About me
I have lived in or close to Stone almost all my life and am passionate about the town. I am married to Janet and have two children, two step daughters and three grandchildren. As a solicitor, I spent all my working life in criminal defence work and, having taken semi retirement some years ago, I now act as consultant to the firm which I formed and which continues to bear my name.
My interests include organic gardening, bird watching, listening to live music and comparing real ales!
I have been a member of the Liberal Democrat Party (and the former Liberal Party) since a teenager but only became an active campaigner after taking semi retirement some years ago.
I was first elected as a Liberal Democrat to Stone Town Council in 2003 and to Stafford Borough Council in 2007. In 2007 I was re-elected to the Town Council as an independent councillor because, after four years of political infighting, I became firmly convinced that, at Town Council level, party politics is devisive and destructive. The electorate clearly agreed by electing me and nine other independents to gain control of the Town Council! And we’ve worked superbly well together ever since.
On Stone Town Council, I am Chairman of the General Purposes Committee and I attend all other sub committees. I represent the Council on ‘Stone in Bloom’ and am a council trustee of Stone Common Plott and a member of the Board of the Stone Market Town Initiative. In addition I am a member of the Stafford and Stone Access Group and the North Staffs Rail Promotion Group.
At Stafford Borough Council I am a member of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, the Health Scrutiny Committee, the Public Appeals Committee and the Standards Committee.
But most of my time, energy and efforts are directed towards the Stone Food and Drink Festival of which I am the Chairman. This Festival has quickly established itself as one of the leading food and drink Festivals in the country and I am proud to head a fantastic team of helpers and supporters. I am also Chairman of the Stone Town Bonfire and Fireworks Committee which organises a very succesful display each year, the profits from which are distributed amongst the several voluntary groups and organisations involved.
As you can see, I enjoy rolling my sleeves up and getting things done.
I hope that this website will explain the sort of things a local politician does and may encourage others to become active in their own communuties.
