National Park elects new Chairman

At its Annual Meeting on 1 July 2016 Dartmoor National Park Authority elected Bill Hitchins as Chairman and re-elected Maurice Retallick as Deputy Chairman of the National Park Authority.

Bill commenced his working life running a family agricultural business covering a large part of southwest Devon and Dartmoor and later developed an equestrian and pet supply business alongside a small builder's merchant outlet at Roborough.  He owns a small-holding which qualifies him as a commoner with rights on Roborough Down where he served as association treasurer for 30 years.

Bill joined Bickleigh Parish Council in 1983 and become Chairman in 1987.  He was elected to South Hams District Council in 1991 and appointed Deputy Leader in 1994.  He has held a variety of senior offices including Chairman of the Council. He has also previously served as Dartmoor National Park Chairman, last being elected to this office in 2013.

Bill's other interests include being a trustee of both his local almshouse and of the Woolwell Community Centre.  He is also Chairman of the Fortress Study Group. Bill is heavily involved in the provision of facilities for rugby, football, cricket and youth recreation in the Roborough area. Bill is also Historic Environment Champion at South Hams District Council

Bill Hitchins said: 'It’s a great honour to be elected Chairman by the Members of the National Park Authority. I would also like to thank the Authority’s re-elected Deputy Chairman Maurice Retallick for his unstinting work for Dartmoor, his great knowledge, and his continuing commitment to the National Park. We now look to taking on the challenges that we, as an Authority, will face over the forthcoming year. Seeking out new partnerships whilst strengthening our current relationships are key for the delivery of National Park purposes and we are committed to taking this ethos forward for the benefit of Dartmoor National Park, its communities and those that visit this special place.'

Deputy Chairman Maurice Retallick is a farmer who has always lived in the local area. He is Chairman of Ilsington Parish Council and is a trustee of Ilsington United Charities. He is a keen member of the Authority and plays an active role on numerous committees and councils.

The Authority also re-elected James McInnes as Chair of the National Park Authority’s Development Management Committee.

At the Meeting Kevin Ball was also elected as Chairman of Audit and Governance.