Town and Manor Trustees want your vote
Voting to take place on Wednesday May 18
FOR the first time in three years, the trustees of the Town and Manor of Hungerford are up for election... and they want your vote.
The new Constable of the Town and Manor, Ellie Dickins, said: “Not everyone who is eligible to vote is aware they can do so – we invite them to get involved in this important local institution.”
Those eligible to vote have to be registered on the Electoral Roll and must live within the ancient tithings of the Town Tithing and the tithing of the liberty of Sanden Fee – broadly the area south of the River Dun which was the old county boundary with Wiltshire.
Voting takes place in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday, May 18.
There will be a plan at the polling station showing the boundaries and the polling lists will be printed up accordingly.
Only 10 trustees will be elected, with the option for a further two to be co-opted.
Candidates standing for election are:
Anthony Buckwell: A trustee since 2011, after a lifetime working with domestic and international charities as well as in the finance sector, he said: “I’m convinced much remains to be done to make the Town and Manor an even more significant contributor to the community of Hungerford .
“Additionally, since my time on Hungerford Town Council [2007-11], I have continued with efforts to make more effective the synergy between the Town and Manor, Hungerford Town Council and other key organisations in our town.
“The vibrant Youth and Community Centre is a typical example of what can be achieved by the various parties working together.”
Robert James: Served as an elected trustee for 45 years and was appointed Constable in 1978/81 by the Hocktide Court. He said: “I’ve been honorary secretary of the Commons and Land Management Committee since 1998.
“I wish to continue to reform management and finances of the Town and Manor of Hungerford, respecting the ancient rights and privileges inherited by the town.
“I believe that the inhabitants of Hungerford have many unique legacies acquired through six centuries that need protecting for future generations of the people of Hungerford.
“I would consider that with my lifetime in Hungerford and experience as trustee I can continue to give good service to the Town and Manor of Hungerford.”
Chris Scorey: He said: “My family and I have lived in Hungerford for 39 years and I’m passionate about preserving the town’s unique heritage and beautiful surrounding countryside.
“This has led to me serving as chairman of the Town Plan for 12 years and as a trustee of the Town and Manor for the past three.
“My particular interests are the common, Freeman’s Marsh and the Croft. As a non-commoner, dog owner living next to the Marsh, if elected, I will continue to do my best to represent the views of all users of these important open spaces.”
Caroline Lumley: She said: “My objective as trustee over the last three years has been to use my marketing experience to make Hungerford’s Town Hall and Corn Exchange a more vibrant venue for the town and its inhabitants.
“You will have noticed many extra exciting events for our town, both inside and outside of the building, which are not only highly enjoyable, but help to promote business for our local shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs.
“I would be delighted to be voted in as a trustee of the Town and Manor for a second term to continue to support this very special building.”
Bruce Mayhew: Constable for four years and a trustee for 25 years, he said: “I’ve lived in the High Street for 40 years and sit on the Commons, the Fishery and the Buildings committees and love our town and am passionate about preserving its character and especially see the role of the Town and Manor as part of a progressive and vibrant town.”
Tyrell Bossom: A trustee since he was Constable in 2000; currently head of finance using his skills as a trained accountant. He said: “You may also know me as a retired local postman, behind the counter in my shop Crown Needlework and occasionally treading the boards in the Town Show.
“I hope to be able to carry on being part of the team which enables the Town and Manor to manage the common lands, the Town Hall and still make donations to various Hungerford organisations.
Peter Joseph: He said: “I am standing for the position of trustee for the Town and Manor of Hungerford to ensure that we continue to manage and protect the charity’s assets including the Common, Freeman’s Marsh and the Town Hall for the benefit of the community of Hungerford.
“As a long-standing resident, and former Hungerford Fishery manager for over five years, I understand the importance of the work the charity does, and I believe I can bring my experience in marketing, communications, IT and business to help with the smooth running of the charity, enabling it to meet its goals in supporting the town and community of Hungerford.”
Barbara Barr: She said: “My family has resided in Hungerford since the 1880s and I am proud to be called a Hungerfordian.
“I taught at the John O’Gaunt School for 27 years and when I retired I wanted to give something back to the town.
“I have been fortunate to have been elected a trustee and have also served as Constable of the Town and Manor for three years.
“As a current trustee, I strive to maintain and improve the Town and Manor Charity for the benefits of the present and future inhabitants of Hungerford. I therefore, ask for you for your continued support.”
Greg Furr: He said: “Aided by over 40 years’ experience in business I have been associated with the Town and Manor of Hungerford for 15 years, including three years as Constable and chairman of the trustees.
“I believe it’s important to support the unique traditions of Hungerford and to ensure that the commoners’ assets are protected and maintained for the benefit of the town.”
Jonathan Welfare: He said: “I would very much wish to be able to contribute such skills and experience as I have to the government of the Town and Manor and to the community in which I live.
“These include over 40 years as a trustee of many charities; also direct experience of estate management; restoration and commercial management of historic buildings; conservation of natural habitats, financial and investment management. A committee member of Hungerford Historical Association for many years and until recently a commoner.”
Fiona Hobson: Comes from a local family with a long-standing history of service to Hungerford and, in particular, to the Town and Manor of Hungerford.
She said: “I’m involved in community events, Chamber of Commerce, Town Team Hungerford and I am the present secretary of Hungerford United Reformed Church. I would welcome the opportunity to represent the community as a trustee of the Town and Manor, particularly to encourage the younger generation to appreciate our heritage and protect our unique environment.”
Paul Burrough
Denis Cryer
