IT has been a great privilege for 44 years to be part of my Throop and Muscliff ward and have such a great working colleague in Cllr Anne Rey - I’m so delighted Anne is back with the residents.

Naturally it took some decision for me to to stand down this time, but health issues made that decision for me.

I’m also now hoping to spend more time with my wife and relax a little, but will never ever forget my time representing my residents, remembering many of the past battles, one being the new Winton School, and securing the agreement with DCC for an interest-free loan to enable then the church Diocesan Council to purchase part of the land for our magnificent church school, Epiphany.

Also, in 1997, the building of Muscliff Primary, where I remain until the new term as a governor, many battles, none more so on Throop Mill, and protecting our green belt, success was last year with the support of Dorset County for our new Weir bridge at Throop and promises also of a connection from Berry Hill via Pig-Shoot for walkers and cyclists.

It took some letters and emails to secure as residents know the total repairs to Muscliffe lane. Although others tried to take the credit in election, we are still awaiting the application on the Manse, there is so much to watch out for locally.

And, yes, the decision this year on the gravel/sand extraction at Parley Court Farm - will this have any major impact to our nature reserve and Stour river?

I could go on and on, but the time is now to say thank you for all your support over my 44 years and again to thank Anne for being a great champion in all she does for fundraising, especially the British Legion.

Ron Whittaker

Glenmeadows Drive, Bournemouth