By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 10:10, Tuesday, 05 February 2013

A former army officer and health official is the new head of a community group.

David Moorat

David Moorat was elected chairman of Brampton parish council at its meeting last week.

He has been a member of the body for the last four years and was previously its vice-chairman. It is his second stint on the council, having previously served on it in the 1990s.

“I am absolutely delighted,” he said.

The 74-year-old was born in Brampton and attended the town’s grammar school. He left the area to go to university before joining the Army. After leaving the services he became a nurse and worked at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

He then went on to hold several senior positions on the health board.

He is now a part-time independent management consultant.

Mr Moorat said: “There is a lot of work that we need to be seriously thinking about in the near future.”

This includes work needed to maintain both the Moot Hall and Gelt Wood.

“There are going to be some challenges,” he added. “I am looking forward to them and I will certainly be looking for help from all of the councillors.”

He replaced Connie Ridley, who announced she would stand down as chairman at the last meeting of 2012.

Mr Moorat described her as a “difficult person to follow because she has been very active as chairman”.

He beat fellow member Gillian Hodgson to the post. She was elected vice-chairman unopposed.

Two new councillors were also elected to fill vacancies – Keith Read-Bone and Angela Findon.

First published at 10:07, Tuesday, 05 February 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk