FARNHAM voters will go to the polls this Thursday (May 2) to elect 18 new councillors across Farnham Town Council’s nine wards.

In the build-up to the local elections, the Herald offered each candidate the chance to submit a 150-word statement, setting out in their own words why the deserve your vote on May 2.

These are listed below, in alphabetical order by ward then candidate.

Elections for borough councillors will also happen on this day, with the borough council candidates posted in a separate article on the Herald website (link below).

County council elections will take place in 2021.

Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm at polling stations across the borough of Waverley.

The counting of votes for borough council elections will take place on Friday (May 3), with the town and parish counts to follow on Saturday (May 4).

The results will be published live from the count on the Herald website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

FARNHAM BOURNE

* Roger Blishen (Farnham Residents)

This is the first opportunity since 2011 (eight years ago!) for residents of The Bourne to vote for their local representative on Farnham Town Council and Waverley Borough Council since the then existing councillors were returned unopposed in 2015 and Roger is standing as the Farnham Residents candidate. Roger moved to Farnham 34 years ago with his wife Ann and two teenage children and they quickly came to appreciate the town and its surrounding beautiful countryside.

Roger has been involved in voluntary work with various disability organisations for many years and is currently vice-chair of South West Surrey Disability Empowerment Network. Roger has also been involved in Scouting since 1949 and also started a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

If elected Roger intends to work closely with The Bourne Residents Association and The Bourne Conservation Group to ensure the interests of The Bourne are fully taken into account in the proposed expansion of Farnham.

* Carole Cockburn (Con)

Carole and her husband, Alasdair, have lived in the Bourne for many years. She is the current leader of Farnham Town Council and has been town mayor twice. Her children and grandchildren live in the town and she fully understands the need to maintain the economic vibrancy of Farnham for future generations.

Carole is very proud of the achievements of the town council. She loves taking an active part in the excellent programme of events, designed to attract residents and visitors alike and can be seen planting tubs at the Bourne crossroads, litter-picking or painting railings as part of the highly successful Farnham in Bloom project.

Her big passion is planning. Carole led the groups, which produced both the Farnham Design Statement and the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan. Her current campaign, being waged locally and in Westminster, is to have Neighbourhood Planning given the respect it deserves in the planning process.

* Simon Foale (Con)

Simon is married with three children and spent 26 years in the Royal Navy, mostly in the Fleet Air Arm, and is now working as a scientific adviser for the Ministry of Defence. His family settled in Lower Bourne to be closer to their extended family, having enjoyed numerous visits to Farnham town centre and regular events at the prodigious Bridge Club over the past 25 years. Simon has been a borough councillor in Surrey Heath and Elmbridge Councils, making a difference for those local communities, and wants to use that experience to benefit The Bourne Green and make sure Farnham maintains its character and continues to develop its facilities and we keep The Bourne Park a special oasis at the heart of the ward. You will often see Simon running around the ward striving to stay fit. He still plays bridge and squash in his local club leagues.

* Cosmo Lupton (Lib Dem)

I’ve lived in the Farnham area for the past nine years. I am running to be a councillor to serve the area that I love and because, as a liberal, I believe active local councillors and strong local government can can make a huge difference in people’s day-to-day lives.

As your councillor I would keep in touch all year round, consult residents on the issues that matter to them and hold the council to account.

I would work to increase the level of affordable housing (an issue people of my generation are most keenly aware of), improve air quality (which can be worse than the M25 in some parts of our area) and would stand up to cuts to local services.

FARNHAM CASTLE

* David Beaman (Farnham Residents)

Party politics has no part to play in local government decision making and on May 2 voters will have the once-in-four-year opportunity to change the way decisions are taken in Farnham and at Waverley based on the interests of people who live and work in Farnham and not dictated by any national political party. After a career in public transport, including several years owning a small bus company in Dorset, David moved to Farnham in 2010 and in 2011 was elected as an independent councillor on Farnham Town Council. In 2016 David was elected as an Independent Farnham Resident councillor to represent Castle ward on Farnham Town Council and since last May has also represented Castle ward on Waverley Borough Council. David is also chair of the South West Surrey Disability Empowerment Network and also is a national representative of independent councillors on the Local Government Association.

