Coast partnership elects new chairman and vice-chairman

THE North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has elected a new chairman and vice-chairman who take up their two-year term of office immediately. Rose Day takes over as Partnership chairman from Richard Butler MBE, while Steve Mu

THE North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has elected a new chairman and vice-chairman who take up their two-year term of office immediately.

Rose Day takes over as Partnership chairman from Richard Butler MBE, while Steve Mulberry steps into her previous position as vice-chairman.

Rose Day has represented the Taw Torridge Estuary Forum on the AONB Partnership since its inception and has served on the Sustainable Development Fund Panel for four years. A lifelong North Devon resident, she has also been closely involved with North Devon's Biosphere Reserve since its designation in 2002 and was a member of the Joint Advisory Committee of the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service.

Commenting on her new appointment Rose Day said: "Having witnessed the AONB's development over five decades, I am delighted to see it progress from a traditional bucket and spade holiday destination to a thriving centre for a range of arts, crafts, and recreational activities, plus a network of local food and drink producers.

"I would particularly like to thank Richard Butler for his dedication and support over the past two years and the excellent contribution he has made to the Partnership. We have a very exciting year ahead with a full programme of events to mark the AONB's golden anniversary celebrations, which I look forward to sharing with both the local community and visitors," concluded Rose Day.

Steve Mulberry, who has been a member of the AONB Partnership for several years, has held a career-long interest in conservation management, and in particular with the Partnership's wide remit of involvement with the landscape, tourism and visitor enjoyment. He has managed the National Trust coastal properties in North Devon for 15 years as Property Manager and has 30 years overall experience with the Trust.

For 50 years the Partnership has protected and conserved the area and is honouring this landmark birthday with a series of events highlighting the different aspects of life, culture, history and wildlife across the region.. For more information visit www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk.