Councillors

We currently have a vacancy for a new Parish Councillor if you are interested please contact the clerk, details at the foot of this page.

Current Councillors

Andrew Jenkins (Chairman)

Telephone: 01747 840773

Email:selwoodaj@btopenworld.com

Sandra and I have lived in Pen Selwood since April 1975 having moved here when we got married. All three of our children were born and brought up in the village.

I taught in a successful local Comprehensive School, in Gillingham, for 40 years and retired in 2017 having written the history of the school in 2016. I have been a member of the Parish Council for about 40 years, a holding trustee for the Village Hall and am also on the Village Hall Committee, chairman of the Community Field Committee and was, for a number of years, vice chairman and chairman of the Selwood Sports and Social Club before it became the PCA.

In 2009 I was awarded (and proudly accepted) the Chairman of Somerset County Council’s award for services to the community. My wife received a similar award in 2011.

In 1996 I compiled the book “Pen to Paper Memories of Pen Selwood” by Vi Hocking and, as well as the Gillingham School History, in 2017 I published a book on the life story of a very prominent past member of our community who was the reconnaissance pilot for the “Dam Busters” during World War 2. In 2021 I published “A view of the past PEN SELWOOD Through an old lens”.

Jane Ashman

Telephone: 01747 841481

Email: jane.ashman@icloud.com

I have lived in Pen with my partner Richard since June 2009 having moved here from Bristol. I have also lived in small villages in Cheshire and North Wales in the past. A social worker by profession my working life has been variously in Liverpool, North Wales, Bristol and Bath and at all levels, frontline to Director. I am currently a Non-Executive Director of an NHS Foundation Acute & Community Trust which takes up 5/6 days a month but am otherwise retired from full time employment.

Since coming to the village I have enjoyed getting involved in the really positive life and activities that go on here. I became involved in developing the community plan, from which I have been delighted to see that a number of new community activities that arose from it are still thriving. I regularly help with the Black Bin Cafe and of course the annual fete. I can often be spotted walking the many wonderful footpaths we have with our 3 lively vizsla dogs.

I joined the Parish Council in May 2013 and take the lead for any employment issues that arise in our responsibilities for employing the Parish Clerk. I am also the Parish Council Representative on the Penselwood Community Association. I try to input positively to the modest contribution the Parish Council can make to village life, but I recognise the biggest contribution comes from its residents. My aim therefore, is for the Parish Council to facilitate what you want from our village.

Peter FitzGerald

Telephone: 01747 840895

Email: peterrfitzg@aol.com

My family have lived at Pen Mill farm for nearly 50 years and my small farm is very important to me.

I practiced as a solicitor for 45 years and I find my legal background is often helpful in parish matters.

My interests are the countryside, horses, walking, reading and the arts. My wife Sarah is a keen gardener and garden historian. I have three grown up daughters.

I am chairman and trustee of two major charities, one for assisting phobias and OCDs and the other for educating urban children about countryside matters. I organise the Blackmore Vale hedge-laying competition. I am currently walking to Rome by weekly stages. I am also writing a book about Nathaniel Ireson, the Wincanton architect.

Helen Stenson

Email: Stensonuk@gmail.com

My family moved to Penselwood in 1994.

At the time our children were very young and we wanted them to enjoy growing up in the great outdoors.

I have been a teacher for most of my working life, specialising in children who have additional needs. I taught across the entire age range from reception to sixth form and in both urban and rural areas.

In 2016 Tom was posted to Florida and on our return I decided not to return to teaching. I took a seasonal job at a local garden centre and have been there ever since.

I only joined the parish council a couple of years ago so I am still learning the ropes but it is interesting to see how local government works. Although the PC has a limited role I am conscious that it's the first port of call for our village residents. Between us we do try to address issues raised by parishioners.

I organise the village litter picks ideally twice a year which is always a very sociable event. Do come along if you haven't already.

Charles Meaden

Email: Meadenc@icloud.com

Charles has been involved in the sports and financial services industry for over 30 years.

Starting his career at Hambros Bank in the late 70’s, he then set up his own sports, management business, specialising in artist and event management, looking after the careers of a number of world famous athletes and sports personalities.

In 2004 he sold the business, since then Charles has returned to the financial services industry working for a number of insurance brokers and an investment management company.

Prior to being a founding partner of Gifford Advisory, Charles was Head of Commercial Operations for England Boxing, the government body for amateur boxing in England. Charles is a Chartered Member of the Institute for Securities and Investment.

Ian Steadman

Telephone: 01747 841041

Email: iansteadman46@outlook.com

Jenny and I moved to Pen Selwood in July 2007 and fairly soon became involved in village activities. I have been a member of the Village Hall Management Committee for many years including some as chairman. I was also involved with the initial setting up of both the Black Bin Café and the Pen Pub. I also ran the Flower and Produce Show in the church which accompanies the village fete for around 8 years. Currently I am the producer and editor of the Pen Paper.

My present responsibility on the parish council is for highways, which mostly means reporting and encouraging others to report potholes.

On a more social note I also mount the occasional village quiz in the village hall.

Clerk Mrs Anne Tuck

Telephone: 01935 850632 mob 07538502812

Email: penselwoodparishclerk@gmail.com
Merryfield, Camel Street, Marston Magna, Yeovil, Somerset. BA22 8DD

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service