Andy Munns
On Monday (22 May 2023) New Forest District Council (NFDC) held their Annual Council meeting and elected the new Chairman for the coming year as Cllr Neville Penman.
Cllr Penman represents the Totton North Ward on the district council and has been a member of NFDC since 2011.
Having lived all his life in the New Forest area, Cllr Penman is very much looking forward to representing the District as its First Citizen for the coming year and considers it very much an honour to do so. He brings a wealth of experience as Chairman, having previously held the position at Totton and Eling Town Council for 4 years.
In addition to chairing meetings of the Council held at Appletree Court, the position of Chairman is an important ceremonial one, representing the district at a wide range of civic engagements and local events.
The outgoing Chairman, Cllr Alan O’Sullivan, was thanked for his year in office by the Leader of the Council.
Cllr O’Sullivan said, “I am pleased to have served as the first citizen and flag waver for the New Forest over the last year.
“It has been a unique year starting with the planting of trees in our grounds to mark the beginning of the canopy to represent the Queens Platinum Jubilee. It was then with sadness that her passing was so soon afterwards and we then had a new king for whom I had the pleasure to announce the proclamation.
“Handing over the baton to Neville gives me great pleasure as I am sure he will be a strong representative of this council and the New Forest. He already does great community work and will be an excellent advocate during his year in office.
Cllr Penman said, “It is very much an honour to be serving as Chairman for 2023-24, not only for myself but also for the whole District.
I am very much looking forward to representing the District at civic and community events over the coming year, as the First Citizen of the District.”
The Vice-Chairman for 2023/2024 is Cllr David Hawkins.
