I have lived just outside of Great Chesterford for over 9 years, during which time I spent 3 1/2 years as Chairman of a very pro-active Parish Council that vigorously sought (and achieved) maximum community benefit for its residents from two significant planning applications. The experience gained from all the dealings with UDC, neighbouring Parishes and the County Council have provided me with the insight and understanding to be an effective District Councillor.

The next few years will be critical in the development and quality of life of our district and our local villages. There are major issues to be dealt with - planning, housing, transport and community life in general. Dealing with this will require attention to detail, robust scrutiny and a willingness to get involved over the long term.

Some parties asking you for their vote would have you believe that they have easy and readily available solutions to the complex issues and problems we face. In doing so, they are being less than honest with you – many issues are dealt with at a national level or determined by authorities over which we have no control.

I believe in making things happen and getting results rather than slogans, name-calling and grandstanding. If elected, I promise to work tirelessly on behalf of our communities to improve and protect them.

 


Bio

Following my Physics degree I spent 17 years as a highly regarded IT Technical Author and System Tester. When my youngest child started school I started a Garden Design distance learning course with the Open College of Arts. Whilst a student I was awarded two RHS medals for Show Gardens (one of them is in the photo above). When we moved here I became actively involved in a number of voluntary roles which demonstrate my commitment to the local community.

Voluntary Work

  • Trustee of Accuro (www.accuro.org.uk) a local charity that provides support to adults and children with disabilities and their families.
  • Founder, organiser and principal cake baker for the weekly ‘Chesterfords Community Café’ (running 5 years and still going)
  • 5 years on the Parish Council (Apr 2009—March 2014) 3 1/2 years as Chairman
  • 2 1/2 years on the Community Centre Management Committee, over 2 years as Chairman ( Jan 2011 - Sep 2013)
  • 8 years on the annual  ‘Steam Up’ Committee (2006-2013) (donations/sponsorship)
  • 2 years as a ‘Welcome Home from Hospital’ volunteer for Addenbrooke’s Hospital (2006-2008)

Interests

  • Garden Design - 2 x R.H.S. Silver Medals for Show Gardens (2004, 2005)
  • Community Well-being - studied Open University K101 Introduction to Health & Social Care
  • Slightly quirky pets - two llamas and two Kune Kune pigs.