Parish council candidates 2007 (2007)

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
I
’m very pleased to be able to put this leaflet together on behalf of the candidates for this forthcoming election. It is an exciting time for the village as this year we have been able to produce 14 candidates for the 9 seats available. A fantastic turnout and a real credit to our community and the candidates for being so enthusiastic about this volunteer role.
I truly wish every candidate the best of luck and congratulate them on putting their name forward.
As a voting member of our community I urge you to give our candidates the respect they deserve by reading this leaflet and making an informed decision on polling day.
As usual the polling station is in the Reading Rooms, Church St. and the big day is May 3rd .
Now for the small print :
This free leaflet has been offered to all 14 candidates on equal terms. All candidates have been able to review the leaflet and make changes to their section as necessary. There was a maximum of 250 words per candidate, but no minimum limit. The leaflet has been produced and distributed at the personal cost of Richard Wray from [address removed]This is printed at the bottom of each page also, not because I want my name everywhere, but because I was advised that in doing this it means the candidates do not need to declare this leaflet as an election expense. This is according to the “husting” rules I checked with the Electoral Commission. The candidates are listed by surname and alphabetical order. A full list of candidates are shown below.
All the best
Richard Wray
How about marking the candidates you want to vote for here as you read this leaflet and use it as a reminder on polling day.
Michael Barnes
Rose House
75 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
Richard Bearman
55 Church Street
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QJ
Alexander Burnham
6 Bell Close
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5UH
Peter Burns
Peters Farm
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QH
John Coatsworth
83 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
Ray Crouch
83 Church St
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QJ
Paul Duncombe
Field View House
Field Way
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QN
Curly Earl
49 Station Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QT
Bill England
2 Hintons Close
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QP
David Powell
Long Acre
58 Wappenham Rd
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
Paul Sandilands
Falcutt House
Falcutt
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QZ
Paul Stothard
55 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
John Thorne
Lilac Barn
53 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
Gary Turner
1 Falcutt Cottage
Falcutt
Brackley
NN13 5QZ
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
Mr. Michael Barnes T
wenty three years of life in Helmdon, have brought my wife Jane and I, a realisation that
Rose House
75 Wappenham Rd
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
we are privileged to live in a place which retains such a strong sense of community. Our children have grown up here and they too value greatly the rare freedom afforded them by a childhood spent in such a village.
[phone number removed]
I am currently a member of the Parish Plan Monitoring Group, whose brief is to put into practice the ideas contained in the 2004 Parish Plan, and also of the Parish Paths Group, whose recent achievements have included improvements to a number of village footpaths, the production of a new village footpaths map and the ongoing effort to establish a cycle route to Brackley.
For many years, work commitments prevented my participation in many village activities but recently, with my job based in Brackley, I have been able to become more involved.
[email address removed]
Increased involvement in village life has brought with it a perception that on some issues, the current Parish Council has not been as proactive as it might have been. A seeming reluctance to lead the debate on the subject of a new village meeting place and the summary dismissal of the idea of a village design statement are two examples that come to mind.
My working life brings me into constant contact with councils of all sizes and with that comes the realisation that dynamic parish councils can make a difference. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in such a council.
Mr. Richard Bearman I
have been living in Helmdon for the past 20 years and have spent nearly all of of these on the Parish Council, however my family have had connections with Helmdon for many more years. My mother is Helmdon born and bred and my grandad was linesman on the top railway.
55 Church Street
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QJ
I also came to Helmdon school as a child, so Helmdon has always been a big part of my life.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] I am married to Lynn and have three children, twin boys Robert and Jonathan (age 12) and a daughter Jade (age 7). Lynn is a registered childminder and I work as a gamekeeper and undertake building and estate maintenance.
I have been involved in several village organisations. I was the secretary for the Reading
Room for several years and also served on the Carnival Committee. I am currently a member of the Sports Club Committee as a groundsman.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
Mr. Alexander Burnham
6 Bell Close
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5UH
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
I
have lived in South Northants for most of my life and moved to Helmdon with my wife,
Marion, in 2001. I was brought up in Greatworth, where my parents and brother still live.