* Pat Frost (Con)

Pat Frost was brought up in East London and moved to Farnham some 40-plus years ago and is married with two step-children. Pat is a very experienced and long-serving councillor who puts community before self. Over her many years’ service she has worked with and initiated many major projects in the town such as an extra deck on the station car park, and extra exit and parking schemes. She has also fought inappropriate developments. Pat is very keen that every effort should be made for provision for our young people and will work with community organisations and the different levels of local government to ensure this happens.

* Joshua Gilbert (Lab) – has not submitted a statement.

* George Hesse (Farnham Residents)

George and Yolande, with their three children, moved to Farnham in 1997. They are founding partners of successful local business Back to Front Exterior Design in West Street and both now retired. George devotes a lot of time to local issues as a town councillor for Castle ward and is passionate about town Centre improvements. With Farnham experiencing the biggest new housing burst in living memory, he is keen to ensure town-centre developers’ financial infrastructure payments are directed into Castle ward, that means long-overdue town-centre improvements particularly roads, pavements, trees, shrubs and new public spaces. George welcomes contact with local residents to make sure their voice is heard and wherever possible to help get their issues resolved. George says: “To me the job of councillor is not about politics, it’s simply about doing what you can to improve our town and environment for those who live here.” 

* Nora Litchfield (Con) – has not submitted a statement.

* Peter Telford (Lib Dem)

I have lived in Surrey for 20-plus years now, moving to Farnham two years ago with my wife and two young children. Previously we lived in Ash where I served as a parent governor at a local school: this experience intensified my resolve that more needed to be done to protect education and generally ensure communities have adequate infrastructure to cope with the demands of modern living.

I am keen to see Farnham maintain its character and beautiful green spaces while moving forward with the times. This will require balance and pragmatism – ensuring that where developments such as the one at Coxbridge are approved they are in line with agreed Neighbourhood and Local Plans, are well designed, minimally disruptive and return real value to the community.

I would very much appreciate the chance to contribute to making improvements to the way things are run. I would be very proud to be Castle ward’s representative.

FARNHAM FIRGROVE

* Adam Chambers (Lib Dem)

Having moved to Farnham 15 years ago, this area is very much home to my family. My wife and I have three children, who attend two of our fantastic local schools, and I am a primary school teacher in Farnborough. I am involved in many local activities that we are so fortunate to have available to us in Farnham. In particular, I am proud to have been instrumental in the reopening of 12th Farnham Scout Group – now a thriving group of almost 100 young members plus voluntary leaders.

As your town council representative, and as an active member of our local community already, I will strive to ensure that Farnham, as it grows and attracts more residents, builds an infrastructure that supports this, while continuing to be a welcoming, inclusive and healthy place to live.

* Alan Earwaker (Farnham Residents)

Alan Earwaker is a founder member of Farnham Residents. Passionate about community engagement, Alan is the project manager for Farnham Money Advice, helping local people struggling with their finances. He is also the schools and communities relations manager for SDAC, a company that runs a 24/7 helpline supporting people with drug, alcohol or mental health issues.

I am keen to give a voice to the people of the town of Farnham. Councillors should represent all the people of all ages in Farnham.

I want to improve the local environment.

Farnham is a very desirable place to live but with increased congestion on roads leading to rising air pollution levels, we need to reduce the damage we are causing to the community.

I want to improve local infrastructure.

With a huge increase in housing developments, we need to be able to accommodate the increased pressures on public services.

* Jill Hargreaves (Con)

Jill has been a borough and town councillor for Farnham Firgrove since 2007 and was elected town mayor in 2011. She is now standing solely for Farnham Town Council to concentrate on the town and its residents.

