The charity behind the award-winning West Bay Discovery Centre and the restoration of Bridport's historic Literary and Scientific Institute has appointed a new chair.

Phyllida Culpin has been a trustee of Bridport Area Development Trust since 2020 and takes up her new position with immediate effect. 

Phyllida's background is mainly in social housing, with particular expertise in housing management, maintenance and resident involvement.

She has worked for national housing associations, and locally with Yarlington Housing, Magna Housing, on which she was a board member until last summer, and is a committee member for Peabody Housing.

She is also involved in Bridport Area Community Housing and Bridport Cohousing. She chaired the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and volunteers with Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Phyllida says: "Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT) has faced challenges recently, like so many charities, museums and businesses over the past three years. However, I am pleased that we have overcome our difficulties and are operating successfully at West Bay Discovery Centre and the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSi). 

"The discovery centre has won numerous prestigious awards and offers a fantastic experience for visitors and local people and campaigns on increasingly important ecological issues, such as marine plastic pollution and climate change. I recommend you go as soon as we are open again in February. 

"The LSi is now home to two successful, locally-based businesses – Crowdfunder and Gillinghams Financial Advisers – as well as 3DC, a charity that promotes human rights around the world and works to empower young people to do the same.

"The community also benefits from the facilities offered at the LSi, which has hosted TEDx talks, free legal advice sessions, and provides meeting rooms and activity spaces for the likes of The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares, an inspirational creative writing programme for young people.

"In spite of all this positive and encouraging activity, our challenges are not over. Like everyone, we are affected by the rising costs of energy, services and materials. Running historic buildings is expensive and time consuming but we are determined the coming year will see us continue to manage our buildings as efficiently as possible.

"However, we are also open to new opportunities and we have been talking to other organisations, including Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council, to see if we can help with other historic buildings, as independent projects, partnerships or in an advisory role.

"There is much to do in Bridport and so many areas that need support – housing, employment, jobs, opportunities for young people – and BADT wants to play its part. 

"If you have ideas about buildings that could be brought back into community use, do get in touch by emailing [email protected].

"We want to hear the views of the community and welcome new members."