A First for Dorchester: Meet Charmaine Denny, the New Town Clerk
Updated: Sep 9
In nearly 400 years of Dorchester Town Council, there has never been a female Town Clerk. Until now.
Charmaine Denny took up the role earlier this year, and describes it as a real honour, though she's quick to add that the history is only part of it. What matters more to her is the responsibility of serving a town that is, quite literally, home.
"Dorchester is my local town and the place where my son goes to school," she says. "Having the opportunity to give something back was a real motivation."
She's also clear that while she hopes her appointment reflects how local government continues to evolve, the focus remains firmly on doing the best possible job. If it also encourages other women to see leadership roles in local government as something they can aspire to, she says, that's an added privilege.
Charmaine came to the role from Weymouth Town Council, where she was Assistant Town Clerk for six and a half years, and also brings experience from BCP Council and Bournemouth Borough Council before that. As might be expected for a town the size of Dorchester, she leads a team of 18 full-time and 9 part-time staff.
What does the Town Council actually do?
One thing Charmaine is keen to clarify is the difference between Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council. "Residents can sometimes be unsure about which services are which. Broadly, Dorset Council looks after statutory services such as education and schools, highways, and rubbish collection, while the Town Council manages things such as public spaces and events, which are so important to people here." Those things include open spaces, play parks, the skate park, the Great Field, Borough Gardens, allotments, and cemeteries, as well as a year-round events programme and support for local culture and tourism.
Looking ahead, Charmaine is keen to work closely with councillors, staff, local organisations and residents to build on what she describes as excellent foundations already in place. "Dorchester is a town with a rich history, a strong sense of community and an exciting future," she says, "and I'm excited to play my part in helping it continue to thrive."
Poundbury and Dorchester: better together
Charmaine sees Poundbury firmly as part of the wider Dorchester picture. "Poundbury has its own unique identity, but it is an important part of the wider town. I'd love to see us continue working together, creating opportunities for communities to come together." She's also been struck by the depth of heritage across the whole town. "There is such a wealth of local history and so many stories behind the places we see every day, which is something we should really embrace and preserve."
Beyond the office
When she needs a moment of quiet, Charmaine heads for the Mill Stream. "Sitting there at lunchtime and watching the world go by, it's a lovely place to pause and appreciate the town." Outside work, she spends time with her husband Jamie and their three children, Anya, Connor, and Ava — travelling, exploring, going to the gym, and doing the inevitable school runs.
The Community Association of Poundbury wishes Charmaine and her team great success, and looks forward to working with them even more closely in the future. Find out more about Dorchester Town Council at dorchester-tc.gov.uk.