A graduate of University College Northampton, I am the ICT Infrastructure Manager of one of the largest training companies you've never heard of! My job is to ensure all 80 of our sites around the UK can communicate with each other and the world.
I love being in the local countryside and like to get out walking my dog. You probably best know Marion and I as the couple with the boisterous little Egyptian looking hound! In my spare time I like to tinker with my collection of old motorcycles.
I was involved in the Helmdon Parish Plan from 2003, serving on both the Amenities and
Transport Committees.
As the first HAFWEG Parish Wildlife Recorder, I am presently setting up a database to record the fauna and flora of the parish as reported by the residents. I am an active volunteer for the RSPB.
I am very concerned about government proposals to develop this region with a massive home building programme, whilst apparently encouraging the removal of locally based essential services. I believe we should be encouraging local businesses in order that they in turn may support our local community and help keep Helmdon the vibrant and active village it presently is.
Mr. Peter Burns
Peter Burns
Peters Farm
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QT
I
have lived in Helmdon for 32 years. My partner of 27 years is Sue Wallace whose family have lived here for a number of generations.
My business past has been as Managing Director of a successful family engineering business before it was acquired by a major American quoted company, then becoming their
European General Manager.
In recent years I have run my own consultancy business.
[phone number removed]
During my time in the village I have played sport for the sports club, been active on its committee and more recently was privileged to be asked to be president.
I have been involved with the Bridge Players in a number of their productions over the years.
For many years (18) I have been involved with the Carnival Committee and still maintain my association with them, including doing the announcing on the day.
Over the last 20 years I have been involved with the Parish Council and have been chairman during three of those four year sessions. I would like to see the Parish Council still act as a strong representative of the village and maintain the old traditions whilst embracing new ideas.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
Mr. John Coatsworth
83 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
M
y wife and I have lived in Helmdon since 2002.
I am a Chartered Engineer and have held various appointments within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry all my working life. Although originally from Durham, my work has involved significant overseas travel and various changes of residence within the UK
I soon became aware of the strong sense of community here and decided that I would like to make an active contribution to the life of this village. I participated in the Parish Plan, becoming a member of the environmental group and continue as a member of the Parish
Plan Monitoring Group. An offer of assistance to the Bridge Players resulted in my making and obtaining stage props for use in all productions over the last four years. Since 2005, I
have been secretary of the Carnival Committee involved in the preparation and organisation of the carnival events.
I have decided to seek election to Parish Council because I want to make a positive contribution to the workings of the council and its efforts to serve the best interests of the parish and its residents. I do not have a full understanding of the workings of a parish council but, if elected, would undertake specific parish councillor training that I understand is available. I have adequate time for active council related business
Please consider voting for me on 3rd May 2007 . Thank you
Mr. Ray Crouch
83 Church St.
Helmdon
NN13 5QJ
[phone number removed]
I
have been living in the village for fourteen years now and have become active in many aspects of village life. In particular I have been involved in our local carnival event for around 8 years.
My wife is a teacher in the village school and I have two children one attending the school and one who spent 7 happy and successful years there. I therefore have a keen interest in supporting the good work there and its continuing success.
I also have older in-laws in the village and know how important it is for all generations to feel part of a supportive community. Therefore I share the concerns of many around crime and security in the village and will be supportive of any initiatives that can improve this for the village community.
I would like to work with the Parish Council to apply common sense to every issue put before the council.
I am an approachable person and always willing to listen to everyone’s views.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
I
was born in Helmdon in 1965 and have attended the local schools. I have lived in the
Mr. Paul Duncombe village all my life with my family.
Field View House
Field Way
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QN
I have a great knowledge of the village and its history and I am very keen to promote the village community and help improve and expand the facilities we have available. I would like the opportunity to use my knowledge to your benefit.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
Our family green grocery business is based in the village where we have been operating since my grandfather started this in the late 19th century. I currently employ four local people.
