Further information and vote share.

Your councillors

1. Burghfield Ward

Cllr Dr Royce Longton

Royce retired a couple of years ago following an academic career as an ecologist and bryologist (that means he studied mosses and liverworts - it takes all sorts!), and he is now able to spend more time on the golf course and training a new puppy. After 10 years at the University of Manitoba in Canada Royce spent 25 years at Reading University where he became Head of the Department of Botany. He carried out fieldwork in many of the world's ecosystems from the polar desert of Antarctica to tropical forests and montane vegetation in central Africa. He wrote around 80 scientific papers and one book, the Biology of Polar Bryophytes and Lichens published by Cambridge University Press. Royce was driven into politics by revulsion against the institutionalised selfishness promulgated by Margaret Thatcher, and naturally joined the then Liberal Democrat Party. He has represented Burghfield as a Berkshire County Councillor (1993-98) and on Newbury District Council/West Berkshire Council since 1995. Throughout this time he has been closely involved in planning issues, seeking to achieve the best possible balance between ensuring sufficient housing to meet genuine need while avoiding damage to the environment, and between preserving our attractive countryside while minimising the harm to existing communities by cramming too many new homes into urban areas. He has represented West Berkshire Council as Chairman of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee for the six Berkshire Unitary Councils, and as Vice Chairman of the South East England Assembly's Regional Planning Committee. Elsewhere, he has sought to bring his professional expertise as an ecologist to bear on sustainability issues such as waste management, nature conservation, and reducing carbon dioxide emessions, for example through his Chairmanship of Thames Valley Energy, a not-for-profit company promoting the development of renewable energy. technologies throughout the Thames Valley and beyond.
royce.longton@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=7&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=15&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=4

2. Greenham Ward

Cllr Billy Drummond

I have lived and worked in Newbury for the last 15 years, I am married to Sharon and we have 3 children William, Holly and Beth and all three attended very good local schools. I have always been interested in Greenham issues since I got involved as chair of the Community Association about 12 years ago. In 2000 I was elected to Greenham Parish Council which gave me my first taste of local politics. Then in 2003 I was selected to represent the Greenham/Pyle Hill Ward with Julian Swift-Hook and we won both seats which I am truly proud to represent for Greenham, the Lib Dems and myself. Some of my proudest achievements over the last three years include the skateboard ramp and new play area on Pigeons Farm, road resurfacing and improved lighting in Water Lane, getting the New Road bridleway resurfaced and lit, new footpath and cycle way on Greenham Road, safety barrier outside Greenham Court School, toucan crossing on Pyle Hill, new bollards and off road parking on Stroud Green as well as helping Greenham residents with planning applications and many other issues. I have served on the council's Executive, holding the portfolio responsibilities for Public Protection and Community Safety and I have also been a member of planning committees.
billy.drummond@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=17&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=6&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=8

Cllr Julian Swift-Hook

Originally from Southampton and now living in Greenham, I have been a Newbury area resident for more than 20 years. I have been a Lib Dem Member of Newbury Town Council for 10 years (since its inception) and I have represented Greenham on West Berkshire Council since 2000. As a Councillor I am particularly involved in planning matters, having chaired both the Planning and Development Committee and Western Area Planning Committee. I am interested in "green" issues, both professionally and as a Councillor, with a particular focus on wind and wave energy.
julian.swift-hook@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=18&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=5&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=10

3. Mortimer Ward

Cllr Mollie Lock

For more information please visit Mollie Lock's web page:
mollie.lock@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=42&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=6&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=10

