WAVERLEY voters will go to the polls this Thursday (May 2) to elect 57 new councillors across all 29 borough council 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 in alphabetical order, by ward then candidate, below.

Elections for Waverley’s town and parish councils will also happen on this day, with the town and parish 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.

ELSTEAD

* David Else (Con)

David was born in Godalming and has lived in the Waverley area all his life. Since 1997, he and his wife Jenny have lived in Elstead.

He has been deputy chairman of the Elstead Village Hall & Youth Centre Committee for several years, helping to oversee the many improvements that have been made to buildings, and has also been involved in the Elstead Village Neighbourhood Plan.

During his four years as your councillor, David has supported the parish councils and individual residents in various controversial planning issues and presented the local point of view at committee meetings.

David hopes to ensure the special nature of the pretty villages of Elstead, Thursley and Brook is preserved and enhanced for future generations and, as development inevitably comes to our villages, will strive to ensure it is appropriate and acceptable to the residents and neighbourhoods.

* Jenny Else (Con)

Jenny Else has lived in Elstead with her husband David since 1997.

Jenny then spent 23 years working in Elderly and Community Services at Woking Borough Council and she describes care for the elderly as her passion. She is a volunteer for Help in Elstead, runs Elstead Good Companions and is a dementia champion, delivering information sessions to improve understanding of dementia.

During the six years before becoming a portfolio holder for health, wellbeing, culture, parks and countryside, she served on many Waverley committees. These included Licensing, Overview & Scrutiny (vice-chairman), Audit and Planning (Eastern & Central, chairman). This gave her a very broad understanding of the role of local authority within our community and enables her to provide a balanced service to her ward and a percipient approach to her role on the executive.

* Jessica Webster (Lab)

I am a classical musician and teacher, specialising in working with children and adults with mental health issues. For 14 years I served as a civil servant collecting statistical data from households in the south east. Over this time I spoke with hundreds of households and gained a good grasp of the particular issues and opinions of residents within the local area. The issue raised most by residents has been the lack of affordable housing in our area, and this, coupled with sky-high rents means a lot of younger people find it almost impossible to afford to live in the borough where they work. Over the past eight years the housing crisis has become ever worse. Finding solutions to this crisis should be priority for Waverley Borough Council, and if elected I will do my best to make sure it is.

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 Waverley Borough Council, since the-then existing councillors were returned unopposed in 2015. 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 that the interests of The Bourne are fully taken into account in the proposed expansion of Farnham”.

* Carole Cockburn (Con)

Carole has represented the Bourne in Waverley for several years. She has been the borough mayor and is currently the vice-chairman of the Western Area planning committee, which covers Farnham.

Planning and the environment, both built and natural, remain her passions. Carole chaired the group, which produced the Farnham Conservation Area Management Plan and was the driver behind the successful Farnham Neighbourhood Plan, which became part of the Local Development Plan in 2017.

Carole has also attended every informal hearing or public inquiry involving sites in Farnham, to defend the borough’s original decision and to speak up for the town.

Carole is currently working with other local groups to ensure that promises in the Localism Act are delivered. She is in conversation with both politicians and officers at the Ministry of Housing,

Communities and Local Government to persuade them to strengthen the voice of local communities in the planning system.

* Martin Lear (Con)

I have lived in the Bourne with my young family for 17 years. For the last eight years I have represented the Bourne as a Borough Councillor, and whilst in this time we have achieved success in many areas there is still plenty of work to be done. I have been very proactive promoting the local Community fighting inappropriate development as a member of the Planning Committee, supporting new Youth Sport facilities, improving Community infrastructure in our towns and protecting the Bourne woods locally for all of our future enjoyment. The result of many years of work and dedication will soon become real at the Bourne Green, when we start the construction phase of the new Cricket Pavilion planned to start this coming June/July.

I am very keen to continue my work on behalf of the Bourne Community and I ask for your vote of support to achieve it.

* 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 that 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

* Sarah Anson (Con) – Has not submitted a statement.

* 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.

* 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 Councilor 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.”

* 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 that 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 whilst 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.

* Liz Wheatley (Con)

Liz was aware of the lack of provision for local youth, she was delighted to have been instrumental in getting the MUGA installed into Broadwater Park and in keeping the old Leisure Centre open until the new one was complete.

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 3 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 a Waverley Councillor, I will ensure that the interests of Farnham (and Firgrove ward in particular) are represented at Borough level, that local services are protected from cuts and vital issues such as air quality in Farnham are highlighted and tackled and the need for quality, affordable housing is kept at the forefront of the debate in Waverley.

* 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 last 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 that 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.

* Jerry Hyman (Farnham Residents)

Jerry is a serving Waverley Councillor and lives in Alfred Road, near the Grammar School he attended from 1970. Self-employed in engineering and management since university, he has also served as a School Governor, Chairman of the Trustees of ‘Friends of Farnham Park’ and PTA Treasurer at St Peter’s.  He loves fiddling with old cars and fixing things, and has just become a proud granddad.

Jerry is best known for working tirelessly to protect our enviable heritage, particularly on traffic, housing and environmental issues, with many notable successes; he founded Farnham Residents in 2015 with the help of a few dedicated friends.  

