A WEST Dorset youth music charity has appointed a new chairman to move it forward.

Hannah Lovegrove has taken over the role from Ayvin Rogers, following last week’s annual general meeting of the Lyme Regis group.

Hannah brings with her a wide range of experience of lead roles in the voluntary sector, along with running several businesses. Many Lyme Regis residents may remember her shop, Lovegrove, which traded along Broad Street in the 1990s - where she supported and sold the work of local arts and craft producers.

She will join CEO Fran Williams in leading the next chapter of the charity.

Hannah said: “I’m very pleased to be joining B Sharp at such an exciting moment in its evolution.

“Following in Ayvin’s footsteps will be a challenge. The organisation has achieved so much over the past eight years - and I’m looking forward to helping Fran and the team to develop and deliver B Sharp’s unique blend of opportunities and benefits for young people.”

B Sharp reported a successful year at the AGM, having completed a number of signing and instrumental music-making projects.

Three new trustees were also appointed to the charity’s board. Vickie Stickler, Cleo Evans, along with Hannah, have joined existing board members Polly Benfield, Zannah Doan, Ralph Lister and Russ Pearce. Polly was re-elected B Sharp treasurer and Vickie was elected as the company secretary of the charity.

Retiring B Sharp chairman Ayvin Rogers believes the charity is in safe hands.

He said: “I am delighted that someone of Hannah’s calibre has stepped in to lead the board of trustees and help carry the work of B Sharp forward.

“The strengthening of the board comes at a time of consolidation and building on B Sharp’s business plan. B Sharp now has a very solid team and I have every confidence in a sound future.”

Ayvin is urging any young people who are interested to get involved with B Sharp and that those who cannot pay are welcome to attend for 
free.

He said: “ I realise that some families may not want to ask for help for various reasons.

“All conversations with B Sharp staff are in confidence. It is important to the B Sharp team that people should feel at ease when approaching staff about any challenges they or their family may have about taking part.

“Together, we can work out a way to overcome them. "B Sharp wants to support young people of all backgrounds to mix, take part and benefit from a programme that is built on their ideas.”

For more information on B Sharp, please visit bsharp.uk.com