Carrie Gilmore, a consultant with more than 30 years of human resources and management experience is the new chair-elect of the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, taking over the helm in January 2017. She is the first woman to hold the post in the 147 year long history of FHC.

Carrie said: “It is an honour to be elected as chair of FHC. I recognise that I am taking over at a challenging time for the organisation but I am confident that with the broad range of skills available to us both within the staff and on the board, we will overcome these and continue to achieve great things in the future.”

Carrie takes over from chairman Dave Ellis who, after nearly 12 years, will be leaving the board in December 2016 following serving the maximum term as a commissioner.

He said: “I have very much enjoyed my time with FHC and look back with great pride on our achievements. I am sad to go but recognise the governance value of rotating board membership and wish Carrie and the other commissioners every success in the future.”

1870 proved to be a turning point in the port's history when the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners came into being on the September 5 of that year. Local shipping agent Robert Richard Broad was appointed the first chairman of the commissioners.