My two children Bob and Lily both attend our village primary school.
I enjoy being involved in and supporting the local charities which benefit the village.
I am very keen on protecting the local environment and have a large lake near the conservation area.
Should I be elected to the Parish Council I will represent all areas of the village and be available at any time of the day for you to contact me.
Please give me your vote
Mr. Curly Earl
[address removed]

[phone number removed]
M
y name is Phil Earl but most people know me as Curly. I have lived in Helmdon for the last eight years, the last six of which I have served on the Parish Council.
I am on the Finance, Road Safety and Playground Committees as well as being the Health
& Safety Compliance Officer. (I know, I try to keep it interesting).
I am also the village Honorary Poppy Organiser as well as being one of Richard Wray’s
Talkabout delivery boys,
[email address removed]
I am married to Kate and have two children at the village school, Tom and Esme.
I work in Brackley for De Boer Structures where I am the Warehouse and Risk Manager.
De Boer supply temporary structures for events such as The Chelsea Flower Show and
Farnborough Air Show.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
I
have lived in Helmdon since 1966 and spent many happy years here with my wife
Mr. Bill England
Doreen.
2 Hintons Close
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QP
Our children were brought up in the village and attended the local school. After many years of enjoying what the community had to offer we decided it was time to put something back.
Doreen joined a few organisations and is an active committee member of the WI, and
Fellowship.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] I have supported The Reading Room (of which I am now chairman) in many ways, not least in my roll as an electrician, the majority of this free gratis.
I was elected on to Parish Council in 1999, and this is currently my second term. When I
was elected I was hesitant to say the least, but after a few meetings of listening, and learning I soon realised that you had to know how the village runs, before you can run it, and I’m still learning. I am now the councils representative to the Reading Room, and am a member of the Playing Field, and Road Safety Committee’s, and also an active member of the Carnival Committee. I am standing for re-election in the forthcoming election, because
I think I can still be a useful asset to this lovely village we call HELMDON.
SO IF YOU WILL
VOTE FOR BILL
I
have lived in Helmdon almost 25 years with my wife Denise a former nurse tutor, and
Mr. David Powell our daughter Fiona now married, she enjoyed her early upbringing in Helmdon until leaving for university.
Long Acre
[address removed]

My interests include listening to classical and jazz music. I am a keen gardener, enjoy cooking, and actively work out at the gym.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
Prior to moving to Helmdon we enjoyed the experience of living and working in Canada,
USA and Italy for extended periods. My work as a Chartered Chemical Engineer and a
Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers, entailed being responsible for managing many chemical and petrochemical projects worldwide. As a Senior Project
Manager/Director these ranged from small to multi million pound projects, and required the inevitable overseas travel.
As well as supporting many of the village activities over the years, I have been involved as a committee member of the “Friends” of St Mary Magdalene, and Chairman of the WEA.
Currently I am Vice chairman of the Parish Plan Monitoring Group (PPMG), helping to ensure implementation of the specific requirements of the Parish Plan.
Now recently retired I have more time available, and I believe that with my background experience and knowledge of the parish, I can help to make a difference by actively participating on the Parish Council. I will have and will make available the time necessary to effectively carry out all the duties as a parish councillor, and look forward to serving on the Parish Council
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Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
Mr. Paul Sandilands
Falcutt House
Falcutt
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QZ
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
I
have lived with my family at Falcutt for over 22 years and know what very peaceful places Helmdon & Falcutt are. The area has become closer to London and other major cities and towns as a result of new roads and motorways but it still has an intensely rural feel with remarkably distant and unspoilt views.
Today the pressures on the area are greater than ever and as a community we need to work together to ensure that necessary progress fits in as harmoniously as possible.
With this in mind I have been involved recently in a campaign against the installation of a mobile phone mast in a beautiful area that would have been widely visible from the village.
If elected I intend to ensure that the opinions of the village are heard and taken into account in the determination of planning and other issues.
