborne Minster Town Councillor in 2003, and has served as Town Mayor three times. In 2009 he was elected to Dorset County Council and represents the Minster Division. He became a District Councillor in 2011 and is one of the three members representing Wimborne ward.
After 51 years in the home furnishing business, he retired in 2010 to concentrate on Council and community work.
He has been married to his wife Sue for over 30 years and they have one son. He has two daughters from his previous marriage, and 4 grandchildren. Sue is also a Wimborne Minster Town Councillor.
The two charities he has nominated are The Friends of Victoria Hospital and The Alzheimer’s Society with support from Bournemouth University.
On accepting the position, Cllr Cook said: “I am honoured and consider it a privilege to be the Chairman of Council. I am looking forward to a rewarding year heading the council and promoting its name and, in addition, fundraising for my charities. I hope to meet as many residents as possible at events and various functions throughout the year.”