THE former chairman of a residents association in Christchurch has passed away after a short battle with cancer.

James (Jim) Biggin joined the Management Committee of the West Christchurch Residents Association in 2004 and soon became the Chairman and general factotum following his retirement from full-time work.

A stalwart in the west Christchurch community, Jim Biggin used his position as chairman as well as his expertise in business and management consultancy to spearhead drastic changes in the Christchurch area and across the Bournemouth area.

He played a central role in the growth of West Christchurch Residents Association, which in recent years became Jumpers and St Catherine’s Hill Residents Association.

Chairperson of the Jumpers and St Catherine’s Hill Residents Association Sue Fotheringham said: “Under his stewardship, the membership grew to over 1500 paid up households, he improved the Association website and instituted the publishing of monthly newsletters, first as hard copy and available on the Association website, and then by email and social media.

“His time as Chairman was characterised by his assiduous attention to detail and ability to analyse and dissect issues affecting the residents he represented.

“He was helped in this, by his working experience, in the assessment of budgetary forecasts, business plans and other projects.”

Born July 1942 and attended Battersea Grammar School. His working life was spent in insurance in finance, adapting and understanding the considerable development of IT and Computers from as early as 1964.

He finally retired as a management consultant in July 2007.

Jim always took great interest in local planning issues and contributed significantly to discussions on the proposals for three large supermarket sites in Christchurch in 2014 and attended annual budget setting meetings with Christchurch Borough Council.

He supported a new organisation, The Friends of St Catherine’s Hill, formed to raise awareness of the area’s special nature.

The Friends organise events and walks on the Hill to inform the public of its history, flora and fauna. He ensured that a representative of the Association was on the Friend’s Committee.

From 1988, and for 18 years afterwards, he and his wife Maureen were foster carers for teenage children.

Jim was an avid crossword fan, including the completion of Mephisto in the Sunday Times, and many others within an incredible short time.

He retained an interest in sport, having been a regular golfer and organiser and DJ for a local tea dance, until the Covid-19 lockdown stopped these activities in 2020.

Mrs Fotheringham added: “This professionalism gained him the respect of and access to not only Christchurch Borough Council officers, but also Dorset Council leader and officers and many others of a similar standing such as Martin Underhill the PCC.

“He was always fair and balanced in his approach to issues and did not pursue a “populist” agenda.

“Jumpers and St Catherine’s Hill Residents Association has beyond a doubt, benefited immensely from his invaluable contribution and the committee are so very sad to say goodbye to him.”