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New leadership brings community focus for CPRE Hampshire

Thu 22nd Jul 2010, 15:06

Countryside charity, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire) has recruited a director and a new administrator to join incumbent branch development officer, Becky French at its Martyr Worthy office near Winchester.

It has been five years since a director was last in place; the charity was ably managed until retirement by administrator Pam Mason under the stewardship of the volunteer executive committee.

Anthony McEwen, a long time resident of Soberton, joins the team as Director from Fairbridge, a national charity supporting the personal development of marginalised and disadvantaged young people.

Previously, his 31 year career in the Royal Navy included sea and squadron command during the early phases of the first Gulf War and responsibility for shore training. He spent five years at ICL (now Fujitsu) on government and defence related IT programmes.

Anthony’s experience of partnership working in the commercial and voluntary sector stands to be of direct benefit to CPRE as will his passion for the environment. A keen fisherman, he has volunteered on the governing body of three charities and led a number of programmes for disabled children and young people as well as a number of community based projects.

Anthony said: “To me, the community is all important. I am committed to protecting our wonderful Hampshire countryside for the benefit of current and future generations, particularly focusing on how we can work more closely with residents in local communities. I’m looking forward to helping CPRE and its members become an even more effective movement for good across the county.”

Joanne George from Overton has taken over as the new administrator to handle membership and financial administration. Having grown up in rural Devon, Jo said: “I enjoy our special countryside every day whilst walking my two dogs and I want to do my bit to preserve the beauty that we have today, for my kids and generations beyond.”

Anthony, Becky and Jo can be reached on 01962 779185 for any questions on membership or campaigning matters.