Blackdown & Wellington East

John Thorne

John lives in Wellington and already works hard as the Conservative Taunton Deane councillor for the Blackdown area.

John shares people's concerns about keeping a roof over their head, feeding the family, paying electric and gas bills, finding work, as all these issues affect him also.

Because John understands how council decisions impact on people's everyday lives, he won't take them lightly.

John will bring change to the council, keep down council tax bills, and spend taxpayers' money much more wisely.

William Wallace

William and his wife Lucy live in Henstridge with their three children: Bass, who is nearly a doctor; Guy, who is going to York University; and Hannah, who is still at school locally.

William is a self employed businessman and since being elected as both County and District Councillor for the Blackmoor Vale has found a dramatic change in life with local and strategic decision-making for Somerset. William's parents were farmers and he can sympathise easily with the farming community, and finds himself involved in many of the problems affecting rural life.

William helps his wife with the horses, which they now breed, and enjoys working his 3 spaniels and walking across the Vale.

Alan Ham

Alan Ham was born and brought up in Somerset. After education at Weare Village Schools and Weston-super-Mare Grammar School, he attended Harper Adams Agricultural College, and was an agricultural lecturer for some years. With Kathleen, his wife, he moved to Somerset in the early 1970s to run the family holding. They have 2 sons.

Alan started his career in local government as Clerk to local Parish Councils. He was a founder member of Sedgemoor District Council and became a county councillor in 1988.

Alan is dedicated to the well-being of communities in rural areas, spearheading campaigns to provide and enhance village halls, create pre-school facilities, and promote rural housing and employment.

Bridgwater East & Bawdrip

David Hall

David lives at Bawdrip near Bridgwater with his wife, Annie. He has two grown-up children and is a director of a local IT company. He attended the old Doctor Morgan's Grammar school in the town and has lived in and around Bridgwater and the Polden Hills all his life.

David understands the strong community spirit of both Bridgwater and the surrounding villages and is determined to support and actively promote their interests at County Hall. He is experienced at dealing with people and issues at all levels in the public and private sectors and is committed to the principles of a strong, accountable County Council.

He is currently a Sedgemoor District Councillor and a past Chairman of Bawdrip Parish Council.

Bridgwater North & Central

Lance Duddridge

Lance was born in Bridgwater and has lived and worked in the area all his life. He was educated at Blake School and Bridgwater College and after taking over the family wholesale potato business has expanded into the retail trade. He has served several terms as Chairman of the Traders' Association.

In the past, Lance has sponsored one of the local carnival clubs and is a keen supporter of several local charities, including Bridgwater SNAP, which helps local children with disabilities.

As a trader, Lance is keen to see a thriving town with a retail sector to match the expanding population.

Stephen Gill

Stephen was born in Sutton Mallet, a village close to Bridgwater. He moved to Bridgwater at an early age and attended St John's Primary and Chilton Trinity Secondary school and then went on to Brymore School in Cannington.

Stephen is married, with two young children. His wife, Joan, who is Maltese, inspired Stephen to instigate the successful twinning between Marsa in Malta and Bridgwater. The twinning of these two towns is important to Stephen, who believes it is vital for children to understand and be aware of the different cultures in the world.

Stephen has worked primarily in the food industry, more recently in retailing.

Ann Bown

Ann was born and brought up in Bridgwater where her family had a well known transport business. She is married to Stephen who runs his own engineering business locally.

Ann has represented Bridgwater West on the County Council since 2005, sitting on a number of committees.

She has been a Sedgemoor District Councillor since 1986 where she has chaired numerous committees and currently holds the Porrtfolio for Health & Well Being.

She is a member of Wembdon Parish Council, attends Wembdon church and is the longest serving Bridgwater Carnival Judge.

Supporting local communities and making a difference to the quality of life for everyone are her key principles.

Burnham-on-Sea North

Peter Burridge-Clayton

Peter is married to Joanna, and works for Central Radio Services in Burnham's High Street as an electronics engineer.

Peter has been a Town Councillor for over 20 years and a District Councillor for 14. He has a good knowledge of the education department, serving as a chair of a governing body for 10 years and also being appointed to the County Governors' Forum.