Whilst he’s sorry that as the Opposition we haven’t been able to prevent some of the inappropriate development around Farnham, he believes it vital that residents now take this opportunity to control Waverley’s decision making as changes to the Brightwells scheme, budget cuts and significant traffic proposals come forward.

* John Neale (Farnham Residents)

I am a first-time candidate for Waverley Borough. 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 whilst 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.

* Sam Pritchard (Con)

Having spent most of my life living in Farnham, it has been an honour to be your Borough Councillor and advocate representing Firgrove Ward for the last four years. Being a local Councillor, a husband and dad to two young children, I enjoy spending my time with my family in the ward, whether that’s litter picking, speaking to residents, using the swings at the Ridgeway or resolving ward issues to enhance and protect our beautiful part of our town. I also work with vulnerable young people aged 16-25 to ensure they contribute and thrive in our community.

* 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. My hobby is writing fiction and I organised the Writer’s Programme for Farnham Flash Festival 2018-2019.

In the last year, the lights have gone out too often on Farnham high street. Nothing is more frightening than being ushered out of a dark store. If I am elected, I will work to gain investment into aging infrastructure and to improve Wi-Fi and broadband throughout Waverley.

In Farnham, I love the Maltings, and it was sad to the lose Redgrave Theatre, but I am looking forward to a new cinema. The Brightwells centre brings numerous shops, when Argos, Prezzo and others closed this year. I would look to the best examples of how to create and maintain a vibrant town centre - for all age groups - to bring our community together to celebrate Farnham’s unique heritage and culture.

* 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 Offcer.

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)

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.

I have lived in Farnham for over twenty years and know the area well as this is where I have firmly establish 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 whilst 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)

Originally from Canada, Denise moved to Farnham in 1993. She worked as a civil servant before relocating to the UK to pursue a career in the City. Elected in 2007 Denise has served on town, borough and county councils and believes in more joined-up thinking across all levels of local government. Denise currently enjoys the privilege of serving as Mayor of Waverley - seeing first-hand the dedication of volunteers and the difference they make. Denise has also served as Governor at Heath End School, Chair of Governors at Barfield School, on the Board of the Bungalow Community Centre, and the Farnham Maltings Council of Management for several years. She is keen to preserve the green environment and will fight to improve air quality and other community enhancement projects. In her spare time, Denise enjoys cooking for family and friends, walks with her dog, and a lifelong interest in gemmology.

FARNHAM MOOR PARK

* Pat Frost (Con)

PAT FROST was brought up in East London and moved to Farnham some forty plus years ago and is married with two stepchildren. Pat is a very experienced and long serving councillor who puts community before self. Over her many years’ service, she has work 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

* Andrew Macleod (Farnham Residents)

Andy is an experienced and highly active councillor who is passionate about protecting Moor Park Ward and the town as a whole from overdevelopment, tackling the town’s serious traf?c problems and responding to Moor Park residents’ problems and concerns.

Working together with Farnham Residents colleagues, and in sometimes with Conservative councillors, he has supported the Farnham Neighbourhood plan and worked to protect Farnham from cutbacks in services by both Surrey CC and Waverley BC, including the successful campaign to save the community recycling centre (CRC). He has taken a leading part in promoting a town centre regeneration project, which was developed from Jeremy Hunt MP’s pedestrianisation proposals. He believes that with several tens of millions of pounds of public money at risk in the Brightwells development it will need serious rethinking to enable it to succeed. A town centre regeneration project can play a major part in this.

* Michaela Martin (Farnham Residents)

Michaela and her family have lived in the Moor Park Ward for over thirty 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 that 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 to be effectively represented at Waverley a stronger opposition is necessary. The best way of achieving this is to elect more Farnham Residents candidates, who will be entirely focused on furthering Farnham’s interests.

* Rashida Nasir (Con)

I am a mum of 3 children and have been a primary school teacher for 27 years. I believe that children and young people should have a variety of opportunities available to them, to help them gain valuable experiences that will forge a pathway for their future.

I believe that Farnham is family orientated and would like to support any future developments that enable this to grow. My work involves liaising with a range of professionals to help support children’s learning and means I have the skills to listen to people’s needs, work as a team and find possible solutions.

I am a keen supporter of community projects and was involved in organising the interactive poppy artwork with the UCA in commemoration of the WW1 Centenary.

I am involved in local community events such as interfaith seminars, mental health workshops and raising funds to support local charities like Farnham Foodbank.

* Richard Soper (Lib Dem)

Richard has lived in Crooksbury Road (within the Moor Park ward) for the past 18 years, and lived locally for 20 years prior to that.

His career was as a director of public transport businesses, and he is a Chartered Director. Although he no longer works full time, he continues to advise bus companies on the benefits of working closely with their local authorities, and is Chairman of a large pension scheme. Richard is married and has two adult children.

“Like my fellow Lib Dems, I am keen to ensure Waverley is led more competently, but also in a way that delivers better results in relation to affordable housing and the most vulnerable within our communities. I am also particularly keen to ensure that our councils do as much as they can locally to respond to the challenges of climate change”.