I trained, after university, as a barrister but have spent the majority of my working life in the insurance industry. I am a non executive director of two London based companies but day to day run a specialist insurance company locally.
I am a very keen gardener alongside my wife, and also like to sketch and paint whenever I
have the time.
Mr. Paul Stothard
55 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Northants
NN13 5QA
[phone number removed]
[email address removed]
M
y family and I have been living in the village for 7 years. We moved here when I
joined Shoosmiths solicitors, for whom I still work as their Chief Executive. My wife is
Louise and we have three children, Robert who is currently away in Canada studying
Maths, Nicola who is in her gap year and Jamie who is in the 6th form at Magdalene
School.
Since moving to the village I have become involved in a number of areas. I have helped with the Cricket Club, for whom I have been captain on or off for 5 years. I am a member of the Bridge Players and, to my surprise, have found myself playing the Dame in pantomime (oh yes I have!).
Both my wife and I have been involved with the church, both through the Friends, the PCC, where I was secretary and treasurer for a number of years, and as part of the worshipping community. More recently, I have been licensed as a Lay Minister (Reader) in the Church of England.
Before coming to Helmdon, I served on the Parish Council at my previous village in
Wiltshire so I have some idea as to what the role entails.
We very much appreciate the quality of life enjoyed in Helmdon. I am standing for election in the hope that, by giving a little time and some of my experience to the parish council, I can help retain and develop that quality for all members of our vibrant community.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]

Helmdon Parish Council Elections
Thursday May 3
rd
The Reading Room, Church St. Helmdon
I
have been a resident of Helmdon for 22 years with my wife Verity, and sons Oliver and
Mr. John Thorne
Ben. As my work often took me to areas of great deprivation in the UK and overseas,
Helmdon has been a refreshing oasis, a friendly and lively community located in beautiful countryside from which we as a family have greatly benefited.
Lilac Barn
53 Wappenham Road
Helmdon
Brackley
NN13 5QA
I aim to ensure that the local environment and the quality of life in our village is protected and improved, for which reason I am chair of HAFWEG and a member of the Helmdon
Parish Paths group.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] My background in architecture, education, and the provision of welfare services has provided extensive experience in planning and developing resources for disadvantaged people. I have worked with government departments, and with private and voluntary organisations, often breaking down barriers to promote the interests of marginalised individuals and groups. I have little time for bureaucrats, believing that individual people and communities are more important than processes. I want to see fairness, integrity, and openness in our local government.
A creative and lateral thinker who initially keeps an open mind, I seek to establish the facts and hear the opinions of others before forming my own. I believe we must always seek better ways to move forward. If you elect me, you will get an independent minded
Councillor who cares about our Parish, a good listener who will seek to represent your views, and who wants to get things done.
S Mr. Gary Turner ue and I moved to the village in 1993 in time for the birth of our first son, Fraser, followed in 1997 by the birth of our second son, Cameron. Shortly after the birth of
Cameron we moved to Asia for 4 ½ years, returning to Helmdon in 2002.
1 Falcutt Cottage
Falcutt
Nr. Helmdon
NN13 5QZ
As a family with two young children we have always been active in the village. For my part through the Sports Club and the Bridge Players in the early years followed by football coaching and, on a more serious note, as a School Governor for the last 4 years.
[phone number removed]
[email address removed] With two growing boys and a house to finish decorating, hobbies have taken a back seat but
I still manage to maintain a link with sport by helping as a coach at Towcester Rugby Club.
It was pure chance that brought us to Helmdon in the first instance but over the years we have come to realise that we are lucky enough to live in a very special place indeed. We have made many good friends here and appreciate the safe environment, strong sense of community and the beautiful countryside that surrounds us.
I suppose that with age comes responsibility and a sense that the good things we enjoy today need protecting and nurturing, this does not happen by chance but requires a positive input and I see a role on the Parish Council as one small way of helping to keep Helmdon and the surrounding areas a great place to live.
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Printed & Published by : Richard Wray, [address removed]