The Council

If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor then please contact us.

Your Councillors

Jonathan Rich

Jonathan Rich

Councillor

Chair of the Council

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I am pleased to say that I have lived in Peasedown St John all my life. I went to the local primary school & attended Writhlington school. I am passionate about my community and previously served for nearly 12 years as a Parish Councillor until Jan 2011. I was the vice chair for 4 years.

I am determined to bring about positive change for all within my neighbourhood and I want to use my experience to ensure that the Parish Council is equipped to properly serve the people of Peasedown St John.’ I believe that Peasedown St John deserves a consistent Parish Council which puts people’s needs first."

Gill Auld

"I am new to the village having moved from Kent in March of 2021. We moved to be nearer our sons who live in Bristol. I am a Homeopathic Practitioner working in Bath and from home and have been a complimentary therapist for over thirty years.

Over the years I have also worked as an advocate for vulnerable adults, organised a voluntary complimentary health group taking therapies into the local community and was a regular on the volunteer beach cleaning group where we lived.

As a new resident I am keen to get to know the village and become involved in projects that help the environment and bring people together. I found out about the vacancy on the Parish Council and decided to give it a go so I am co-opted until the elections next May. This is all new to me and the councillors have been so welcoming and supportive that Im sure I will enjoy the next few months.

I would encourage anyone in the village to consider joining the Parish Council - understanding who makes what decisions and why, and how you can be part of that process is really exciting."

Fiona Carr

Councillor

Send me an email

John Ogilvie-Davidson

Councillor

Send me an email

Howard Hartley

Councillor

Send me an email

"We moved to the village only 15 months ago having lived and worked most of my life in London.

Prior to my retirement in 2022, I was employed as a Director of Sales in one of London's most prestigious hotels and travelled extensively for work to the Arabian Gulf, India and Japan.

We have found the village to be very welcoming and friendly and I am eager to take on responsibilities and activities to better the residents of Peasedown St John.

I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing how we can make a difference to the environment we live in.

My passions in life are wildlife gardening, baking and history and I look forward to demonstrating and sharing these skills during my time as a Parish Councillor."

Daniel Walker

Councillor

Send me an email

Kathy Thomas

“I have lived in the parish for 45 years, and during that time have seen many changes. There have been many improvements; the village is now well regarded. I am particularly interested in the care and development of our public open spaces and I am looking forward to continuing to serve the residents of the parish.

My priority during my time as Chair will be to ensure that we improve our communications within the Parish Council, between Councillors and Staff and between the Parish Council and the public.”

Mandy Clarke

Mandy Clarke

Councillor

Planning Committee Chair

Send me an email

Register of interests

"Being an active member of the village has always been something I’ve believed to be important. We all have a responsibility to look after the community in which we live in, which was why I decided to become a councillor back in 2011.

Over those years, and before, I’ve helped set up the Peasedown Residents Association, where I currently serve as Secretary. We organise parties for children and meals for the elderly. We’ve also raised £2,000 to fund social events.

Since 2005 I’ve been an active member of various groups over the years, such as St John’s Church, Mercy in Action, Party in the Park and the Fund for Peasedown."

Richard

Richard 'Tex' Clarke

Councillor

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I’ve lived in Peasedown for the last 15 years, and been active in the community for most of that time.

Ten years ago I was part of the project team that transformed The Green area in Frederick and Albert Avenues and today am part of the Residents Association that helps look after it. Since 2013 I’ve been the Vice-Chairman.

With other members of the Association I help raise funds for the community and organise social events that bring people together.

I’ve also been a regular volunteer at Party in the Park and have helped raised funds for the Fund for Peasedown, Mercy in Action Charity Shop and St John’s Church too.

As a resident of Albert Avenue I enjoy representing the views of the residents on the estate at Parish Council meetings."

Audrey Gillard-Sprake

Audrey Gillard-Sprake

Councillor

Cemetery Committee Chair

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I have lived in Peasedown St John for the last 25 years, my family live in the village also I am married to Mr Les Sprake.

I worked in our local Pharmacy for eight years. I volunteer at Radstock Museum as a Steward meeting and greeting. Also on the Education team helping children to learn the areas history.

I would be happy to concentrate on things to the improve the future of the village for everyone. Planning for new homes or parks, gardens or the environment I will find interesting."

Gavin Heathcote

Gavin Heathcote

Councillor

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I live with my wife and daughter here in Peasedown a village we fell in love with over 10 years ago. I sit not only as a parish councillor but also as ward councillor for Peasedown on BANES Council. I have and always will continue to do what is best for the community with the help and support of residents we can keep Peasedown an amazing place to live." 

Simon Kidd

Simon Kidd

Councillor

Personnel Committee Chair

Send me an email

Register of interests

“Originally from the Teesside area, I went to University in South Wales and moved to Peasedown St John in 1995 and have lived here ever since. My children were born and raised here, and I consider Peasedown my home. I am particularly keen to look at the communications between the Parish Council and the community. To make the best use of differing communications media to reach the majority of people and create a public facing, open council. In particular internet publishing and how to deliver information can be done quickly, cheaply and effectively.”

Andy Larcombe

Andy Larcombe

Councillor

Finance & Amenities Committee Chair

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I'm originally from Cornwall, I have recently retired after a 38 year career in branch banking which took me to many parts of the West Country until I settled in Peasedown, with my wife and daughters, 20 years ago. I believe my financial experience and specialism in mortgages & relationship management, can assist on the budgetary and planning matters within the council. I also enjoy getting involved in projects to benefit the village, my early retirement allows me more time to help with the council’s initiatives and operations.

I believe local politics are best served by focusing on local issues and I am proud to be an independent councillor allowing me the freedom to represent my village with my own moral compass of treating everyone fairly, acting with integrity and always aiming to ensure every decision we make as a council delivers progress to a better life for those we serve, the residents of Peasedown St John."

Ray Love

"I'm a retired Manager with Prudential Assurance and I moved from Winchester to Peasedown in 2013.

Whilst I lived in Winchester, I was a City Councillor for 16 years where I was the founder of Winchester Mental Health Befrienders, a founder and Trustee at the Womens Refuge, a Trustee and volunteer working with young people with drug and alcohol problems and a Secondary School Governor for 17 years.

I came to Peasedown to be near my stepdaughter who lives in the village. I'm a member of Peasedown Methodist Church and a Season Ticket Holder at The Rec home of Bath Rugby.

Moving to Peasedown was at first a daunting decision as I hadn't lived in a Village before but everybody has been welcoming."

 

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson

Conor Ogilvie-Davidson

Councillor

Vice-Chair of the Council

Send me an email

Register of interests

"I have been fortunate to live in Peasedown my entire life, going to school in Wellow, then Writhlington and progressing to study Marketing at Bath Spa University to Masters level.

I went on to study for a further Masters qualification whilst working in the sports industry, but now I am the Town Clerk of Glastonbury.

With my pride in our village and understanding of local government, I hope to be able to make a positive contribution whilst I am on Council. I am particularly proud of leading on the design and installation of the Coal Mining Cart Planters, the Refurbishment of the Bath Road Telephone Kiosk and the Platinum Jubilee Garden.”

Les Sprake

Les Sprake

Councillor

Send me an email

"Originally raised in Dorset, I spent most of my life in Somerset. I am now retired after 25 years working as a Facilities Manager for an American Mintoil Company in Frome. I have been married to Audrey (my second marriage) for the last 13 years. We live in the Eckweek part of the village, close to the cemetery. I am a dog owner and keep an eye on the village when walking my dog around the area."