FOREST publisher Neil Parkhouse has taken over as chairman of the Dean Heritage Centre Board of Trustees with a commitment "to see the Centre stand on its own two feet" commercially.

In a reshuffle that sees Tony Evans standing down from the post because of growing family commitments, two new members have also joined the board, while long-standing member Brian Johns is also leaving office because of health restrictions.

Mr Parkhouse said: "We are pleased to be able to welcome two new trustees to the board, Graeme Shrouder and Mike Amey, both of whom want to assist in our long term aim of achieving financial independence for the DHC."

He added: "It is an honour and a privilege for me taking over this important role. These are exciting times for the DHC, which is at last fully open again following the fire of December 2009, followed by the more recent refurbishment of the front entrance and shop area, and the opening of our new conference facility.

"With the arrival of the Dennis Potter Archive in 2012, which we believe will firmly put the DHC on the international map, the trustees, in conjunction with the excellent group of staff we now have here, look forward to achieving financial viability for the Centre over the coming years.

"It is the business side of the DHC and in particular its financial stability, which I intend to concentrate on during my time as chairman.

"Immense tribute should also be paid to outgoing chairman Tony Evans, who skilfully and tenaciously steered the DHC through the financial difficulties of the last few years."

Mike Amey, commenting on his appointment, said: "After moving to Soudley and taking early retirement, I've spent many months understanding the local atmosphere and would like to give my time to the DHC as I believe that it is somewhere that can excel in providing an engaging service for the local community and beyond."