ARDLEIGH PARISH Council Members

CHAIR 

Tim is a Chartered Surveyor and originally from Oldham, moved to Ardleigh in January 1988. He played football and cricket for Ardleigh for many years before injuries - and age -  took their toll. He joined the Parish Council in 1997 and was elected as Chair in 2005. He was Chair of the Governing Body of Ardleigh St Mary's CE Primary School for many years and is actively involved with Essex Squash.

James is a lifelong resident of Ardleigh & a dedicated member of the local farming community, with his family working the land in Ardleigh & the wider district for 12 generations. Recently retired, James has passed the reins of the family farming business to his son Robert & daughter Rosie.

In addition to farming, James ran the Ardleigh Car Boot Sale for 38 years, pioneering grassroots recycling in the village. 

He previously served as a district councillor representing Ardleigh Ward at Tendring District Council, stepping back to focus on his young family at the time but continued to stay actively involved in village life.

A regular churchgoer & committed community supporter, James frequently helps with local fundraisers & events. In 2010, he also volunteered as part of the winter road gritting team, helping keep Ardleigh’s roads safe.

James joined the Parish Council in July 2023 & enjoys contributing to the community through the role, welcoming both the responsibilities & opportunities it brings.

James.Blyth@ardleigh-pc.gov.uk

Helen rejoined the Council in September  2023 

Details to follow

VICE CHAIR 

 Jayne has lived in Ardleigh since 1989, working alongside her husband in running their family business. She became a Parish Councillor in 2016. 

Carolyn has lived in Ardleigh for 20 years and joined the Parish Council after she gave up work. She felt it would be a great way to meet new people, get involved in the local community and keep herself active.  Since joining she has worked on the Neighbourhood Plan as secretary to the Steering Group and Working Group, helped to start Ardleigh Practical Action for Climate and Environment Group, which includes Ardleigh’s Volunteer Litter Pickers and helped to organise the first Ardleigh Showcase in 2023.  

She has taken an active part in the campaign against the Pylons and Substations, as well as comment on the development of the proposed Garden Community and various other planning applications.  Another of her tasks, alongside another Councillor, is to carry out a monthly check on the upkeep of the Cemetery.  

Carolyn spends about 2 to 3 hours per week on Parish Council business, which includes preparing for the monthly Parish Council meeting and attending other meetings when she is available. She is also a committee member of the Ardleigh and District Horticultural Society and also gets involved in organising community events on the Millennium Green.

Carolyn.Mason@ardleigh-pc.gov.uk

 Richard has been a Parish Councillor for over 40 years, trying to make our village great.

   Jonathan is a barrister, mediator and arbitrator and has lived in Harts Lane for the last 5 years. Jonathan is an active supporter of local businesses. A keen sportsman, Jonathan plays football and tennis and is a season ticket holder at Colchester United  

Martin joined the council in September 2023. He has lived in Ardleigh since 2011 with his wife and two daughters. Prior to joining the council, Martin became active in local matters being a focal point with Highways agencies during the A12 works which have diverted traffic through the parish for much of the last 18 months. This inspired him to join the Council to support local residents across a wider spectrum. He works in London in the energy industry, and hopes to bring different perspective and good relationship building skills to help the Village and the Council in coming years. 

PARISH CLERK AND 

RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER

Rachel has worked for Ardleigh Parish Council since September 2019.  She previously worked in Higher Education and the voluntary sector.

The role of the Clerk includes advising the Council on their responsibilities and supporting Councillors to implement Council decisions for the benefit of our community.

DEPUTY PARISH CLERK 

Rachel joined the Council in October 2023 initially on a temporary contract and permanently in April 2024.  She is a qualified Clerk who has previously worked in another local parish.  Rachel's main roles are to assist with governance and smooth running of Council business and to support projects such as maintenance and upgrades to Play Equipment.

  There are two vacancies.

 

 Tendring District Councillor 

Zoe Fairley

cllr.zfairley@tendringdc.gov.uk

 County Councillor 

Carlo Guglielmi

  cllr.carlo.guglielmi@essex.gov.uk

 Bernard Jenkin MP

House of Commons

London  SW1A 0AA

bernard.jenkin.mp@parliament.uk 020 7219 4029