09 February 2012Former aviation expert Cllr Bob Orridge, the District Council's new Chairman, is planning to use his year to raise the profile of local volunteers and charities and with the Paralympic Games coming to the Sevenoaks District in 2012, promoting organisations who encourage sport for disabled people.
Cllr Orridge, an Edenbridge resident since 1969, joined the Royal Air force in 1955. Five years later he embarked on successful career in civil aviation that would span five decades.
He took up his first civilian job with British United Airways at the newly opened Gatwick Airport. A few years later he was drafted in to help the Government of the Kingdom of Libya to set up its national airline. Further overseas postings followed in Saudi Arabia, West Africa and Singapore.
He served as British Caledonian Airway's Head of Operations Control and Aviation Security and was appointed Chairman of the International Air Transport Association’s Operations Control Committee writing airline procedures that are now used the world over.
Cllr Orridge set up his own aviation consultancy and held the position of Secretary General of the International Air Carrier Association for seven years. He advised the Kingdom of Bahrain on aviation and tourism as well as providing service and support to a number of international airlines and airport authorities worldwide.
Cllr Orridge has represented the Edenbridge South and West ward for the four years as a District Councillor and as a Town Councillor and was the District’s Vice-Chairman for the past year.
As Vice-Chairman he saw at first hand the enormous contribution volunteers make to improving the quality of life of local people.
Cllr Orridge say: "Volunteers make a positive difference to the lives of local people, yet all too often their work is unseen. I believe now more than ever is the time to highlight the debt we owe to the silent army of helpers within our District and I will do all I can during my year as Chairman to promote their achievements and volunteering in general."
Cllr Orridge has been married to Sylvia for the past 52 years and they have a daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.
He is involved in a number of local organisations including the Edenbridge and District Twinning Association, Eden Valley Museum Trust, the Edenbridge Historical Association and Probus. He also takes a keen interest in furniture making, carpentry, music and walking.
The Chairman is the Council's principal ambassador representing the 113,000 residents of the District, as well as the Council, at a wide range of local and regional events and supporting local charities and voluntary organisations.
Cllr Orridge was elected as Chairman at last night's meeting of the Council (24 May 2011). Cllr Dee Morris, who represents Hextable ward, was also elected as the District Council’s Vice-Chairman.
