St Johns Ward
Hillingdon Avenue
01732 459 953
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Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Political Party: Liberal Democrats
Northern Ward
About me: Merilyn has lived most of her life in Sevenoaks, raising her family and working here in the health service. Merilyn has worked on improvements to Bradbourne Lakes, for better sports facilities at Greatness, and the rebuilding of Bat & Ball Station. Merilyn is keen to encourage safer streets around our schools, to fix our roads and pavements, and to clear up our public spaces so they are safe and free from litter. Merilyn works with the Sevenoaks Seniors Action Forum to create a better deal for older people, to encourage better public transport, and homes and infrastructure that work for all families.
Eastern Ward
About me: Tony has lived in Bayham Road since 1983, and served as a Town Councillor for Eastern ward since 1987. He also served as a District Councillor up to 2007, in which time he led the Blighs development and set up Sevenoaks first Town Partnership to promote our High Street and local economy. Tony has worked as an economist in the commercial business sector, as an advisor to major UK companies and in government. He promotes good public transport as chair of Sevenoaks Rail Travellers Association. Tony wants to see Sevenoaks streets safer for walkers and cyclists, and less dominated by speeding traffic.
Follow Tony on Twitter: @tonysclayton
Town Ward
About me: Victoria is a Sevenoaks designer who cares passionately about the history and natural environment of our town. She works with local voluntary groups, including the Sevenoaks Society, the Kent Visual Arts Forum, and the U3A to promote the town for all to enjoy. She designed the 2019 Sevenoaks Heritage Exhibition and has co-authored 7 books to encourage walking and fitness for all ages. Victoria is currently Vice Chair of Stag Trustees.
About me: Lise was elected to represent Town Ward in May 2019. She has lived in the Seveloaks area for almost 30 years with her family, including three grown up children. Lise is passionately committed to grassroots community issues, to creating better opportunities in housing and for young people. She has served as a school governor, works at the Sevenoaks food bank, and has set up a community lunch club. Lise is interested in sustainable food and how to promote it.
About me: Claire has lived near Bradbourne Lakes since 2009. A professional working on design and project management for housing, hospitals and regeneration projects she has good experience of getting things done. She currently lives with her family - including three children at local schools. Claire believes their future requires sensible, collaborative and inclusive politics. She wants safe streets around our schools, improvements to our parks, and the best sustainable design for the homes we need.
Follow Claire on Twitter: @SevenoaksMayor
01732 459953
About me: I have lived and worked in the Sevenoaks area for the past 25 years. Prior to retirement I was Head of Sixth Form at a local school where I also taught Economics. For the first half of my career, I worked as an Economist with particular interests in financial markets, international trade and environmental economics. I have two adult children who grew up and attended schools in Sevenoaks. As a Town Councillor, I am keen to support households to engage with green initiatives that can tackle the problems of climate change and energy efficiency. I also volunteer with Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees helping to support the settlement and integration of families in the local area.
About me: Peter and his wife have lived in Sevenoaks for over 30 years where they brought up their three children. Peter has a PhD in molecular biology from Cambridge and was a senior manager at the global chemicals company ICI for many years before moving to the City to advise clients on mergers & acquisitions in the chemicals industry. He has run his own advisory company from Sevenoaks for the past 20 years. A former President of Sevenoaks Lions Club, Peter also played and coached cricket for Sevenoaks Vine and now enjoys, golf, hill walking, running, cycling and skiing. He sits on the committee of the Science Group at Knole U3A and is particularly interested in environmental issues and education in maths and the sciences.
Wildernesse Ward
Woodland Rise
About me: Nigel was elected to represent the Wildernesse ward in May 2023. He moved to Wildernesse in 1987 and lives in Woodland Rise. He has worked in financial services since 1976 and is a trustee of several educational charities. As a Councillor he will work to improve the lived environment, including through planning, and to support the initiatives that benefit the whole community.
Kippington Ward
About me: I grew up in Sevenoaks and have lived here with my family for the last 20 years. I am a chartered accountant with a particular interest in property and planning.
I am committed to maintaining the town’s character, history, and landscape, while striving for a safe, affordable and vibrant place appealing to young and old alike.
As a councillor I will work to provide the best environment for everyone to feel safe, supported and heard.
About me: I trained at The Royal Academy of Music in Piano & Flute and performed as a pianist/vocalist in various venues internationally for 12 years. I still perform for various events both locally and in the Southeast.I have lived in Sevenoaks for nearly 30 years and my three children were schooled and raised here. One of my sons was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD which was a challenge for us all, but I am happy to say that all three of my adult children have embarked on their creative journeys as artists and musicians and are thriving.I have taught music & drama in schools in the Sevenoaks District for over 20 years and ran my own stage school Razzle Dazzle for 10 years.I continue to offer music and piano tuition in the area both in schools and privately at my home.During The Lockdown I developed my skills as an artist and I now able to sell my work and accept commissions. I regularly take part in exhibitions in Kent including Art in June & South-East Open Studios. I specialise in figurative art and portraiture.The Arts help us process our emotions and develops our ability to see things from a different perspective. Art is a tool for cultural exchange, education and expression. It develops a sense of self confidence and can be both therapeutic and beneficial to our emotional health. I will be liasing with the local community to find out ways that we can continue to offer and support the arts as well as looking at creative ideas to expand our existing provision. I am a trustee of The Stag Theatre and on The Arts Council & Youth Services Committees. I am looking forward to serving the community and learning more about your creative projects and ideas for Sevenoaks. “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about”.Margaret Wheatley
About me: I’ve spent 15 happy years in Sevenoaks, where my four children have grown up. I currently volunteer at Citizens Advice and am mid-way through an MSc in Economics, both driven by my interest in evidence-based public policy.
Having worked in the City, covering British companies, and as part-owner of a wine shop, I am sad to see the decline of our High Street. As a councillor, I will work to rejuvenate the town, support local business and always be available to listen to residents’ concerns.
Follow Chloe on Twitter: @ChloeGustard
INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
About me: David was elected to represent St John's Ward in May 2023, where he has lived for over 25 years. Most recently David worked for Save the Children, where he led several international relief and development operations. He is currently Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board of HMP Maidstone, and a Trustee of Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees. As a Councillor he will work to rejuvenate Sevenoaks Town, both its centre and its local community hubs.
Follow David on Twitter: @Skinner1David
All councillors can be contacted in writing via the council office: Sevenoaks Town Council, Town Council Offices, Bradbourne Vale Road, TN13 3QG