Councillor Pages

My Background and Interests

I was born in Fleetwood, Lancashire and moved to St.Albans to qualify as a Chartered Electronics Engineer. Following my National Service in the Royal Air Force, I spent much of my working career in development and management in the electronics industry. I was a member of St.Albans City and District Council for thirteen years during which time I served as chairman of the Planning and Development Committee before becoming Mayor in 1978-79.

My wife, Jane Hurd and I first visited the Isles of Scilly in 1982 and became instant converts to the local people and their way of life. We visited the Islands thirteen times before moving to the Islands in 1989. I was fortunate in being able to work on the harbour staff for nearly seven years where I was paid for "messing about with boats!"

My interests include sailing around the Islands, folk music and modern history. I also enjoy writing satirical articles and short stories. Many of my best ideas have come from my experiences as a Councillor! I hold no allegiance to any political party.

Why did I stand for Council?

After taking an active interest in local affairs, several people suggested I should stand for the Council, which I did in 1997. I was pleasantly surprised to secure a good mandate and even more surprised to be elected vice-chairman of the Planning Committee. I had always taken a keen interest in planning matters whilst at St.Albans.

I was re-elected in 2001, but resigned soon afterwards along with two other members over a committee selection procedure. During my "sabbatical" I kept in touch with local matters and attended a number of Council meetings as a member of the public. In 2005, I was asked to stand for the Council again and agreed because I felt I could use my local government experience to make a positive contribution to the Islands.

My Council Responsibilities

My present Council responsibilities include Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee and vice-chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, I am a member of the General Purposes Committee, Standards Committee as well as the Local Plan Sub-Committee and the Modernisation Panel.