Councillor Anne Rey was born in Northbourne, Bournemouth and was educated at Hill View Primary School and then Glenmoor School for Girls as it was then known. She was the Head Girl of Glenmoor in 1973/1974 and was fund raising for charity even back then.

Anne qualified as a Residential Social Worker for the elderly and worked for Dorset County Council, then known as the Dorset Trust.

In 1994 Anne was retired on medical grounds due to a back problem but continued to work for a while as a relief manager for McCarthy & Stone sheltered housing for the elderly.

Anne was first elected as a Councillor to Bournemouth Council in May 1991 for the Redhill Park ward and served alongside her father Alderman Philip Whitelegg. In 2003 due to ward boundary changes Ann stood in the Throop and Muscliff ward and was duly elected. 2003/2004 was a very special year for Anne as she was the Town's first citizen being elected as the Mayor of Bournemouth.

Anne’s father, Alderman Philip Whitelegg, who retired from Bournemouth Council, after nearly 50 years service at the age of 86 saw her made Mayor at the Pavilion, Bournemouth with friends and family. Unfortunately her dear Mum died in 1979 although Anne's belief reassured her that she too saw her on that special day.

When Anne was 9 years old she presented a bouquet to the Queen when her dad was the Mayor and in 2004 when Anne was the Deputy Mayor she presented another bouquet at the Pier Approach when the Queen visited Bournemouth.

Anne is currently serving on the following committees of Bournemouth Council:

Also is a Trustee of the Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired.

Anne has also served on several committees in the past, including:

Here is a very interesting fact.

Anne’s father was Mayor in 1966 when Anne was 9! and England won the 1966 Football World Cup and when Anne was Mayor England won the Rugby World Cup!!!!

to name but a few. She has been the chairman of the formal Social Services committee and is the Leader of the Independent Group.

Anne serves on the Children's Services Scrutiny panel and on the Corporate Parenting panel. Anne is Chair of the new elected Member Engagement panel. She has been and still is the Council’s official visitor to Milton House, a residential Home for Young People, for over 17 years.

Throop and Muscliff ward is represented by 2 Independent Councillors and Anne's determination and ambition is to increase the number of Independents at the local elections (currently there are 2 Independent Councillors serving on Bournemouth Borough Council).

Anne is a trustee of the Eventide Home on Castle Lane West and was a trustee of the War Memorial Homes for 18 years. She serves on the Chest Help Committee which helps people who are suffering from TB and served for many years on the Bournemouth in Bloom Committee.

She has been a Poppy seller for the Royal British Legion for over 35 years and organises the annual Poppy Appeal in the town centre.

Fantastic News - In 2009 nearly £15,000 poppy money was raised from collections in the arcade and Bournemouth Town Centre. A massive thank you to all the residents of the town.

2010 will be a special year for Bournemouth as the town will be 200 years old! Anne serves on the 2010 Board and Events Committee which is helping charities and groups with advice and funding to put on events next year.

She always organises 2 events for the Mayor's charities every year and is currently on the Mayor's fund raising committee.

Anne was very active in the setting up of the committee for the Muscliff Funday on Muscliff Park, whose members from various agencies have now successfully organised 3 events and we look forward to next years Fun Day on 15th July 2012!

Anne is a Bournemouth Lion and joined this wonderful international organisation whilst she was Mayor, she has just finished a year as their President. Amongst their fund raising they donated over £2,000 to Linwood School in Winton for a new wheel chair for a pupil.

In Anne's spare time! She enjoys travelling with husband Jonn, walking with her lovely dog and reading (not Council papers!), organising short holidays and trips by coach.

Anne always runs a coach trip to Glastonbury Carnival every year. A great trip if you've never been. Tel: 01202 538068

Anne has worked tirelessly over many years for saving several prominent features in Bournemouth including the Winter Gardens, Townsend School and Hengistbury Head.

Ron Whittaker - Back to Profiles