Peter is also a mentor for the Youth Town Council and support the town's young members in activities at local and regional level. This has also given him an insight into the County Youth Service.

Peter's term of office as Chairman of the Burnham & Highbridge Town Council and Town Mayor has just come to an end and he has supported many groups and societies in their efforts over the past year.

John Edney

John was brought up in Cannington and has lived there for many years with his family.

John is retired, and, following grammar school and national service in the RAF, worked locally in both the private and public sectors.

John has represented the Division for the last eight years at County Hall, and he is also a Sedgemoor District Councillor.

Bob Little

Bob Little was born and brought up in the West Riding of Yorkshire, one of seven children. He is married to Janet and they lived in Hertfordshire before moving to Somerset in 1996. Janet is a west-country girl, having been brought up in Wiltshire. They have two grown-up children and three grandchildren.

After graduating with an honours degree in mathematics, Bob's first job was with Westlands, where he worked on helicopter studies. He then moved into the computer industry, designing and developing many different systems. After twenty years' experience in the industry, he became an independent consultant and worked with and advised the Ministry of Defence.

Bob has always been interested in the life of the communities in which he has lived and served on Hertfordshire County Council from 1967 until 1974. He was a member of Somerset County Council from 2001 to 2005, being the Conservative spokesman on Finance.

Martin Wale

Having represented Chard as a Town and District Councillor, Martin's main promise is to continue to work hard for Chard North.

Martin strongly believes that more investment and services should be delivered locally and a strong voice is needed to campaign for this. Your tax burden can be reduced through efficiencies without loss of services.

Living in Wadeford, Martin is well placed to represent the urban and rural aspects of Chard North.

Linda Vijeh

Dawn Hill

Dawn has lived in Cheddar since 1968 and throughout that time has tried to play an active role in the community. She has served on Cheddar Parish Council since 1989, Sedgemoor District Council since 1999 and Somerset County Council since 2005.

Dawn's working life was with various roles within Clarks Shoes as a senior manager which gave her a very wide experience of business.

In addition, Dawn is involved in St Andrew's Church as treasurer and other church organisations. She also serves as a Trustee for the Cheddar Young People's Millennium Trust as well as supporting other village organisations.

Angus McPhee

Angus is married to Marilyn and have three grown up daughters. He has lived in West Coker since 1999 where he has been the Chairman of the Parish Council for the past 5 years.

Angus started his working life as a teacher in Frome but left after 3 years to join the Royal Air Force. He left the RAF after a little over 27 years having served throughout the UK, Northern Europe and Canada. He then worked at GCHQ in Cheltenham for over seven years before taking early retirement.

Angus now devotes his spare time to local historical and environmental issues, and occasionally find time to do a little gardening and fishing.

Marcus Barrett

Derek Nelson

Dulverton & Exmoor

Frances Nicholson

Frances has lived with her family in the parish of Brushford for 22 years. She has been involved with Exmoor communities in a variety of ways during this time, sitting on a number of committees to help enhance the life of local people, such as the elderly with the building of Abbeyfield House in Dulverton. She has been clerk to Brushford Parish council.

The Church is part of Frances' life and she is secretary to Brushford Church Council. She also chairs a committee considering the placing of Church of England clergy in the Exmoor Deanery. She has always worked locally, in Exford, the Exmoor Magazine, and for the last 9 years has worked at Shearwell Data Ltd at Wheddon Cross, where she writes farm management software.

Passionate about Exmoor, Frances wants to protect and sustain its way of life and traditions, not as a museum, but as a living, working community, and wants to continue the excellent work of John Edwards at County Hall.

Christine Lawrence

Christine is a retired company secretary who has lived and worked in West Somerset for 35 years. Married with three grown-up sons, she has represented the Dunster division at County Hall for the past eight years.

During Christine's first four years as councillor she served on the Education Policy Development Group. Now she is the Conservative Spokesman for Adult Social Care and Chairman of the Community Scrutiny Sub-Committee. Recognising that Somerset has a higher than average number of elderly people in the county, Christine has spent a lot of time reviewing and supporting care for them.

