We’ve just had the first post-election Bishopstoke Parish Council Meeting. Thanks so much to everybody who voted for us – all eight of us were successful.
Because of covid19, it took place in the Bishopstoke Community Centre on Sydney Road so that social distancing could take place. And because of covid19, it was a much shorter agenda than usual, simply voting for a new Chair and Vice Chair and adopting The General Power of Competence. The Government did not extend the ability of local councils to have virtual meetings beyond May 7th so this was an in-person meeting. Gin has started a parliamentary petition to try and persuade the Government to allow local councils to determine their own meeting formats.
Appointments to the Parish Council’s Committees and Working Groups will take place at the June meeting. It was the last time Sue Toher took the Chair’s seat. She decided not to stand for re-election and she handed over to Ray once he was elected. Sue has been involved with the Parish Council for many years – her humour, encyclopedic local knowledge and wisdom will be sorely missed.
Your Bishopstoke and Fair Oak independent group is:
Ray Dean (Underwood Ward). As of this evening, Ray is Parish Council Chair. He is also one of Bishsoptoke’s three independent Eastleigh Borough Councillors. He is new to the Parish Council but as a Borough Councillor, took a keen interest in its running. Email Ray at ray.dean@bishopstokepc.org
Dave Francis (Riverside Ward). As of this evening, Dave is Parish Council Vice Chair. Dave is a keen allotment holder, is new to the Parish Council and has experience in local government which should prove useful. Email Dave at dave.francis@bishopstoke.pc.org
Louise Hillier-Wheal (Riverside Ward). Louise lives in Bishopstoke, is new to the Parish Council, and also has an allotment. She loves running and geocaching – and is a big fan of community events, especially Bishopstoke Carnival. Email Louise at louise.hillier-wheal@bishopstoke.pc.org
Sue Lynch (Itchen Ward). Sue has lived in Bishopstoke for many years and is new to the Parish Council. She enjoys cold water swimming and leads walks locally. Email Sue at susan.lynch@bishopstoke.pc.org
Anne Dean (Stoke Common Ward). Anne was up for re-election to the Parish Council but as only 2 candidates came forward in her ward for 3 places, there was no election. Anne has been involved in many community groups over the years, including Brownies and Sea Scouts. Email Anne at anne.dean@bishopstokepc.org
Gin Tidridge (Stoke Common Ward). Like Anne, Gin was up for re-election to the Parish Council. Gin was re-elected to Eastleigh Borough Council in May – she is also one of Bishopstoke’s three independent Eastleigh Borough Councillors. Gin is a very slow runner, leading runs for a local women’s running club. She is a keen (slow!)cyclist and works as a sustainability specialist for a retailer. Email Gin at gin.tidridge@bishopstokepc.org
Lou Parker-Jones (Whalesmead Ward). Lou was successfully re-elected to the Parish Council in May. She was also elected to represent Bishopstoke and Fair Oak on Hampshire County Council. As one of Bishopstoke’s three independent Eastleigh Borough Councillors, Lou is now Chair of the Local Area Committee of Eastleigh Borough Council for Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath. Email Lou at louise.parker-jones@bishopstokepc.org
Ralph Candy (Itchen Ward). Ralph lives in Fair Oak, but most of his family live in Bishopstoke, so he feels very much part of the community. He is new to the Parish Council. Email Ralph at ralph.candy@bishopstoke.pc.org