Louise Hillier-Wheal is standing with Dave Francis as independent candidates for Riverside ward for Bishopstoke Parish Council. Bishopstoke Parish Council has all-out elections this year for all fifteen of its councillors. This year, Bishopstoke is split into 5 wards: Itchen, Riverside, Stoke Common, Underwood and Whalesmead, each with 3 councillor positions.
Louise has written an introduction so you can virtually get to know her. Louise is happy for you to give her a ring on 07543 812196 or email her via bishopstoke.independent@gmail.com
“Hello my name is Louise Hillier-Wheal and I have lived in Bishopstoke since 1997 when I moved here as I was teaching in Chandlers Ford. I fell in love with the house in Guest Road immediately and I’ve resided in it ever since!
I love Bishopstoke.
As a keen runner I am often found pounding the streets- sometimes as early as 5am to get a run in before work. My ventures in the dark highlighted how unilluminated the path alongside Alan Drayton Way was- hard to see and not safe. I was invited to a Local Area Committee meeting to talk about why some of the money from local developers should be spent putting lights in (just waiting for the electricity to be connected). Despite a career in teaching, talking publicly in front of adults petrified me but it’s things like getting these lights put in that make a difference to our local community. And that is why I want to represent you on our Parish Council.
I set myself the challenge several years ago of running every road in Bishopstoke- mission was accomplished. Since then I’ve walked many of them repeatedly either delivering newspapers with my children, leafleting or simply taking the daily exercise walk that kept so many of us sane during the past year.
I have watched changes happen over the years I have lived here- been delighted when the local plan was successfully stopped by the hard work of those who live here, watched the woods grow in popularity over lockdown but been saddened by the lack of play equipment there any more for children. If I am elected to Parish Council I will fight to make sure that any available money is used to make Bishopstoke better for those of us who live here.
Both my children have attended local schools and been involved in local groups- Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Cubs. Through these I have been part of the Carnival procession more times than I can remember- with dalmatian, pirate and elephant attired children to name a few! Carnival weekend is the highlight of my year- when we all come together.
The opportunities for the community to come together are vital and if we take one thing from Covid 19 it’s the way it built up community links and ties. I worked with Eastleigh Community Aid to match people in need of support with prescription pick ups etc with volunteers during lockdown 1 and the strong bonds formed by neighbours on my road, I know has been replicated all over Bishopstoke.
As I have been delivering leaflets this week, not a house I’ve visited has failed to make me smile- a cupid in a hanging basket, a gorgeous display of tulips, a collection of unusual rocks are just a few I noticed last night. We all take pride in our houses and homes and I want to be proactive in making Bishopstoke the best it can be so we are all proud of this gorgeous village we reside in.”
Editor’s Note – Louise managed to do the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 (she is set to do the non-virtual one in a few months) without actually leaving Bishopstoke!
Promoted by and on behalf of: , Gin Tidridge, Louise Anne Parker-Jones, Ray Dean, Dave Francis, Louise Hillier-Wheal, Anne Dean, Susan Lynch and Ralph Candy. Postal Address: Bishopstoke Independents, The IncuHive Space, Mayflower Close, Chandler’s Ford Industrial Estate, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 4AR.