New WFA Chairman announced

The Western Front Association has appointed a new chairman to lead the association.

Tony Bolton who has been a member of The Western Front Association for over thirty years and attended the Yorkshire Branch until 1997. Tony is Chairman of the Chesterfield Branch. He took the MA in British History and the First World War at the University of Birmingham in 2014.

He is currently Compliance Trustee on the Executive Committee.

Tony has taken on the role of Chairman to build on the work of his predecessor Colin Wagstaff.

Colin, who has loyally and diligently served as Chairman for the past five years has decided to step down as Chairman on health grounds but has agreed to continue to serve on the Executive Committee to support the new Chairman and the continued development of The Western Front Association. Colin will provide his expertise in several areas, including commemoration events, and a new role on the Executive Committee.

Entirely unrelated to the change of Chairman, Steve Oram, Honorary Secretary for nineteen years has announced his intention to retire at the end of October.

The Chairman has expressed his thanks to both Steve and Colin for their significant contribution to the association over the years and to all the Executive Committee for their good wishes and support on his appointment.

Speaking to the Bulletin the new Chairman said "The Western Front Association is no different from other voluntary organisations. It relies on an enormous amount of time and energy that is given freely by members and trustees - without which The Western Front Association would cease to exist - and the charity’s aim of 'remembering all those who served, in whatever capacity, during the Great War' would be lost."