MARTLEY

ARTHUR MOUNTFORD (INDEPENDENT)

BARBARA WILLIAMS (CONSERVATIVE)

I have been the representative on Malvern Hills District Council for Martley ward for 24 years and over the years have held various senior roles, I have been chairman of council twice, one of my proudest achievements is being given the role of Rural Champion.

I was born in Clifton on Teme to an old well established family and I have lived and worked within the Teme Valley all my life. I went to Clifton on Teme CE Primary School then to the Chantry Secondary School in Martley, I married my late husband Andrew whose family was also local. We ran our own timber merchant, sawmilling and blinds manufacturing business on Martley Hillside and also brought up our four daughters there, I also have six lovely grandchildren.

I regularly attend Martley, Wichenford and Kenswick Parish Councils, my reports are within the parish council minutes which are printed in the Villager magazine each month also they can be viewed on the Parish Website.

I would very much like to continue as your district councillor, representing you at Malvern Hills and being a strong voice for Martley, Wichenford and Kenswick.

MORTON

NEIL BALDWIN (CONSERVATIVE)

Originally from Welland, I’m truly Worcestershire born and bred with my paternal ancestry hailing from the village of Castlemorton. I am proud to be able to raise my own family locally, settling between Welland and Upton-upon-Severn.

We are extremely fortunate to live and work in an especially enchanting part of the country. This is why I think it is of paramount importance to protect our environment.

It has been identified that Malvern Hills District Council need to build 14,000 new homes and as such the adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan is being reviewed. Providing the right homes in the right places, particularly for our elderly and the young families, alongside protecting the Area of Natural Beauty we are lucky to belong to.

Working in finance (insurance) and now managing my own local company (in tourism and property management) I have a solid appreciation of the benefits of a thriving economy and financial prudence. A successful local economy supports a community’s sense of cohesion and is a vital part of community.

I would work tirelessly to speak up for Morton at Malvern Hills District Council, as an advocate of local business in our area, to ensure we’re not over-looked for any opportunities that could benefit our residents.

MICK DAVIES (INDEPENDENT)

Mick was born in Worcestershire, has lived in Welland since 1982 and has been a district councillor for the past four years.

After 40 years working in a UK engineering company he knows how to deal with bureaucracies and how to get things done for our rural communities.

Mick has proved himself to be a hardworking, well respected and influential Councillor and a wise voice on planning financial and business matters. Cutting through petty party politics he works for outcomes that benefit Morton and Malvern Hills residents.

He has been a leader in many community projects including better broadband delivery to deprived areas, investing in sensible and sustainable open space and recreation schemes, raising awareness of social isolation and dementia and promoting social events.

He is committed to work with local councils, resident groups, the Area of Natural Beauty partnership and Malvern Hills Trust to preserve our wonderful environment for us all, for visitors and for future generations.

PICKERSLEIGH

PAUL BENNETT (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I have lived locally in Malvern for over 10 years. Now semi-retired, I have spent much time involved in planning issues and campaigning in our area for more affordable housing and less traffic congestion. I am passionate about preserving the Malvern Hills and would like to see a new National Park based on the Severn and Wye valleys to preserve our wonderful area and bring secure jobs for the future.

All of my family is proud to help fund local charities and we are members at Malvern Theatres. We will always support local jobs and business whenever possible. My wife and I spend a lot of time walking our two dogs on the hills.

Pickersleigh is an area where my passions for better housing and an improved living environment can be put to good use to serve the residents there.

CAROLINE BOVEY (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I have lived in Pickersleigh Ward for more than 40 years. I was educated at Alice Ottley School, Worcester and Birmingham City University (Business Studies). I have had a varied career in the civil service, journalism, management and local business including mobile discotheques and concert promotions at what was Malvern Winter Gardens.

I have been a town councillor for 13 years and a Lib Dem district councillor for the past four years. I am dedicated to improving the environment within the area, highlighting social issues such as the lack of care facilities and social housing and especially working closely with residents to resolve issues of concern. I have close links with the local charities, schools and groups, including regularly volunteering with Malvern Hills Repair Café. I am a carer and declutterer and enjoy crafting, walking and birdwatching.

SYDNEY HARRISON (CONSERVATIVE)

It was in 2005 that I moved to Malvern to be nearer to my family who are local farmers. I have been a widow for 30 years.

I worked for many years for Marks and Spencer in staff management which included training in customer service skills. Since retirement I have been busy looking after my grandson and getting my garden ready to be opened to the public with the National Garden’s scheme.

I have had previous experience of being a councillor on Malvern Hills District. I understand what is needed to get things done and I will listen to your views. We need to continue the community projects that have been started and work with partners such as Fortis to ensure this area is one the best areas of Malvern to live.