Cllr Keith Lock

I was born in Welling, Kent, educated at Colfe's School, Lewisham and later at Woolwich Polytechnic [Diploma in Management Studies]. I am reasonably fluent in French with a working knowledge of Spanish. I worked in the food industry for many years (biscuits and confectionery 1949 -1992), and my last job was European Sales manager for the Jacobs group. I took slightly early retirement in 1992 just in time to help run Newbury District Council after we took control in 1991. My political career saw me stand for Orpington UDC in 1959-60-61 and Bromley BC 1964 & 67. I moved to Mortimer in 1969 and was elected to Newbury DC on it's formation in 1973. I was also a Member of Berkshire CC 1985-9 before standing down. I stood as the Parliamentary candidate for Reading West in 1987 and 1992, was Chairman of Council 1993-4 and 2003-4. Chair of Housing Committee 1991-2, and Leader of Council 1994-7 and 1999-2001. My hobbies include reading, music and watching cricket and football.
keith.lock@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=27&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=2&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=4

4. Northcroft Ward

Cllr Gwen Mason

Gwen has lived in the District for the past 40 years, and in Chestnut Crescent for 23 years. She has worked for the NHS and in local education and housing for the elderly sectors. She recently became a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.
gwen.mason@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=29&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=4&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=9

Cllr Tony Vickers

I've been a Lib Dem party member since school in the 60s, when my father left the Army with thoughts of Parliament. I too 'entered politics' after a career with Military Survey, which brought me to the Newbury area in 1980. It is the principle of social and economic justice combined with 'small government' and free markets operating for 'the small man' that attracted me to Liberalism. We offer a healthy 'green' alternative to the politics of greed and envy represented by Toryism and Socialism respectively. As David Steel said: "If Liberalism didn't exist, we would need to invent it." I was brought up in rural Devonshire but having worked in downtown Hong Kong and outback Australia, my biggest interest is in the relationship between people and natural resources. I now work as a land policy researcher and lecturer, specialising in the study of property taxes as incentives for 'good behaviour' by landowners and governments. Planning, housing and transport are where I apply this interest on West Berks Council. But I'm interested in the whole business of government and democracy and wish more people - especially the young - played a part in it.
tony.vickers@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=30&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=7&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=13

5. Thatcham North Ward

Cllr Lee Dillon

Lee was born and brought up in Thatcham, and seems to have a relative on almost every street. While at university in Wales, Lee became a town councillor, and then Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Pontypridd Town Council.
lee.dillon@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=43&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=0&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=7

Cllr David Rendel

David Rendel was a district councillor between 1987 to 1995, and the MP for Newbury from 1993 to 2005. He says that the greatest satisfaction in being an MP was fighting for justice for individuals who were unfairly treated by the Government.
david.rendel@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=42&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=12&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=8
http://www.davidrendel.org.uk/

6. Thatcham South & Crookham Ward

Cllr Owen Jeffery

For more information please visit Owen Jeffery's web page:
owen.jeffery@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=40&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=9&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=7

Cllr Terry Port

I have a number of passions which include fly fishing, motorcycling, classic cars and red wine appreciation! I come from a country background with a love of all things rural, coming from both my gamekeeper and waterkeeper grandfathers. With a commercial background in the Electrical Supply Industry, I now operate as a Health and Safety Consultant. I spent some years serving in the Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Electrical Fitter and travelled extensively. I have worked with children and young people for many years and firmly believe that they are the absolute key to our future and I am currently a member of the Thatcham Youth Trust. I am very keen on any environmental issues and try very hard to practice what I preach, currently increasing my rainwater storage facility to over 1,000 litres. Now looking at solar gain systems both for environmental and financial reasons - saving money to fund my hobbies listed above!
terry.port@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=50&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=8&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=14

7. Thatcham West Ward

Cllr Jeff Brooks

Jeff Brooks has lived in Thatcham since 1979. Married to Andrea with three children, Amy, Thomas and Jonathon, Jeff is a Freelance Computer Consultant and Company Director. From 1984 through to 1998 he ran the Thatcham Charity Show which raised several thousands of pounds annually for local Charities and self help groups. He was co-opted onto Thatcham Town Council in 1992 and was elected to Berkshire County Council in 1994. Jeff served on the Public Protection Committee (Chairman 1995 - 1998) and the Social Services Committee and he took over as Leader of the Council for the last three months up to its abolition in May 1998. Jeff was elected to West Berkshire District Council in 1997 and to the new Unitary Council in 1998. As Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Jeff is responsible for the scrutiny of Council functions and has previously served as Chairman of the Council's Public Protection Committee and the Policy and Resources portfolio, managing the Council's finances. Jeff enjoys being busy and is a keen amateur dramatist - being a member of the KATS drama Group since 1982 and playing in and/or directing over 30 productions including Panto, Farce, serious drama and musical review.
jeff.brooks@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=41&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=7&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=10

