Welcome to the Parish Council page. Now is your chance to put names-to-faces, so as to get to know us better. Visit the Contact Page to find out how to reach us, or the PC Notes Page to catch up on the latest PC news. Also, you can now read the minutes of the last meetings or the Statement of Accounts HERE.

Margaret Arger - Chairman
My husband and I have lived in Staplehurst over 25 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.

John Stewart - Vice Chairman
Back on the Parish Council after a gap of twelve years I now have more time to devote to village matters as I no longer commute to London every day. My 3 children have all grown up in the village and I have been an active member of many village organisations. I am currently Chairman of the Friends of All Saints, a member of the Parochial Church Council and a committee member of the Staplehurst Society.

Wendy Green - Chairman of the Planning Committee
My role as Planning Committee Chairman involves a lot of hard work to ensure that the decisions that the Parish Council makes are the right ones for the individual and the community as a whole. I am passionate about the past, present and future development of Staplehurst. I help whenever I can on working parties and groups. I am also involved with a new highways sub-committee and write for the Village Update newsletter.

Angela Knowlden - Chairman 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.

Joan Buller - Member of the Planning Committee
I have lived in Staplehurst since 1978 and been a Parish Council member for 24 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.

Tom Burnham - Planning and Amenities Committee Member
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.

Paul Butcher - Member of the Amenities Committee
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.

Barry Franks - Amenities Committee Member
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.

Paul Kelly - Member of the Planning 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!

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.

John Perry - Planning, Amenities and Finance Committee Member 
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.

John Reardon - Amenities Committee Member
Having moved to Staplehurst 7 years ago I was co-opted to the Parish Council in December 2004 and currently work for BT as a project manager. I am on the Amenities Committee which deals with the environment and local community issues. My aim for the next year is to become more involved in the future development of the Jubilee Playing Field. I am an active member of the Staplehurst Cricket and Tennis Club and am enjoying contributing to the work of the Parish Council.

Peter Spearink - Planning and Amenities Committee Member
Married with two grown up children. I have lived in Kent for 34 years and
here in Staplehurst for the last 24. I am a tradesman working here in
Staplehurst and all over our part of the Weald. With a passion for
architecture and period styles, I would hope at all times to help protect
and enhance our built heritage. As a Parish Councillor I will try to work
whenever possible for the disabled and less mobile members of our community.

Don Wood - Amenities Committee Member
My first two years on the Parish Council have been interesting and particularly informative. After a learning period I feel that I am now contributing sensibly to its discussions and decisions and am helping to move business forward. My special interests are planning, sports and recreation and the management of the Village Centre.