THE Dartmouth Flavel is under new leadership.

After being involved with the arts centre since 2010, David Chapman has stood down as chairman. He and his wife, Jane, are moving to West Sussex.

He said: ‘I have hugely enjoyed being part of the Flavel and it has been an honour to serve first as chairman of management and, for the past three years and more, as chairman of the trust.

‘The affection for the Flavel and its standing in the community remain undiminished since those early days of inception and foundation.’

David has handed over to Doug Twigg, who will take on the role of chairman for a limited period.

He has been a trustee since 2011 and it was under his leadership that the hugely successful fundraising campaign for new seats and a general upgrade for the auditorium was undertaken, raising more than £50,000.

Doug and his wife, Chris, have been active members of the local community for more than 15 years, while also enjoying the sailing opportunities that the area offers.

He retired from a senior post with an international engineering and development consultancy firm, having worked abroad on many assignments.

He was chairman of the Dartmouth and Kingswear Society for four years and has served as a volunteer business mentor in the Prince’s Trust for many years.

He said: ‘I am very pleased to be able to support the Flavel in this way, and I can assure everyone that I will be giving the job my very best efforts, working with the whole team at the Flavel to ensure our continuing success.

‘I am sure everybody would like to join me in thanking David for all his hard work and leadership over the last few years and to wish him and Jane well in their forthcoming move. 

‘Under David’s leadership, the Flavel has continued to thrive and grow in stature and we very much appreciate his enormous contribution.’