Arun District Council welcomes new chairman

Dennis, 86, received the chain of office during the annual council meeting at Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton.

He has represented East Preston and Kingston on the council for more than 16 years and is now looking forward to his year as chairman.

He succeeds Angmering councillor Dudley Wensley as the district’s first citizen.

Dennis said: “I feel honoured to have been given the chance to represent the council and the residents of Arun in the range of civic duties and engagements I will undertake in the coming year and am looking forward to raising money for my chosen charity.”

During the ceremony, Bersted district councillor Ann Smee officially became vice-chairman.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be vice-chairman of Arun District Council and I intend to do all I can to support Councillor Wilde in his year of office.”

One of Arun’s longest serving cabinet members, councillor Robin Brown, also stood down during the council reshuffle.

Dennis’ chosen charity for his year in office is Macmillan cancer care, which has played a significant part in his life during a recent cancer scare.

“This brought home to me just how lucky I had been and how vital cancer care is,” he said.

“Macmillan provides nursing care and many other services including aftercare and support which I consider a vital element to recovery.”

For the last 22 years, Dennis has owned an import/export company and also has another company in Rotterdam.

He was a councillor at Guildford Borough Council from 1990-94.

Later, Dennis and his wife, Enfys, moved to East Preston to be near to the coast.

It was during this time Dennis was elected to Arun District Council in 1995.

A total of £204.11 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Care on the night from a collection.