Michael takes the plunge as Arundel’s mayor

And with a flurry of diamond jubilee celebrations already behind him, the Arundel Festival coming up fast, and the excitement of the town’s new museum opening in the spring, he is set for a busy first year in office.

A decade ago, when Arun District Council closed the outdoor pool complex, people power won the day through the concerted efforts of Michael and many others who worked hard to establish the trust which in due course took over what is now Arundel Lido.

Some of the campaigners, including Michael, stood for the town council on a reopen the pool ticket, and were elected.

The battle won, Michael could have left the council, but the experience gave him an insight into much more of the historic town’s life. He has also continued as the link councillor between the pool’s trust and the council.

“I found it very interesting. Arundel, as a small community goes, has an awful lot happening. There are lots of events, like the festival, and it’s an exciting community to be on the council for.”

He moved to Arundel 22 years ago when a hi-fi company he owned was taken over by Worthing loudspeaker firm B & W. Seven years later, Michael set up his own business supplying computer spares. He is a co-director of the company, Hardware Associates, based in Petworth.

Michael, 48, and his wife Poppy now live at Ford, but remain fully involved in Arundel life – Poppy is a receptionist at a business centre in the town.

“We are very fond of Arundel. It’s a great community, with a great mix of people, from all backgrounds – that’s what makes it stand out,” said Michael.

He is keen to see the many groups in the town work more closely to benefit the community. “Through more co-ordination, we can achieve much more together, than in isolation, and that’s something I want to encourage in my time as mayor.”

The town council, he added, also had a responsibility to maintain and protect the best features of Arundel, while a firm financial footing meant the council could consider projects for the future.

“There are exciting things in the pipeline, but we can’t say just what, yet,” said Michael, intriguingly.