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MARGARET ARGER- Chairman and Chairman of Planning Committee
My husband and I have lived in Staplehurst for 32 years. I am honoured to have been re-elected to the Parish Council as Chairman. We need to work closely with our Borough Councillors, Police Authority, County Councillors as well as our MP to make sure Staplehurst moves forward in a positive and constructive manner to the benefit of our community. Your Parish Council has been working hard for the past 12 months and will continue to work to the benefit of Staplehurst.
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JOHN PERRY - Vice Chairman
My background is in economics and finance and I have worked both in the public and private sectors. I have extensive experience of working with government departments and have been the UK representative on a United Nations Agency Panel and various European Committees. I only moved into the Parish in October 2006; although I have spent most of my life in the County. I now want to utilise my background and experience for the work of the Council and I very much look forward to making a contribution to the future success of Staplehurst Parish.
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TOM BURNHAM - Member of the Planning Committee & Chairman of Amenities
I was co-opted to the Parish Council in May 2007. We moved to Staplehurst in 2000 and have two children at Staplehurst School. I was impressed by the village character which Staplehurst still retains and should like to see this preserved in any future development that takes place. I am a member of Staplehurst United Reformed Church and a representative on the Churches Together in Staplehurst committee.
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BILL BEST - Member of Amenities Committee
I have lived in Staplehurst for 23 years, am married to Pat and have 4 children. I am delighted to be able to serve on the Parish Council. I look forward to trying to serve the community and enhance the wellbeing of our rural town. My interests in serving on the Parish Council centre on developing opportunities for the village youth and also in promoting the commercial prospects of Staplehurst. I also look forward to further improving communication between the council and everyone in the town. I am also Chair of the Staplehurst Scout Group.
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JOAN BULLER - Member of the Planning Committee
I have lived in Staplehurst since 1978 and been a Parish Council member for 25 years. I have always taken an active part in village life particularly with the Under-five Playgroup and Staplehurst Society. Formerly a school governor, PTA committee member, founder member and Treasurer of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, I also taught at the local primary school until early retirement. I instigated and now organise, with my husband, the weekly meetings of the Staplehurst Interest Group. I am a member of the Staplehurst Library Users Group and I do voluntary work in the library. In addition, I assist on the Action Plan, Newsletter, Speedwatch and Website groups of the council.
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PAUL BUTCHER - Member of the Planning and Amenities Committees
As a resident for 25 years and running a local business, I understand day to day problems of local people affecting this parish. I represent the Parish Council on the Police/Parish Forum, Churchyard Liaison and am also Chairman of Staplehurst Youth Club and play an active role in running the club.
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JENNY FAIRFAX - Member of the Planning and Amenities Committees
I've lived in Kent for more than 25 years. I've worked in Staplehurst since 2006 and in 2007 I chose to live here, finding it a friendly village - or "small rural town" - with some good amenities. Being co-opted in March 2009 onto the Parish Council was an honour. I look forward to learning more about local people's differing needs so that, in consultation and partnership with the community, I can where possible help introduce improvements to the quality of life in Staplehurst.
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BARRY FRANKS - Member of the Amenities Committee
Married with grown up children I have lived in Staplehurst since 1969 and take a keen interest in local affairs. In the past I have been actively involved with the Football Club and the PTA. I am on the Committee of the Horticultural Society. Semi-retired - I hope to be an enthusiastic and pro-active member of the Council. I am a representative of the Jubilee Sports Field Users Group.
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PAUL KELLY - Member of the Amenities Committee
Having moved my business and home to the village in 1996, I have sat as a member of the Parish Council since 2000. During this time I have been involved with the ‘Carnival and Fete’ and ‘Youth Club’ committees and hopefully have been of some help! In 2002, I took on board a Governorship at Staplehurst Primary. This is a most enjoyable, if not challenging post!
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ANGELA KNOWLDEN - Member of Amenities Committee
I have lived in Staplehurst for 32 years and have been involved in the community during that time as a member of the PTA, helping with the early fundraising for the Kathy Lamb centre, working with the WRVS and ‘meals on wheels’, and being a member of the Staplehurst Society. As a parish councillor I have a particular interest in planning and how this affects our village. I have also helped the Skateboarder’s with their successful project and assisted with the Staplehurst Healthcheck. Taking part in discussions to try and achieve the very best Medical Practice for our village, ensuring that all patients wishes are listened to, has also been a priority this year.
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ROGER MUNN - Member of the Amenities Committee
I have lived and worked in Staplehurst for most of my life, as a farmer. This has given me a sound knowledge of the local area. I am married with two children, who have now left home. I am representing the Parish Council on Jubilee Sports Field, Headcorn Aerodrome and Churchyard Liaison committees.
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JOHN REARDON - Member of the Amenities Committee
I have lived in this village for 10 years. I am married with two children both attending the local primary school. I was co opted onto the Parish Council in December 2004. I currently work as a Diagnostic Testing Officer for BT Wholesale on shift work. This allows me more time in the village to assist in the day to day running of the Parish Council and any community issues that arise. I am currently on the Amenities Committee, Finance Group and Web Site/Publicity Group. My aim over the next year is to work with other Parish Council members to further develop the Village Web Site and other publicity issues. I also, like many others, am working to preserve this village, as a village.
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MATT SANKEY - Member of Amenities Committees
I am the director of my own media and events company in Staplehurst. My passion for people and social events has driven my career choices, and the same passion inspired me to stand for co-option on the Parish Council. I enjoy all forms of artistic expression and I value education’s potential to enrich and enhance the lives of all ages and would seek to support this within the community. I believe the village should ensure it’s young people and young adults have access to constructive and enriching experiences and equally these groups should understand the Villages expectations from them. Full contacts available at http://sites.google.com/site/councillorsankey/
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STEVE SMITH - Member of Planning and Amenities Committees
I have recently moved to Staplehurst from Hawkhurst. Having worked in publishing, advertising and as a care assessor for a home help agency. I am now retired and as a parish councillor my interests are in the welfare of the elderly and disabled; also road safety issues. I believe it is important to take care of local facilities.
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PETER SPEARINK - Member of Planning Committee
Married with two grown up children, I have lived in Kent for 36 years, 26 of them in Staplehurst. Recently retired I now have more time for daytime Council affairs. I take great interest in my Planning Committee work. I have been active in the field of disability disadvantage and local transport matters. I believe that Staplehurst should be more forward looking and accept that it is now a town not a village.
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