Councillors

I joined The Parish Council in May 2015 having lived in the village for 11 years. I run Unity Metrix Ltd, a Cyber-Security company and I have a penchant for fiddling with guitars, studying martial arts and a love for travel. I wanted to give something back to the community that I love so much and I enjoy delivering solutions to the many local challenges presented every month.

I would like to see improved engagement with Parishioners and to fully embrace the hand that we are being dealt by central government; if they want local councils to take on more responsibility then let’s do it, let us decide what makes the Parish so great and do more of that!

I think it is a shame that small communities seem to be less and less community-spirited these days and I am committed to doing whatever I can in order to help maintain and improve community relations within The Parish. I believe that the council should play a key role in encouraging, supporting and augmenting sports and social clubs, fairs and other events, activities for children etc. inasmuch as we have the power to do so.

I am also one of the neighbourhood watch coordinators for the village and pleased to note that our crime rates are comparatively very low.

I have been the Parish Clerk since 2006 and I came to a job which I hadn’t actually realised existed. I had seen the Highlights in the Parish Magazine, and I had not appreciated what they referred to. I have a background in the travel business and I often think there are many similarities to working as a holiday rep, although without the weather!
Since being Clerk I have had the privilege to work with a wide range of councillors who bring a diverse range of skills to the Council ‘table’. But whatever their background and expertise, what never ceases to amaze me is their commitment to making Flamstead a better place in which to live. Their personal commitment to the role is indeed staggering in terms of time and professional advice for which we are all grateful.
My role is very different; I am responsible for the financial welfare of the Parish, all the meeting related administration – agendas, minutes and relevant action points; the compliance status of the council, plus myriad of diverse issues ranging from organising the repair of a street light, to seeking grass cutting quotes, being an expert on playground apparatus, reporting endless fly tipping cases, commenting on planning applications, being on the lookout for grants, keeping up to date with legislation, liaising with DBC and HCC to mention a few. I have also attended many training sessions and gained a recognised qualification (CiLCA) all of which complement my work.
I am also very keen to continue increasing the general engagement with the village, especially via the Grapevine which has become a very useful tool in communication with our key audience. When a request for a particular item is put out on the Grapevine – response is often immediate.
The Parish Council’s new website will further develop community engagement possibilities as more use of social media is incorporated into the communications remit.
So to recap, my job is very varied and I enjoy the interaction between so many different groups and organisations in the village and it is so rewarding when the Council can look back over a year and see what achievements have been made.

Years of service – Parish Clerk 1970 to 1980; Parish Councillor 1980 to date; DacorumBoro’ Cllr. 1979 to 2007; Herts County Cllr. 8 years; Herts Police Authority 5 years.
Elevated to ‘Freeman of the borough’ 2007.
What I would like to achieve – A Pavilion adequate for present village use but capable of expansion to satisfy future recreational needs.
Controlled expansion of the village, on appropriate sites, to provide accommodation for genuine, established Flamstead families.
Key interests – Local Government Finance.
Why we enjoy living in the Parish – We value the friendships that have evolved over 53 years residence.
I am a ‘Superannuated Acolyte’ at St. Leonard’s and President of the Gardens Association.
Local Features – Play Area

Parish Council Elections took place in April 2019. New councillor profiles will be added soon