After six years of dedicated service, Mike Thorne this week left the stage as leader of the De Valence Pavilion in Tenby. His resignation as chairman of the De Valence Trust takes immediate effect.
Victoria Smathers, recently-appointed director of the De Valence, said: "Mike has proved invaluable, with his experience, wisdom and sheer hard work. Consequently, we tried very hard to persuade him to change his mind. However, with the distraction of the ongoing disagreement between Trisha Putwain and Mike Thorne being battled out in the press and council chambers, we are now able to move forward and Mike Thorne can fully participate in council matters without needing to retire from proceedings when the DeValence is raised. I believe Trisha Putwain is also considering her position on the De Valence board."
New chairman of the De Valence Trust is Mike Neal, a recently retired insurance broker, who has been on the board for four years.
He said: "We're very sorry to see Mike leave. He'll be a very hard act to follow. His commitment and continuous support and guidance has been an inspiration to us.
He added: "However, we have a new experienced director and will be putting on more attractive events than ever. We confidently expect Mike's legacy to be the backbone behind a hugely successful De Valence in 2009."
There are plans to launch a new programme of community activities in March with workshops and shows for young people; belly dancing and other dance classes for the community; theatre and comedy performances, music plus so much more.
Victoria added: "I want this venue to really connect with and be at the heart of the Tenby community and we need the support of that community to make the De Valence work for them. There are exciting times ahead and we can only move upwards from here."