Christine has been one of the County Council’s representatives on the Exmoor National Park and the Dunster Working Group.

Peter John

Peter has lived in Frome with his wife Elizabeth since 1988. Since then there have been many changes in the town and he is very keen to see that future changes benefit all members of the community.

Peter has represented Berkley Down on the Town Council for the last 2 years. When people ask me what he would do if elected to the County Council his answer is simple - work with you to get the best for your area, which might mean better leisure facilities, tackling highways problems, or lobbying for higher profile policing. No problem should be too big or too for a local councillor to tackle.

Peter works for a Building Society as their South West Regional Manger so he is very aware of the current economic issues affecting all of us.

Peter is a keen sports follower having played for and captained Chapmanslade Cricket Club for a number of years, and is a former member of the British Tennis Umpires' Association. Peter now enjoys walking the family's English Setter.

Charles Wood

As a 12 year Frome resident, and eRAF Systems Engineer, Charles has been privileged to serve the town as an active member and past Chairman of the Vision For Frome Executive Team and by recently joining the Somerset Market Towns Forum Steering Group.

Charles has supported his wife in her organisation of the Town's Poppy Appeal, and in campaigning to improve Leisure Centre facilities.

Charles looks forward to more years playing at our attractive and welcoming Frome golf course, and continuing his education on all things local with the Frome Societies.

Pam Lee

Pam has lived in Frome for 37 years, and has seen unbelievable changes in that time.

Frome has lost the police station 24-7, and if elected, Pam will be calling for longer opening hours at Frome Police Station.

Pam has served on Frome Town Council for 2 years, and she believes that a local councillor should listen to the public and act on their behalf.

Pam believes strongly that we should fight to save our rural post offices and schools, and that we should keep our countryside clean and tidy and avoid fly tipping.

Pam helps clear litter from streets and fast food outlets, does volunteer work with 'Help the Aged', and also visits residential home complex housing for the elderly.

George Steer

George is 55 years old, the son of a farmer, and he moved to Somerset in 1972.

George has lived in and around Glastonbury for the last 30 years, and has 2 children by his first marriage, who both went through St John's, St Benedict's and St Dunstan's, and he has inherited 2 more by his present wife, Sue, one of which now has two children, making him a double grandad.

George has served on Glastonbury Town Council - where he became Mayor - and on Mendip District Council. He was deeply involved in the early talks on Glastonbury's new hospital and its final location.

George and his children have been involved in pantos and musicals at Strode Theatre and hope to be involved again. George runs his own business back in this area after completing a 4 year contract in London.

Highbridge & Burnham-on-Sea South

John Woodman

John was born in Burnham and lived this area for over forty years, having seen many changes in our little seaside town. He is the son of a Burnham shopkeeper whose shop was passed down from father to son for 150 years. He served his electrical apprenticeship in Burnham with a local firm.

John has done many different types of work in management, sales, promotions and marketing, and has worked as an electrician for many years.

John has served on political and sports committees in the local area, which has given him a broad range of experiences and skills to call on.

Mark Healey

Mark has lived with his wife in Puriton for the past 22 years. He has four sons who have all attended local schools and colleges. Having spent some years in HM Forces, Mark set up his own furniture manufacturing business in Bridgwater which has now been operating for over 20 years.

Since 2001 Mark has represented the division of Huntspill at County Hall. He has a particular interest in the delivery of services from the Police and Fire and Rescue Services and is currently Vice-Chairman of the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority.

Mark also serves on Sedgemoor District Council.

Colin Winder

Colin has a wide experience of business, and a history of working for the community. With the help of the electorate, he can pursue these critical requirements at the County Council.

Colin believes that proper road maintenance means safer roads. No maintenance means unsafe roads and a lack of road safety, and that "Every Child Matters" really does mean looking at the requirements of all children and all schools at whatever level.

Colin accepts that we generate waste, but we have to dispose of that waste in a way that protects our children's future.

Colin believes that business regeneration is essential to provide the jobs we need for our economic wellbeing, and that the days of the annual Council Tax rise are over; the economics will not allow it, because the taxpayer can't afford it.