Jill is the lead member for tourism and events in Farnham and is responsible for the highly successful concerts in Gostrey Meadow which run through the summer. She also organises the Food Festival, Gin Festival and the Christmas Market.

She is determined to help with the local parking problems and is lobbying for a parking review on roads such as The Ridgway and The Fairfield. She is committed to protecting our local environment from adverse development and air pollution.

* John Neale (Farnham Residents)

I am a first-time candidate for town council. I have lived in South Farnham for 30 years and since retirement have taken an active interest in local affairs. I have served as a school governor, but now my passionate interest is seeing improvements in Farnham: town centre streetscene, pedestrianisation, economic development, etc.

I travel widely and see great improvements elsewhere; Farnham is lagging, it desperately needs modernising, everything from pavements to road systems, all while conserving our unique heritage. Last year I mounted a campaign to persuade our councils to develop a strategic plan for the town. A success: Waverley will be producing a Farnham Masterplan. As a councillor, I will make sure this Masterplan produces the best outcome for Farnham.

Most councillors are inevitably of retirement age. Younger people often have a different vision for their town. I want to find ways of taking better account of their views.

* Sue Redfearn (Con)

Sue has lived in Farnham for nearly 40 years and during that time she has been involved with various local organisations, Farnham Assist being one of the charities she supports.

Since being elected as a town councillor in 2011 she has been heavily involved with the Farnham in Bloom team which won gold awards in both Farnham in Bloom and Britain in Bloom in 2018. She also serves on the Cemeteries Committee and has helped with the redesign of The Garden of Reflection in the West Street cemetery.

* Tony Watts (Lab) – has not submitted a statement.

FARNHAM HALE AND HEATH END

* Sally Dickson (Farnham Residents)

My name is Sally Dickson. I live and work in Farnham; and my children attend All Hallows; as well as Showshack Dance.  My hobby is writing fiction and I organised the Writers’ Programme for Farnham Flash Festival 2018-2019. I support Farnham Community Farm who grow local food and grow hops for Farnham Hoppers who brew local beers. I am passionate about sustainability and would promote a prosperous, self-sufficient, local economy of fresh and local foods, with the associated benefits of exercise, community and health. I am annoyed by the proliferation of unrepaired potholes and also the unexpected felling of roadside trees. If I was elected to Farnham Town Council, I would petition Surrey council for the prompt repairs, but also campaign to have the management of the town’s roadside verges revert to Farnham Town Council gardens department.

* Michaela Gray (Farnham Residents)

My name is Michaela Gray and I have lived in Farnham the majority of my life. I have worked in local government close to 30 years, 17 of those as a housing officer.

My daughter attended the excellent local schools and various after-school clubs.

My hobbies include cooking, travelling and gardening.

I have three dogs which I enjoy taking for walks over Farnham Park so I am passionate about keeping these beautiful open spaces free from unnecessary development.

If I were to be elected as your councillor I would work hard to make sure your voice is heard in all matters relating to our town and endeavour to ensure we live in a clean (free from litter and fly tipping), safe (street lights left on all night in residential areas, and pot hole-free roads) and finally keeping the integrity and heritage of our town intact.

* Mike Hodge (Con)

Mike was born in 1958, first moved to Heath End in 1981 and now lives in Upper Hale.

His varied civil service career included roles in human resources for Defra and more recently he was a marketing and communications manager for Defra and latterly the DWP.

Mike is now retired and is currently a town and borough councillor for Hale and Heath End. He is also a trustee of 40 Degreez Youth & Community Centre and The Bishop Sumner Educational Foundation. In his spare time enjoys volunteering for the Rural Life Centre, motorcycling and beekeeping.

He works proactively and inclusively with local residents to improve local community conditions and services for all. Close to his heart are the issues of traffic and inappropriate development and he will continue to work with, and lobby, appropriate bodies to get the best for the residents of Hale and Heath End.

* Rebecca Kaye (Lab)

My name is Rebecca Kaye and I’m standing for the Labour Party in Hale and Heath End and Farnham Borough Council by-election.

