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8 Oct 99

NEW HEAD OF CULTURAL SERVICES AT BOROUGH OF POOLE

CLAIRE Chidley has become the new Head of Cultural Services at the Borough of Poole. Claire is based at Poole Central Library, where she is responsible for the Borough's ten libraries, the Museum Service and Arts Development.

Claire joins Poole from the London Borough of Enfield where she managed the Arts and Museums service whilst also completing a Masters Degree in Performing Arts and Business Administration.

Having started her career in Local Government as an Arts and Entertainment Officer, Claire made a huge impact in raising awareness of museums and libraries through a series of high profile events.

Born in Worcester, Claire studied English and American Literature at Warwick University, before leaving for London where she helped work on a community project in Tottenham.

Having gathered a wealth of experience, Claire has recently been responsible for developing a number of successful projects:
n the creation of 'Under The Sun', North London's biggest arts and cultural festival
n a new library/arts centre/museum for Enfield town
n winning £500,000 of funding for a major community arts resource in Edmonton
n developing a heritage centre for the millennium

Claire's leisure activities are mainly related to her occupation as she enjoys visiting museums and galleries, collecting art, playing sport and reading and writing fiction.

Claire said: "Having been in the job for a couple of weeks, my first impressions are that the Cultural Services staff are highly committed, enthusiastic and dedicated to their work.
These are really exciting opportunities for us to seize over the coming months.

I want to make sure that more of Poole's residents, workforce and visitors can access and participate in our services through buildings, information technology and activities and shall be looking over the coming months to develop clear strategies in order to make this happen."
-ends-

Claire Chidley, Head of Cultural Services, tel: (01202) 673919