DORSET’s new Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley has become a patron of Dorset Community Foundation, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Angus Campbell.
Mr Dooley LVO MMs FRCOG succeeded Mr Campbell CVO, who retired in September after ten years in the role. He said he became familiar with the community foundation’s work while he was High Sheriff of Dorset four years ago.
“I am delighted to become a patron of the community foundation because it does so much good for communities in Dorset,” he said. “There are a lot of inequalities in the county and I like the idea of the small grants it gives to these grass roots groups in communities and I have seen how they can make a huge difference.”
Dorset Community Foundation Chair Tom Flood CBE said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Michael, he will be a great asset to the county in general and us in particular. We are looking forward to working closely with him, as we did with Angus previously.
“Angus was a very good supporter of our Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented, which has given many young sports men and women, including an Olympian and a Paralympian swimmer, vital funds to maintain their career trajectory. We are sure Michael will make a similar positive contribution in all kinds of ways.”
We are absolutely delighted to welcome Michael, he will be a great asset to the county in general and us in particular
Mr Dooley is Consultant Gynaecologist to the Royal Household and practices in London and Dorset. He was lead gynaecologist at the London Olympics and team doctor for the British Equestrian Federation for eight years. He is also a visiting Professor to Bournemouth University.
He works closely with Guy’s Marsh Prison and has formed a Harmony in Prisons group to improve inmates’ experiences. “My mother was a JP and very much involved with the Prisoners’ Association in London so it is a cause close to my heart,” he said.
As the King’s representative in Dorset he will be working closely with businesses, charities and communities to promote civic, cultural and social initiatives across the county. He said he sees the role as anything but ceremonial.
“I don’t want it to just be as a figurehead, I want to see change and I think this role has the ability to create a legacy. There are 42 deputy lieutenants across the county with some very influential people among them and I am certain we can all work together.
“I’m looking forward to finding out even more about the county through the community foundation, which I got to know as High Sheriff. There are good people behind it, the structure’s good and their cause is good so anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.”
Pictured: Lord-Lieutenant Michael Dooley with Dorset Community Foundation chair Tom Flood CBE
