This is my second spell as a Sunderland City Councillor, having really enjoyed working on behalf of the people of St Chad's Ward from 2007-11.
However my base for local politics in Sunderland has always been St Michael's, where I have lived for nearly 60 years, and I was very pleased to get elected in May 2014 to serve the ward I know so well and to be re-elected in May 2018.
Locally I attend the meetings of various Resident's Groups within St Michaels Ward, including Ashmore, Ashbrooke and Thornholme, while I am also Chair of St Michael's Residents' Association. In addition the Friends of Backhouse Park and Barley Mow Park meet regularly and I attend their meetings too.
Professionally I was a Chartered Surveyor based in the north-east, so housing is my main interest. During my career I met thousands of people from all walks of life which was valuable experience for my current work as a Councillor. Away from politics football has always been my main interest, seeing my first Sunderland game in 1959 and travelling throughout Scotland and Europe to watch professional football. I am part of a history/heritage group in Hendon and have been a member of the Royalty Theatre, Sunderland, for many years. Since retiring I have been a volunteer for Age UK, Sunderland, in their "dial-a-driver" service.
St. Michael's ward surgeries are suspended until further notice, in the meantime should you have any Ward issues I am contactable via email or telephone.
As your City Councillor, the council’s data protection
policy applies when I am carrying out council business. This explains your data
protection rights and who to contact if you have a query about use of your
data; https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/data-protection.
When working for you as your Ward Councillor, I
respect your data protection rights and only use the personal data you provide
as needed to respond to your enquiries. This can include sharing the
information you provide with council officers and other services and
organisations so I can get information to reply to you, which might include
information about you and your circumstances. I also share information with
other Councillors who may be able to help. If you would prefer me not to share
your information with a particular person, or organisation please let me know
when you contact me.