A LOCAL historian and museum curator is the new Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.
Dr Simon Hancock JP was invested with the chain of office at the Authority’s annual meeting in County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Friday (10th May).
He succeeds Councillor Aden Brinn of Pembroke.
Councillor Dr Hancock represents the Neyland East electoral division on the Authority of which he is one of just three existing founder members from 1995.
Born and bred in Neyland, he has been the Curator of Haverfordwest Town Museum in the town’s castle for the past 21 years.
A published author, he has been Mayor of Neyland nine times and this week marked 32 years on the Town Council.
He was also Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority from 2006 to 2009.
Educated in Neyland and Milford Haven, he obtained a Ph.D from Cardiff University in 2015 in recognition of his thesis on Pembrokeshire in the First World War.
Councillor Dr Hancock is well known in the community for his charity work which includes serving on the local boards of Mencap and the Blind Society. He is also Chairman of the VC Gallery.
He is married to Christina and has two step-daughters: Miss Kim Furness and Mrs Helen Keir who will act as his Consort.
At the annual meeting he was proposed as Chairman by Councillor David Lloyd, seconded by Councillor Michael John.
Councillor Mike James of St. Dogmaels was elected Vice-Chairman.
Council Leader, David Simpson, proposed a vote of thanks to Councillor Brinn, the outgoing Chairman.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, attended the annual meeting as a guest.
Pictured above: The new Chairman, Councillor Dr Simon Hancock, is pictured flanked by his Consort, Mrs Helen Keir. Also seated (left) is Council Chief Executive, Ian Westley, and new Vice-Chairman, Councillor Mike James. Standing (left to right) is past Chairman, Councillor Aden Brinn alongside his Consort, Cllr Mrs Rose Blackburn, and Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson.