LYNNE LAMBETH (LABOUR)

As an active member of the town council for three years, I have been involved in many of the decisions to make sure that we have a safe, clean and attractive environment for children and adults to enjoy. I support the provision of allotments for all ages to encourage a healthy lifestyle and have worked on the Pickersleigh garden, sharing skills and produce with residents, while having exercise and fun together.

I am proud of our town and its amenities; the many ceremonies, events, music and entertainment we organise throughout the year are so important to our families and friends and I’ll continue to support these.

I will use my experience and knowledge to influence matters important to you, particularly planning for local employment and affordable housing. With a growing and ageing population we must keep our public services at a level sufficient to cope with demand now - and for the future.

LOU LOWTON (LABOUR)

As a KS4 and KS5 teacher of 13 years, a foodbank volunteer for two years and a leader of the campaign to save Langdale Wood, I have despaired at the cuts to youth, library and bus services in Malvern which have made the lives of working families harder and at the disregard for our public spaces and the interests of ordinary people. I really worry about the potential threats to our fire service and community hospital.

I am dedicated to fighting further cuts to local services and supporting local businesses so that our local economy and working people can prosper. Our current council on district have been unable to achieve this and a fresh pair of eyes is now needed to fight for the interests of local people, our public services, our local businesses, our public spaces and our social and economic lives.

RICHARD WHITEHEAD (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I was born near Bristol and lived in Oxfordshire and Kent before moving to Malvern nine years ago. I teach and act as special educational needs coordinator in a local school, am the author of a book and free online course on dyslexia and run a local dyslexia consultancy. I am also on the board of directors for a small dyslexia charity and am learning how to help people with autism. I am particularly interested in getting a good education for all children.

I am passionate about improving the local environment in Pickersleigh, Malvern and more widely. I am very concerned about the accumulation of plastics in landfill and in our oceans, about climate change and pollution.

I am a widower with three children, one still at a local school. I enjoy cooking, train travel and walking my two dogs.

JANE YARDLEY (CONSERVATIVE)

I lived in Birmingham for most of my working life, moving down to West Worcestershire fifteen years ago. I have worked in administration in industry and for schools in Birmingham, Herefordshire and Worcestershire until I retired. Since then I have acted in a voluntary capacity on various committees including the local Area Partnership.

I am on the Parochial Church Council of my local church and on other village committees. I sing in the church choir and also in the village choir.

This is my first attempt to become a councillor and I am keen to make sure that the needs of Pickersleigh and its surrounding area are addressed.

POWICK

DAVE BARRIE (UKIP)

I have lived in Malvern since 1982 and until my retirement I worked in the field of nutrition and health foods.

It was the 2002 EU Directive on nutritional supplements that first alerted me to the machinations of the EU. The wholly unnecessary directive threatened to put many firms out of business, including mine. To comply cost my company a six-figure sum and consequential redundancies.

I joined UKIP and campaigned for the freedom to choose and I continue to campaign for this and affordable healthy options in hospitals and the like.

I believe that the UK should reclaim sovereignty, self-determination, and the right to make its own laws.

SYLWIA MIZIULA (CONSERVATIVE)

I am wife to my husband and mum to two lovely children and also have a four-year-old Labrador called Timmy.

We live in Malvern Wells area and have lived here for over nine years, prior to moving to beautiful Malvern we have lived in Warndon Villages in Worcester. We are very lucky to be surrounded by beautiful hills, commons, fields where opportunities to keep active, and spend quality time with family are endless.

I have studied law at Staffordshire University and completed different accounting courses.

I am working at a well-respected facilities management company in Malvern as a HR and office manager.

Apart from my work and family life I am working voluntarily supporting Polish Community with different matters. I am a trustee at the Worcestershire Polish Association and also a committee member at the Worcester Deaf Children's Society.

I am keen to speak up for the residents of Powick and represents their needs and requirements.

ELAINE NEWMAN (INDEPENDENT)

My husband and I moved to Powick 19 years ago . I have been your district councillor for the last eight years but am now standing as an Independent so I am free of party politics. This means I am free to represent only residents and do not have to answer to any political leadership.

Our children attended the local play groups and school that are based in our village.

Whilst attending the play group in Powick village hall we all made fantastic friends within the villagers of Powick. This is my community and I will always stand up for those who live in the ward.

I am fully engaged in the community, work hard to support local charities, the school and our youth groups. I want our council to focus on affordable homes, a thriving local economy and a better future for our children. Setting aside party politics and getting on with making all our lives better.

I have taken part in a few half marathons and a full marathon raising money for local and national charities .My next project is Worcester's half marathon on May 29 for a pancreatic cancer charity.

KATHY WELLS (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I was brought up in Oxfordshire and moved to Malvern after finishing my business degree in 1985. I came to live in Callow End in 1992, with my husband Councillor Tom Wells and we liked it too much to leave.

For 20 years I taught in local primary schools, specialising in early years education, and in 2010 embarked on a new career in customer service. The most important parts of being a good local councillor are essentially customer service - listening, liaising and negotiating solutions.