Martin Rawstorne

Martin has lived in Ilminster since 1968. Martin has experience in local Government.

Formerly a local solicitor specialising in agriculture and the dairy industry, he is passionate about preserving and supporting farming in the county, particularly county farms.

Martin was a founder member of the Ilminster and District Twinning Association. Whilst on the District Council he fought a high profile campaign to protect traders in Ilminster from the opening of the Tesco Supermarket.

Martin is also interested in addressing the impact of crime on local communities. He was a District Council member of the Committee which established the local Community Justice Panel dealing with anti-social behaviour. Martin is also involved with a charity which aims to discourage knife crime in schools.

David Huxtable

David is a Sports Marketing Consultant, married, with three grown-up children. He has lived on the Polden Hills for more than 30 years.

David has represented King Alfred Division for over 20 years and is currently the Conservative Finance Spokesman and Chairman of the Audit & Resources Scrutiny Sub-committee.

Derek Yeomans

Derek is a retired Sea Captain who holds degrees and diplomas from the Open University in Science and Environmental Pollution Control.

He is deeply committed to the care of the environment and ecological balance.

He has served on SSDC since 1999 as Member for Burrow Hill, and on the County Council as Member for Langport since 2001.

Derek hates waste of all kinds, and recognises that that which cannot be reused, recovered or recycled remains a huge resource for the creation of energy and district heating. Above all, landfilling must cease to be the primary method of disposal.

John Wilkins

John has lived in Cotford St Luke for nearly 10 years and has links with the area going back some 35 years. He is currently Vice Chairman of Bishops Lydeard & Cothelstone Parish Council and is a Governor of Cotford St Luke Community Primary School.

John has been closely involved with Parish Council matters over the last seven years and has attended many meetings as a representative of the Council.

He has also attended numerous meetings at County Hall to progress local issues such as flooding and roads.

John has a wide range of business experience from his previous senior position in a major international company.

Graham Middleton

Graham moved to Stoke-sub-Hamdon in 1986 with his wife, Pat, and two daughters. Now 62, Graham has just retired after 40 years teaching Mathematics.

Graham has worked on a national mathematics project, been the advisory teacher for Somerset's secondary schools and director of G&T Mathematics courses at Kilve.

At Stanchester Community School Graham was the NASUWT union's Health and Safety representative. Graham has been a governor for Castle Primary and Stanchester Community School. Currently he is a Stoke-sub-Hamdon parish councillor, with over 10 years experience, having responsibilities for finance and planning.

Mendip Central & East

Ken Lloyd

Ken Lloyd has lived in Somerset for 26 years, the last 12 of which in Nunney.

After retiring a couple of years ago from a successful business career, he has taken a very active part in local activities as a member of the Parish Council, the Vice Chairman of the school Governors and the Director of the Church Charity campaign.

During his work career he held a succession of Chairman and Managing Director positions in large manufacturing groups in the UK, USA, Germany and Sweden and is very experienced in business matters and running large organisations with large budgets.

He is a chartered engineer with a degree in metallurgy; a Fellow of the Institute of Materials and holder of numerous UK and foreign patents.

He has been married for 47 years (and counting), has two sons, and is a keen musician and golfer, and a supporter of all local events.

Mendip North East

Matthew Ellis

Matthew has lived in Mendip District of Somerset for all of his 26 years. Matthew is the current County Councillor for this division, following a by-election last year. Matthew also serves on Mendip District Council representing Ammerdown. After only a year on the County Council, he wants to get re-elected to continue the work he's started this last year.

Children & Young People's provision, including schools, is a key role of the Somerset County Council, and it is this area where Matthew has spent most of his time discussing policy with senior officers and sat on this Scrutiny Board.

If re-elected, Matthew would continue to push to raise standards in schools, increase play and leisure provision for young people, and also battle to raise the standards of the roads in this corner of Somerset.

Mendip North West

Harvey Siggs

Harvey lives in Wells and is married with 2 grown-up daughters, and his time not spent on council affairs is spent motorcycling or with family

Harvey was first elected to Mendip District Council in 1986 and Somerset in 2005. He is experienced, knows the area and its communities, and is working with both Parish and District Councils on local issues. He has also challenged the authorities on local school closures, and supports local community groups.

