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Cllr Bill Richmond
First elected in May 2017
Originally from Derbyshire but after living in Barnet, North London for many years we moved to Wimborne in 2005, drawn to the town for its attractive setting, its historic feel and its friendly residents. The county’s beautiful countryside, fascinating geology and picturesque coastline were also significant in the decision to choose Wimborne.
Professionally, I spent many years as an advertising photographer and as a partner in a large photographic studio in the centre of London’s West End. During that time I supported two or three universities as a visiting lecturer and as external assessor on their photography and design courses. I am a fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and I continue my interest in photography – although now at a non-professional level.
In recent years I qualified as a secondary school teacher, achieved ‘advanced skills teacher’ status and taught Engineering, Science and Product Design in a number of London schools; and when the opportunity to move to Dorset to teach arose it was clearly an easy decision to take. I continue working with youngsters; although now part-time, as a supply teacher.
Leisure interests include the maritime history of Poole and the links the Dorset area has with both Royal and Civil War history.
For several years I competed in county level athletics over 400 and 800 metres in the London area. My spare time is now spent sea kayaking along the Dorset coast and within Poole harbour and occasionally trips to the rivers of Dartmoor – all whilst trying to elevate personal skills in kayak slalom. I also coach members of Poole Harbour Canoe club and lead kayak trips for the club, both at their Poole base in Hamworthy and at the Wimborne Riverside club facility – ‘Wimborne Paddlesport’, based alongside Dreamboats landing stage.
I was drawn into council and community issues initially as an interested resident following a series of issues that arose in the local area on which we were closely advised, not only by our Wimborne Minster Town Clerk but also by our previous MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole – to the extent of taking our concerns to Westminster. These experiences encouraged me to stand in the local elections and I was elected to the Town Council in May 2017 as an ‘Independent’.
I believe that Wimborne is fortunate to have a team of councillors who are deeply committed to represent the townspeople at a time of great change in the area. The time they spend along with our own council officer team in liaising as consultees with our much larger authority of Dorset Council following the local government reorganisation, is the only real way for our community’s views to be heard.
Contact Info
Address
5 Cranfield Avenue
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 1TH
Telephone
01202 888648
Committees
- Planning & Environment Committee
Vice-Chairman
Representative
- Flood Warden
- Tree Warden