KEITH Chapman is Hampshire County Council’s new chairman, taking over the chain of office from Jonathan Glen.

Mr Chapman was elected chairman by fellow councillors at the county council’s annual meeting. His chosen theme for this year is ‘Youth and Music’.

Graham Burgess has been named vice-chairman.

As the civic and ceremonial head of the authority, the chairman presides over county council meetings to ensure they are conducted in line with standing orders and that they remain a strong forum for debating issues.

The chairman also represents the council on royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire, as well as undertaking other civic activities and duties.

Accepting the chain of office for the next 12 months, Mr Chapman paid tribute to out-going chairman Mr Glen and his achievements during his term.

“I have a great love of music, in particular how music can have such a positive and inspirational impact on all people,” he added.

“I think it is especially important for young people to have the opportunity to take part in and enjoy music, either as a player or as an audience member.”

Mr Chapman added: “With this in mind, and with the help of the Hampshire Music Service, I hope to use my theme of the chairman’s year of music to actively encourage people to get involved with the many events and music groups on offer across the county.”

Mr Chapman was made an MBE for services to arts and culture in last year’s New Year’s Honours list following a long record of active interest and involvement in arts, museums, libraries and culture in Hampshire.

He has lived in Hampshire for 46 years and brings nearly four decades of local government experience to the role of chairman.

His career in public service began in 1979 and he has been a parish councillor in Pamber and Silchester for 36 years.

Having served on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for more than three decades, Mr Chapman was mayor of Basingstoke and Deane in 1992-93 and again in 2010-11.

He has been a serving member of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority since 2001 and was chairman of the Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils.

He has served on Hampshire County Council since 2001, and held various roles as a committee chairman, as well as on the county council’s cabinet as executive member for culture, recreation and countryside.

In this role, he oversaw the establishment of a Hampshire Cultural Trust, delivering an ambitious arts, museums and heritage offer in southern England.

Proposals for a multi-million pound investment to transform the county council’s country parks to ensure that they are well equipped for the future were also approved by Mr Chapman.

He headed a working group established in partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy to deliver public access to First World War ship M33, which is now housed at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

He has a personal interest in music, and as a former Basingstoke and Deane borough councillor he also led the administration which conceived of and delivered to the borough the Anvil Concert Hall, which plays a significant role in the economy of Hampshire.

Additionally, he has served on the board of Proteus Theatre and the Council of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

He is also a keen supporter of the Hampshire County Music Service and takes a strong interest in its progress.

Born in Kingston-upon-Thames, Mr Chapman worked for BT for 30 years. He is married to Jenny and they have three grown up children.

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