I have lived in Farnham for over 20 years and know the area well as this is where I have firmly established roots and chose to bring up my family.  My son completed his schooling and higher education in the area. 

I am relatively new to the political arena. However, I have always cared passionately about the local community I live in. If elected I see this as a great opportunity to bring a fresh new perspective while ensuring the best interests of the local community are served by town and borough council decisions, and to help make our councils truly representative of the communities they serve.

* Denise Le Gal (Con)

Denise lives locally and enjoys working to protect and enhance the special nature of the area. She is very keen to preserve the green environment and takes part in regular litter picks and other community-enhancement projects.

She has been part of the team helping to clear the pavements along Alma Lane, to help make it safer for everyone using the paths.

Denise would be honoured to be elected again, so she can continue giving to the community that she lives in and cares about.

* Derek Seale (Lib Dem)

Derek has been an active member of the Liberal Democrats in Farnham over many years and has in the past been leader of the Liberal Democrats on Waverley Council and also chairman of the Farnham Society.

If elected on to Farnham Town Council he will work to provide effective representation to the people in Hale and Heath End, doing what he can to improve the environment and protect local services.

Farnham Moor Park

* Richard Hunt (Con)

Living in Lower Bourne, I am past chairman of The London Ambulance Service and currently chairman of The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

This is the first time I have been a candidate or been involved in local affairs. I intend to bring an ‘ordinary’ resident’s perspective to the various issues about our town and its future and be an effective advocate and representative, given pressures from often unwanted growth all around us.

Whatever the turmoil in the national scene this election is about our local issues and opportunities. The Town Council has only a limited range of responsibilities, but they make a visible difference to the quality of our environment, our amenities and activities which characterise this lovely town.

Farnham is a delightful place to live. I am motivated by doing what I can to ensure it is a ‘Great place to live’ now and in the future. For everyone.

* Andrew Macleod (Farnham Residents)

Andy moved to Farnham Moor Park Ward 34 years ago with his wife Penny and their four children. After a career in IT Management, he is now retired. Andy devotes most of his time to serving as a councillor and to his grandchildren. He is passionate about protecting Moor Park Ward and the town from overdevelopment and tackling the town’s serious traf?c problems. 

As a sitting Surrey and Waverley councillor Andy has experienced the increasing public dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the performance of councils under the current party-dominated system.

He believes Farnham needs to be strongly represented, by independent minds like the Farnham Residents candidates standing in all nine Farnham wards. Otherwise decisions which affect many areas of our everyday life may be taken to the detriment of Farnham without any effective challenge. A truly independent Farnham Town Council is vital to the future of our town.

* Michaela Martin (Farnham Residents)

Michaela and her family have lived in the Moor Park ward for over 30 years. She also runs a successful family business in Farnham town centre.  Living and working in Farnham she feels that she has a good understanding of the many important issues Farnham faces, both now and in the future. 

Michaela is standing for Farnham Residents as it is a non-aligned group of like-minded independents, who put national party politics to one side believing they have no place in local government.

Farnham Residents has no “party line” or “whip” leaving councillors free to faithfully represent residents. This represents a new way of doing local government

Michaela believes that for Farnham Town Council to be truly effective in standing up for Farnham it must become free of the control and influence by the current ruling group at Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

* Rashid Nasir (Con)

Rashida is a long-time resident of Farnham, living with her three children, where she has been a primary school teacher for 27 years. She strongly endorses opportunities for the younger generation, helping forge their pathway for the future.

She is a firm advocate of community projects, engaging in the interactive poppy artwork with the UCA to commemorate the WWI centenary. Having a child with special needs, she is fully aware of the challenges faced by people with additional needs, including the elderly, as her family ran a residential care home for many years.

Rashida is proactive member of the local community, helping with interfaith seminars, mental health workshops and raising funds to support local charities such as Farnham Foodbank. If elected, Rashida would continue to indulge and improve the local community.