Harvey has worked with others to improve the cooperation between agencies for such major events as Priddy Sheep Fair.

Ken Maddock

Ken lives in the village of Baltonsborough with his wife, Sharon. They have two grown-up sons and three grandchildren.

Ken has been in business all his life. He is keen to use his business experience for the public good. He was Leader of Mendip District Council and is currently Leader of the Opposition at Somerset County Council. His goal is to lead the County Council and restore its finances to a sounder footing.

In his spare time Ken is a cricket umpire and is a member at Somerset County Cricket Club, as well as his local club in Baltonsborough.

Ron Forrest

Ron has been the county councillor for Mendip West since 2005. He lives in Lower Milton, near Wells, with his wife, Maureen.

A former teacher and lecturer, he worked for UNESCO for many years in various parts of the world. He has written several English language textbooks. In the Netherlands he set up an import company. He has been a journalist in Africa and Canada.

He is also a councillor in Mendip where he holds the portfolio for community and economy. He has been a branch, constituency and area chairman for the Conservative Party in Wales.

Brenda Maitland-Walker

Born and educated in West Somerset, Brenda has lived in Minehead for most of her life. She has two grown-up children who were also educated in local schools.

Brenda has worked as a secretary and been involved in several local youth organisations, mentoring schemes and fund-raising activities in the area. In 2006, she qualified as a counsellor, working mainly with young people in schools.

David Fothergill

David has lived in the area for 17 years and is Chair of Stoke St Mary Parish Council.

David pledges to place our communities at the heart of decision making; to work to protect local services and facilities; to work to ensure our roads and drains are properly maintained; to work to improve policing; to seek ways of minimising the impact of development and to give everyone in the area a voice to express their hopes, fears and aspirations.

Derek Alder

Derek has lived with his wife and family in the North Petherton Division for 50 years and is therefore very familiar with local problems and issues.

Derek has represented the Division at County Hall since 2001 and also sits on the Regulation Committee. He is also a member of Sedgemoor District Council and serves on many public bodies and Boards, including the new Parrett Internal Drainage Board.

Derek is involved locally with community projects and is a member of the management committee for Westonzoyland Community Centre.

Derek is particularly concerned about traffic, road safety issues, and support for the elderly.

Margaret Robinson

Margaret has lived in and around Shepton Mallet for nearly 40 years, and her 3 children were brought up and educated there.

Margaret been a District Councillor for 6 years, a Town Councillor for 5 years and a County Councillor for just 1 year.

Most of Margaret's spare time is taken up with gardening and walking her 4 whippets, which brings her into contact with open spaces and other dog walkers.

Margaret is a Governor of St Paul's C of E VC School, a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator and a member of Shepton in Bloom, among other things.

Jimmy Zouche

Jimmy and his family have lived in Charlton Adam for the past 21 years, where he has just retired as a wholesale nurseryman. A born and bred countryman, he cares passionately about looking after, and protecting, our rural way of life.

Villages and towns are the lifeblood of our country's structure and every effort must be made to make it easier for country people of all ages to live within these communities.

As a past President of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and a former member of the Parliamentary All Party Disability Group, Jimmy will use his knowledge to help where he can.

Anne Larpent

Anne lives in Over Stratton with her husband, Andrew, and has three grown-up children. A former Parish Councillor, she takes a keen interest in all Parish Council activities in this County Division.

Anne was formerly a teacher and post graduate education administrator and she now runs a local bed and breakfast.

Anne has a particular interest and experience in planning issues, sustainable villages, waste disposal and recycling.

Elaine Waymouth

Elaine's family have lived in Taunton for generations and she appreciates its many benefits but knows there are so many ways it could get better. With strong leadership we could improve traffic congestion, attract high value jobs and insist that the infrastructure keeps pace with house building. The economic situation is difficult but we must act now for Taunton's future.

Elaine will listen to residents' views, and she promises to use her experience to stand up for Taunton if elected.

Terry Napper

Terry was born in 1947 in Street and has been a life-long resident. He joined the Parish Council in 2007 and is currently Chairman. He was educated at Hindhayes, County Mixed School and finally Strode.

