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28 Aug 98

LAST FAREWELL TO FORMER POOLE MAYOR

ONE of Poole's most prominent citizens, former Councillor Herbert Ballam MBE, has died today after a period of illness.

Mr Ballam, 87, of Inverclyde Road, Parkstone served as a Councillor for 40 years after first being elected in 1949. He was Mayor of Poole twice - in 1963/4 and 1992/3.

Mr Ballam came from a family which had strong connections with local industry and politics.

A former Poole Grammar School pupil, he was the school's first 'old boy' to become Mayor of Poole.

For many years he was the chairman of a well-known local brick-manufacturing business and it was this industry which nominated him for the MBE, which he received in 1987/8.

Extremely active in the local community throughout his life, Mr Ballam served on the former Poole Borough Council and Dorset County Council and was a member of numerous service committees, with a particular interest in highways issues.

He was made an Alderman in 1964 and received the rare honour of Freedom of the Borough of Poole in 1989.

As Mayor twice over, he was also Admiral of the Port of Poole, an appropriate title for one so devoted to Poole's maritime life. He was a Harbour Commissioner for 31 years, having a tug named after him in recognition of his service, and a keen sailor.

Mr Ballam represented the Council on the Poole Arts Trust, was president of both Trinidad Youth Club and Bourne Valley Community Association and a Governor of Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education. The swimming pool at the new Kemp-Welch Leisure Centre is named after him.

Mr Ballam leaves a wife, Mary, who was also active in local government, becoming Mayor of Poole in 1989, and two grown-up children with families.

Poole Council Leader Cllr Brian Clements said: "Herbert made a major contribution to the life of Poole over many years. He was one of the town's great personalities.

"After his long involvement in campaigning for the Kemp-Welch Leisure Centre, I am pleased he was able to see the facilities in use. He often commented that we should do more for people 'north of the Ashley Road'.

"He had the respect of Councillors across all parties, who all valued his experience and knowledge. He will be sadly missed."

Cllr Brian Clements, Council Leader: 0802 661558