Forum votes in new chairman

Ken Hutchinson and Frank Strickland arrived at the meeting at Little Common Community Centre unaware there would be a ballot to decide who should lead the Town Forum committee for the upcoming year.

When they realised their names were included as well as others up for election, they both decided to take themselves out of the equation.

The issue whether they should hold office for another year had been raised at the previous meeting at Sidley House.

Ken and Frank both understood the committee had been voted in for a two year term and expected this rule applied to themselves, but on Tuesday night the Forum decided the chairman and vice-chairman should hold office for just one year.

Paul Plim was voted in as new chairman, and expressed gratitude to Ken for his work for the Town Forum, while Sean O'Brien of Bexhill Youth Forum has become vice-chairman.

Ken commented: "There was a ballot last night which Frank and I knew nothing about. The ballot paper had been prepared for nomination of Frank and I as well as others on the committee.

"We decided as we hadn't been asked whether we wished to continue that we would stand down.

"We didn't actually resign because we were already told our year was up and the principle of extending to two years was not correct, so we stood down. There was no opposition from us when it came to electing the new chairman or vice-chairman."

Bexhill In Bloom chair Sandra Melvin, who has attended every meeting since Bexhill Forum began, said: "I think I elected Ken to be chairman back when he first came in. Obviously I was disappointed to see him go in the circumstances it happened because I think it was quite sad.

"I welcome the new chairman and it will be a great success for the future. I also welcome Sean O'Brien the new vice-chairman."