Background:

I am chairman of the Parish Council and have lived in Syresham all my life. I attended the village school until attending Brackley High School after which I trained to become a legal secretary.
I married and had two daughters and now have four grandchildren who are a wonderful group. We have a vibrant community we want to share with everyone. I'm secretary of Syresham Village Hall Committee, the Chapel and Friendship Club, and serve on the Committees of the History Society and Gardening Club. All these groups are enjoyable with great companionship, a great way to meet more friends.

Background:

We have lived in Syresham for over 35 years, moving here from Towcester in 1978. Originally a city person (born and bred in Birmingham) I have found, indeed we all have found village life in Syresham very attractive and friendly. I served on the Parish Council way back in the 1980s for a few years. I was also involved along with my wife, in the Friends of Syresham School. In those early years I spent a lot of time refurbishing the house and extending it too, doing pretty well all the work myself.

My career was in secondary teaching mostly here in this county and concluding with my retirement in 2000 from Magdalen College School in Brackley. My specific interests in teaching were Humanities and particularly History. I was also very active locally and nationally in a major teachers' trade union and was also employed by that union for several years after I finished teaching.

I have lived in Syresham for over 30 years during which time I have been closely involved in numerous village organisations. I organise the Annual Scarecrow Festival, the Village of he Year entry and the weekly coffee shop. I have run my own business and have been a Parish Councillor for 9 years.

As an engineer, past owner of businesses and employer in Steelwork & Construction industries, followed by 25 years as a NEBOSH qualified Health & Safety Consultant & former member of ROSPA, I feel qualified to offer comment in multiple areas.

I believe that consultation is key to benefiting the community as a whole. My ethos is to always undertake good quality research.

The environment and local ecology are important to me, as is road safety, I actively promote safe walking and cycling through the provision of active travel routes.

My interests have included parenting, flying light aircraft, teaching archery, campervans and the Goons! I enjoy taking part in quizzes and am an avid reader.

I very much appreciate the village's friendly and supportive community and look forward to playing a role in its future development.