Tell us a bit about your background.

I spent twenty-four years in the RAF as an aircraft engineer and have lived all over the country. On leaving RAF, I worked for one of the UK’s largest industrial maintenance solutions providers as a national account manager before being headhunted by a German industrial fan and motor manufacturer in a business-development role. We moved to Hungerford around twelve years ago having identified it as a wonderful place to live and closer to our sailing boat we had in Southampton.

What made you become a Hungerford Town Councillor and when did this happen?

My wife was instrumental in my joining the council  – as she put it, “you can’t moan about things if you are not prepared to do something about them.” This was after bumping into Helen and former HTC Councillor Dan Lewis at the Foor and Artisan market one Sunday five years ago. I joined to give something back to the town that had welcomed us in and I have to say it has been a blast.

How did the experience of being a councillor match with your expectations?

I thought it would be a stuffy and not very dynamic environment but it’s very far from it. The team is extremely enthusiastic and we have a very wide and complimentary skill set across. I was astounded that we do not have many more powers than do member sof the public but we bring to bear an impressive capacity to lobby and, if necessary, to get under the skin of those who do wield the power in order to get results. It is also a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life and organisations from around and about town.

How would you describe the role of being a Town Councillor?

Being a voice for the community and defender of all that we the residents hold special. We have to be conscious of the town’s history whilst looking for ways to future-proof it and driving prosperity and opportunity for all.

How would you describe the work of HTC?

Being receptive of residents’ concerns, formulating effective plans for investment that benefits the town, prioritising and managing maintenance of assets within our care, capitalising on grants and opportunities for the betterment of all and setting up our young people to thrive.

You’ve just replaced Helen Simpson, Hungerford’s longest-serving Mayor. Any butterflies about that?

Not really. I’m obviously acutely aware she’s been in the role a long time and has done her very best in her tenure. It’s now time for me and the team to grasp the nettle and face the challenges ahead. It’s exciting and I relish the opportunity and am deeply honoured to be voted by my colleagues.

Is there any advice or encouragement that Helen offered you (which you’d be happy to share…)?

Only that her door is always open should need any pointers, or a cuppa…

The Mayor of Hungerford is unique in West Berkshire: in the other two towns (Newbury and Thatcham) the Mayor is largely ceremonial and there’s also a leader of the council who, amongst other things, chairs the meeting. In Hungerford, these two roles are combined. How do you feel this dual function will work for you?

I know nothing else as I’ve only been a councillor in Hungerford, so for me it feels perfectly natural. In my view the real work is what happens in the shadows actually making things happen and keeping the machine working. The ceromonial side is a nice to have but, even if it weren’t there, we’d still function as a town, albiet a liittle less colourfully. It is nevertheless very important to carry on traditions and remember the past and celebrate the achievements of those who have gone before.

What would you say are the major challenges facing Hungerford?

Being heard and listened to on major issues that could affect the town. As with all towns, we must evolve and ensure prosperity whilst fighting for our share of infrastructure and social care out of an ever-shrinking pot.

What do you think are the best things about the town?

Without doubt, its community spirit. We’re very blessed to have many volutnteers and groups who go above and beyond for the benefit of all. The town has a history of coming together when needed. It’s imperitive that we carry this on and involve all residents in major town decisions.

What would you most like to be remembered as having accomplished when your own time as Mayor comes to an end?

As having been honest, hardworking and open. In terms of a single achievement, that’s difficult to answer at this early stage. Thus far in my journey with HTC we’ve already had many momentous occasions and achievements in the four years I have been a councillor. Certainly gaining a satisfactory result regarding Chestnut Walk would be the first thing coming over the hill towards us.

If you could change one thing to make local government work better, what would it be?

Clear and open engagement on major decisions that affect towns. There is no worse feeling than “being done to” and to have a project fail due to a blinkered approach from on far or on high.

Finally, imagine if you can that I’m Lauren Laverne and this is Desert Island Discs. What would be your one must-have piece of music? 

Easy! The LP Stanley Road by Paul Weller. If I can only have one song, then You Do Something To Me from that album.

You can have the whole album. And your book?

The Moon’s a Ballon by David Niven. Life is often far more amazing than fiction so biographies are my go-to read. This one had me laughing out loud on a packed train which was quite embarrassing.

And – not an option she offers – your film or TV series?

I love a film that delivers triumph over advesity and the strength of human will. The Shawshank Redemption is the epitome of this.

And your luxury item? 

A mosquito net – a good night’s sleep is essential, on a desert island or anywhere else…

See also…

• Interview with Hungerford Mayor Helen Simpson, May 2026.
• Interview with the then current Mayor Helen Simpson, former Mayors Keith Knight and Martin Crane and Town Clerk Claire Barnes, May 2025.