He is a mechanical Engineer and has owned his own business since 1984. He is married and has two children and five granddaughters.

He enjoys life on the Parish Council immensely and thinks that it will be an honour and a privilege to represent Street at county level.

He thinks that approachability is the key to this appointment and being honest with people to gain their trust.

Taunton & Trull

Stephen Martin-Scott

Stephen has lived in his division for the last twenty years, and represented it at County Hall for the last 8.

Stephen believes that being a councillor is mostly about helping local people rather than Politics with a capital 'P'. As many calls he receives relate to health or education issues, he finds that chairing the County's Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee and being a governor of Castle School gives him useful insights to help resolve residents' issues quickly. If Stephen is re-elected, he hopes to do more of the same,

It is people, not politics that are important to Stephen.

Stephen will be happy to address any issues you may have to do with the quality or accessability of health provision in the county if you email him through this site: shmartin-scott@somersetconservatives.org.uk

Linda Elliott

Linda has lived in Taunton for 30 years, and works with learning disabilities and Care in The Community, which provides supported lodgings for young people between 16 and 18.

Linda feels very passionate about standing for election because her area is close to the planned new Park and Ride. She has spoken to many people in her area who are concerned about the disruption this will cause. Details have not been forthcoming, so getting answers would be one of her priorities.

Michael Pether

Michael Pether has recently retired having spent the past 40 years within the Services. He and his family have lived in Staplegrove Road, Taunton for many years and he now wishes to make a contribution to the people of the Fairwater Division of which he is a part. His skills are wide-ranging and he possesses those personal qualities that will enable all to have their voice within the community.

Richard Dickinson

Richard is married to Susie and has lived in north Taunton since 1980, but is Taunton born-and-educated. He is a qualified solicitor, since retired.

Apart from politics, Richard enjoys sport, gardening, travel and my family.

Richard aims to encourage radical reforms by improving front-line services, cutting wasteful expenditure, improving the local environment and generating a safer community.

Krystal Painter

Krystal has lived in Taunton for 25 years and wishes to make a difference in the local community. She has a strong interest in Politics; doing a degree in it at the University of the West of England. Since joining the Conservative party a year ago she has become the Conservative Future Chairman for Somerset. She currently works within the legal profession.

Krystal has since undertaken the law diploma as she has an interest in how policy is implemented on the ground and if indeed these policies are feasible.

Krystal is a Conservative because she believes in rolling back the state and free market economics, but with appropriate regulation.

Nick James

Nick James is a local businessman whose family has lived and farmed in Somerset for generations. Nick has spent the last 45 years living and working in Bradford-on-Tone and Galmington; neighbouring parishes of Taunton West division.

Nick grew up in a typical Somerset village in an area which was in those days a hotbed of efficient agricultural productivity where a sense of community was normal and was instilled in him from a very early age.

Nick's career started in agriculture and might have remained there but for the rapid decline of the industry through the 1980s and 1990s, whereupon he took the decision to diversify. He went into retail business in Galmington in 1996, where he has happily lived and worked ever since. Nick's skills are wide-ranging and he feels that he possesses the necessary personal qualities that will enable all to have their voice within the community.

Tony McMahon

Tony was married in Taunton 35 years ago to Joanna and they now live in Milverton. Although born and bred on a farm, he was in the Army for 34 years, serving all over Europe and then the Falklands war.

Tony retired to become the Chief Executive of the national farming charity (RABI), joining at the height of the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001. So he is well used to serving those in his care and has true empathy with the countryside.

If elected Tony will listen closely to the issues affecting the people in his area and use his experience to resolve them.

Watchet & Quantocks

Anthony Trollope-Bellew

After leaving school Anthony joined the army, serving two tours in Northern Ireland. Since leaving the army he has farmed sheep, cattle and cereals at Crowcombe. He is a former chairman of Crowcombe Parish Council, a governor of Crowcombe School and Chairman of The Quantock Commoners' Association. He is currently a member of The British Legion, Quantock Staghounds, Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation, Country Landowners and Business Association, Federation of Small Businesses, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, National Beef Association and National Sheep Association.