I hope to work alongside Tom to provide that great service to the people of Powick ward.

With the good communication that comes from over 30 years of team work, co-ordinating our progress towards common goals, we will ensure that issues and concerns are dealt with properly and promptly.

In my free time I enjoy sewing, gardening and walking our border collie.

TOM WELLS (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I am a local boy, born in Malvern and educated at the King’s School, Worcester. I trained and worked as a music teacher and it is a privilege to conduct Powick Community Choir, which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

It’s fair to say I know my way around local government and how to get things done. I was first elected to the district council in 1995. Since then I have dedicated myself to serving the villages of Powick ward.

The ward elects two councillors and this time my running mate is my wife, Kathy. This may seem a little unusual, but we believe there are clear advantages to both councillors living under the same roof. Communication would be so much easier and one of us should usually be on hand to deal directly with any enquiry.

Away from local politics, I enjoy gardening and watching cricket.

PRIORY

HANNAH CAMPBELL (CONSERVATIVE)

Having moved to Malvern 17 years ago for secondary school, Hannah is now an account director for a digital apprenticeship’s provider. She’s passionate about creating a town young people want to continue living in after education which means the right jobs, places to live and things to do. Businesses need access to the skills they need to enable them to grow and therefore must ensure that the right training and education is available.

Hannah has been a district and town councillor for Priory ward for the past eight years. During which time she has held chairman of overview and scrutiny, deputy chairman of planning (southern area management committee) and digital champion for the council.

ROGER HALL-JONES (CONSERVATIVE)

Roger is chairman of the council's southern area planning committee and he is the council's heritage champion. He has used his extensive knowledge of the history of Malvern to inform decision making within the council. He is also known to be passionate and protective of the Malvern Hills and their setting in an area of exceptional landscape quality.

He was born and educated in Malvern and has a wide experience of local government at every level, district, town and county.

A businessman in Malvern town centre, he is committed to conserving the amenities of Great Malvern but equally anxious to seize the opportunities for the town to progress as a lively and vibrant shopping centre for everyone, young and old, and as a tourist destination with special emphasis on leisure, theatre and the arts.

JOSEPHINE LEIBRANDT (LABOUR)

I live in Malvern, work in the town centre and have three children at local schools. My background is in psychology with research work on autism and anxiety. I have a masters in animal behaviour and welfare and was director of the environmental education programme Roots and Shoots in Germany, working for the environmentalist and UN Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall.

Malvern has something special to offer and has such a warm and creative community. With your vote I will represent you and will listen and act on your behalf.

I would like to see Malvern flourish and I would focus on reviving the high street and supporting local businesses, address transport and crime concerns, oppose the drastic cuts to education, address homelessness and other pressing social and health issues, encourage projects that bring the community and generations together and that will protect our green spaces and wildlife.

BEVERLEY NIELSEN (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

Bev was born in Malvern Wells, moving back to raise her family here.

As Associate Professor she leads the Birmingham City University think tank, IDEA Institute. She served as a Worcestershire County Councillor between 2009 and 2013, saving Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre from closure, setting up a community business and working with the team to open a second centre in Bell Heath, Bromsgrove, welcoming more than 5,000 young people every year.

Bev promoted tourism as CEO of the Heart of England Tourist Board and served on the board of the Malvern Hills Trust, being passionate about our countryside, habitats and safeguarding our special environment.

She has a strong interest in developing local business, having worked as Director for the CBI and as managing director of retailer Fired Earth, part of the AGA Rangemaster Group. In 2017 she stood as Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate in the West Midlands and is the Lib Dem’s prospective parliamentary candidate in West Worcestershire.

CYNTHIA PALMER (INDEPENDENT)

I have represented Priory ward on Malvern Town Council for five years and have served our beautiful town as Mayor for the past three years.

As mayor I met many local people and businesses and experienced at first hand the issues that are important to all of us and our town.

I am now standing as a district councillor because during my career I worked at all levels of local government and believe I have the experience and knowledge to tackle difficult issues.

I believe in putting people before politics, supporting our community, listening to your views and voting the way you would wish me to and not in support of a political party.

DEE TOMLIN (LIBERAL DEMOCRAT)

I live and run my business in Malvern. I am a trained acupuncturist and former music teacher.

Before moving to Malvern with my husband, I raised my family in Berkshire and served my local community there as a councillor for more than 20 years. I also served on a community health council and worked as a volunteer school governor in both a primary and secondary school.

I enjoy walking on the hills, singing in a local choir and visiting the theatre.

If elected I intend to put my previous experience to use and ensure that Malvern Hills Council is much more accountable to local people. I believe Malvern is a very special place to live and needs to be looked after for now and for future generations. Environmental issues, especially in terms of transport and housing, need to be at the heart of policy decisions and at the forefront of local decision making.