St Stephen Parish Council Elections: Candidate Profiles

Post date: Apr 8, 2015 7:32:00 PM

Candidates standing in either of the Bricket Wood Wards of the St Stephen Parish Council for the elections on 7 May 2015 have been invited to submit profiles - factual statements about themselves of no more than 200 words.  The following statements have been received and are published unedited and in order of receipt.

The Bricket Wood Residents' Association is non-party political and does not endorse any candidate or candidates, and publishes this to provide information to residents about candidates for the Parish Council.

David Brannen - Independent Candidate, Bricket Wood West Ward, St Stephen Parish Council

Preserving our unique parish, improving its amenities and protecting the green belt from development were the reasons I became a parish councillor more than six years ago, and I hope to continue serving the community in this role. I’ve lived next to Bricket Wood Common for 35 years, and have 40 years’ experience as a structural surveyor.  As such, I’ve taken a lead role in planning and development issues in the parish. This has included fighting developments which encroach into our treasured green space, like the rail freight terminal in Park Street and the BRE development in Bricket Wood.  I also sit on the Bricket Wood Common Joint Management Committee which works to protect and maintain this valuable rural space. At present I am the chairman of the Buildings Committee which has the responsibility for the maintenance and improvements of our parish-owned buildings and open spaces. As a member of the Bricket Wood Residents’ Association I am keen to continue to foster the relationship between this association and the parish. 

I stand as an independent candidate as I believe the parish council exists to serve its residents and protect its future free of any political influence.

Dorothy Kerry - Independent Candidate for Bricket Wood West Ward, St Stephen Parish Council

I’ve lived in Bricket Wood for 30 years, serving on the Parish Council for the last four years, most recently as Vice Chairman. I have a first class science degree, and for most of my 35 year career worked in the market research industry, reaching Managing Director level.  I fully recognise the need for progress and accept that change will happen, but believe it must be managed in a way that safeguards the local environment and heritage. To this end I have been an active member of the Planning Committee, working to protect the Green Belt, and strongly opposing any development that detracts from our village status or identity.  I believe community and tradition are important, and have been involved in the organisation of many village activities such as Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day, the Carol Concert, the Festival and Parish in Bloom, as well as serving on the Bricket Wood Common Committee.

I have taken a particular interest in promoting and improving the facilities managed by the Council, leading a group which has sought to increase income, and so reduce the tax burden on us all as residents.  I will work to ensure your views are heard and offer genuine commitment plus a real desire to try to make a difference.

Wendy Berriman - Independent Candidate, Bricket Wood West Ward, St Stephen Parish Council

I have lived in Bricket Wood for over 40 years and have been a Parish Councillor for 12 years. I am involved in all Parish events and in Parish in Bloom. I enjoy all aspects of being a Parish Councillor and will continue to strive to improve our village and Parish.