Since 2001 he has represented the Watchet & Quantocks division at County Hall. For the last four years he has been the Conservative Spokesman for Environment and Transport and chaired the Environment Scrutiny Sub-Committee. He also chairs the Watchet Regeneration Partnership, the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee and has been a member of the Williton Regeneration Forum since it was created. He is a member of the Somerset Nuclear Energy Group that has been formed recently to monitor the proposed development of the "C" and "D" stations at Hinkley Point.

James Hunt

James has lived in Wellington for over thirty years and attended Court Fields School before working for eighteen years in the NHS.

Like many people, James has seen facilities and services deteriorate in the last decade and he wants to reverse this as Wellington's representative.

James will champion Wellington and Somerset as a place to live, work, shop and visit, and will work hard for better transport links, support for local schools and business and to promote a better Wellington.

John Osman

John is 33 and lives in St Andrews Mews in Wells.

John is a life-long Wells resident. He has been Wells' Somerset County Councillor for the last 4 years, Mendip District Councillor for 6 years and a Wells City Councillor for 10 years.

Educated at the Wells Blue School and Stoberry Park School, John is now a qualified solicitor.

In his spare time John is a member of the Wells Tennis Club, plays football for a local league team and enjoys walking his dog.

Wincanton & Bruton

Anna Groskop

Anna Groskop and her husband Ivor have lived in Bruton for thirty years. She is well known in Bruton and Wincanton having worked in the surgery since 1980. Her daughters (Viv and Trudy) went to Bruton Playgroup before going on to Bruton Primary and Sunnyhill. She understands the importance of a good local education and family envolment.

Ten years ago she became a District Councillor and has worked for the local community attracting funds for regeneration of the High Street and businesses. Amongst others, Anna counts the refurbishment of the railway station and encouraging use of the grants system to provide help for the museum, play areas, skate park, mother and toddler group, active living club for the over fifties and the successful launch of the CAT bus (community accessible transport for all) in rural areas, as just some of her many achievements.

Anna believes everyone should have a choice and opportunity within their overall responsibility to the community.

She believes the Council is more about local issues and local policies than national politics.

Paul Bradly

Yeovil North & Central

Nick Rousell

Five years ago Nick came back to this area where he spent his childhood. He now lives in central Yeovil and enjoys the location. He has a daughter, Claire, who lectures in photography. His parents both ran businesses in Yeovil. His father ran the family butcher shop which was founded in 1888 and his mother had a hairdressing salon.

In his early 20s Nick qualified as an accountant and left Yeovil to travel overseas, to Jamaica and Africa. Later he started his own company writing computer software in South Africa.

Nick Rousell is standing for the Yeovil North and Central ward where he lives, and knows and enjoys the area well.

Gerald Boord

Gerald is retired and has lived locally for the past eight years with his wife Sarah. They have 4 children and 5 dogs.

Gerald is a qualified Chartered accountant, and he farmed on the Hampshire/Wiltshire/Berkshire borders until 1986, when he moved to Alresford in Hampshire to farm until he sold up and retired in 1999. During that time he was Chairman of each parish council. He was an officer in the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry.

Ashley Strelling

Ashley was brought up and schooled in Devon. After his O-levels and A-levels, he went on to further education and achieved an HND in hotel management. He began my career in London working for one of the world's leading hotel furniture manufacturers, and he has now worked in this niche industry for nearly 20 years and jointly runs the UK division of an Austrian manufacturer - one of Europe's largest hotel fit-out companies - serving many of the world's most prestigious hotel brands.

Ashley has been married to a Yeovilian for almost 10 years and has two children. He moved with his young family to Yeovil 5 years ago.

Ashley is the spokesman for the Save Yeovil Rec group which has campaigned for over 2 years to protect this valuable free green open space.

Ashley is fanatical about most sport, particularly rugby, cricket and football. During his school years, he won diving and swimming competitions. He also captained rugby teams at school, college and a club in Surrey whilst living in London. His hobby since childhood has been surfing and he has travelled far and wide to find that ideal wave, which still eludes him. His other main passion is music.