Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance announced the appointment of Simon Michell (pictured) and Roger Morgan as Chairman and Vice-Chairman to the Board of Trustees earlier today.

The duo took over the reins from former Chairman, Terri Gill and Vice-Chairman Colin Harrisson.

Simon has been on the board of trustees since 2006 and Roger since 2009.

Following the appointments, Simon commented: “The people of Dorset and Somerset are enthusiastic supporters of their Air Ambulance.  The Charity has grown since its modest beginnings in March 2000 to become, under the recent guidance of Terri and Colin, an extremely well managed local charity with a sound financial footing.

“It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to help enhance the Charity’s future. On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to thank both Terri and Colin for their unstinting efforts over the years and it is with thanks to them that Roger and I are taking over such a vibrant and focused organisation.”

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said, “The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is fortunate to have a Board of Trustees with so much enthusiasm, professional experience and knowledge. This is a key element when you are providing a service such as ours.

“We look forward to working closely with Simon and Roger as we continue to deliver and develop our life-saving service.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Terri and Colin for their hard work and friendship over the years and are delighted that, in the short term, they will remain as members of the Board.”

Biographical details:  Simon Michell

Simon was born in Central Africa and developed an interest in flying at an early age as a passenger on DC3 flights.  He learned to fly on a Chipmunk T10 as a student at the Cambridge University Air Squadron.  He later flew as a volunteer Search and Rescue and Casevac pilot with the Royal HK Auxiliary Air Force, flying Allouette III and Dauphin 365C helicopters amongst the islands of HK and the South China Sea. Simon’s previous commercial career involved working in the Far East for Jardine Matheson and San Miguel Brewing International and latterly based in London for Blue Circle Industries/Lafarge.  He is currently a Non-Executive Director for the European subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, while also consulting for companies with interests or ambitions in Asia.  Simon and his wife Bridget, live in Somerset.

Biographical details:  Roger Morgan

Roger is a qualified accountant and is a director with a firm of specialist medical accountants based in North Dorset. He learnt to fly as a teenager as part of the RAF Flying Scholarship scheme and went onto hold a Private Pilot’s Licence for some years and when time permits would like to take up flying again. He is passionate about all sport but cricket in particular, having played for Dorset CCC many years ago and having been a member of the MCC for over 20 years. He was formerly a trustee of Blandford RFC and a school governor. Roger lives with his wife Amanda, four sons, two dogs and 16 chickens in North Dorset.