Cottingham has been our home since 1983. We raised our family here, had a local business, ran the youth club, did village pantomimes and helped the Millennium projects. In becoming a Parish Councillor in 2015 I wanted to give back to the community, and help safeguard the future of the village. We now face complex issues and challenges, and I believe I can help to do something about them. I joined the Parish Council because it appeared to be a good way of working with the community that I joined in 2005. Whist I am not averse to change, protecting the rural nature of the village is important to me and this is the cornerstone of my work with the Council. I moved to Cottingham eleven years ago from Birmingham mainly to be near to our oldest daughter to supply child care as she was working full time. I then joined the VHMC and the Parish Council about nine years ago. During my time on the parish council, I have been involved in many projects which have always been undertaken with the aim of improving the wellbeing of the village and its residents. I have lived with my family in the beautiful picturesque village of Cottingham for the majority of my life. Having been brought up on a small farm, I have a real passion for the countryside which I can incorporate in my role as a Councillor. My hobby is looking after the farm animals especially our Highland cows. I have lived in Cottingham for 42 years and was a metallurgist at The Steel Works. I have been on the Parish Council since 2014, committee member of Village Hall and now a trustee for The Mill, A Copyholder and I am generally keen to be involved in all things ‘village’. As an engineer and keen DIY person I hope I bring a pragmatic attitude to all I do. Having moved to the village 3 years ago, I loved the village and community and want to help our beautiful village remain that way. I also feel it is important for all villagers to feel represented by our Parish council and believe that as a member of our council i am well positioned to ensure all voices and concerns are heard. Retired Surgeon and Medical Educator. Kettering General Hospital/Leicester Medical School - 6 Children 13 Grand Children. 1 Black Labrador - Resident in Church Street since 1982. - Parish Councillor 17 years plus. - Chairman 2015-18. - Present chair of Planning, Dale liaison, Tree Officer. - Past Chairman of Rural Area Forum. - Chairman of Village shop 2018-21. - Trustee of the Mill. - Co-host of village wine safari 17 years. I have lived in Cottingham and Middleton for 17 years and consider this very much mine and my children’s home. I decided to apply to be the Parish Council Clerk in the summer of 2019 and have enjoyed being a part of the Council from an administrative role helping to keep the Council informed and up to date on changes in policy’s and following the correct legal responsibilities. Cottingham born and bred. 59 year veteran of the village. This beautiful Welland valley village has been my home and base since I was born. I am a country person through and through. I am very approachable, pragmatic and thoughtful, and I will represent the views of parishioners to the best of my ability. Whilst embracing all of the excitement that change brings, I never lose sight of the importance of our history.