Cllr Keith Woodhams

For more information please visit Keith Woodhams' web page:
keith.woodhams@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=46&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=5&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=8

8. Theale Ward

Cllr Alan Macro

Alan Macro is a Computer Analyst and is married with three adult daughters. He has lived in Theale for twenty-one years and is West Berkshire Councillor for Theale. He is also a Theale Parish Councillor. He has previously served as a District Councillor on Newbury District Council and as chairman of Theale Parish Council. Alan is a governor of Theale Green Community School.
alan.macro@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=47&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=3&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=8

9. Victoria Ward

Cllr Roger Hunneman

I was first elected to Newbury Town Council for St John's ward in the elections of 2000. In 2002 I retired from my job at the University of Reading where I was managing a research group making infra-red filters and optical coatings for use in instrumentation used in satellite borne remote sensors and Planetary Probes. This instrumentation is used to measure the composition of atmospheres, temperatures, upper level winds, etc and is one of the principal tools for understanding atmospheric processes and Global Warming. In the elections of 2003 I stood in St John's again for the Town Council and for West Berks Council, this election was fought in a ward where the boundaries had been radically changed and consequently I did get re-elected to Newbury Town Council but just failed to get elected to West Berks in an extremely close contest. On being elected to the Town Council I became Deputy Leader of the Council - a role I was just settling into when I was selected to stand in a by-election in December 2003 in the new Victoria ward. At West Berks I have sat on the Newbury Area Planning committee and now on the new Western Area planning committee and have been involved in the development of West Berkshire's new Local Development Framework, the Licensing committee and the Newbury Town Centre Task Group. More recently I have become a member of the cross-party working group developing the Council's Climate Change Strategy On the change of political power at West Berks in 2004 I was elected by the Lib Dem Group onto the Shadow Executive where my portfolio includes Culture, Recreation, Libraries, the Visions for Newbury Town Centre, Thatcham and the east of the District ) Older Peoples Services, Electoral and Legal matters. This is rather a mixed bag! Please let me know if there are issues in these areas you want me to take up for you or if you have suggestions in these areas that you feel should be in our manifesto for the next elections in May 2007, I would love to hear from you. I have an active interest in renewable energy, technology and engineering, taming my garden and doing (challenging) renovations and repairs to my house. I enjoy going on the occasional holiday with my long suffering wife, Jill, and spending time with my daughter Stephanie, and sons James and Andrew when Council activities permit
roger.hunneman@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=51&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=6&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=5

Cllr Gabrielle McGarvey

Gabrielle has been a town councillor since 2003. She sits on both Newbury Town Council and West Berkshire Council and is keen to ensure a shared vision for the future of Victoria Park. As well as being a school governor, Gabrielle is active with various youth groups. She also led Newbury's successful bid for Fairtrade status.
gabrielle.mcgarvey@westberkslibdems.org.uk
http://ww2.westberks.gov.uk/_dbpages/members/councillors_individual1.asp?ID=53&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.x=12&Click+here+to+view+this+parish.y=7

Councillors

West Berkshire Lib. Dem. Office

Market Street Newbury RG14 5LD
01635 519 097

Newbury Town Councillors

Full contact details of Newbury Town Councillors can be found on the Newbury Town Council website.
http://www.newbury.gov.uk/councillors.htm

Thatcham Town Councillors

Full contact details of Thatcham Town Councillors can be found on the Thatcham Town Council website
http://www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/main/index.html