Case Studies
Councillor Fiona Cowan
Collyweston Parish Council
A Scot by birth, I moved to the East Midlands in 1995. We fell in love with the area, so picturesque and rural. My professional background takes in marketing, cinema management, public relations for business and charity, and magazine publishing. Collyweston is a tiny village, cut in half one way by the A43, and the other by two local roads which have become a commuter rat-run. The village lies close to the borders with several counties and districts, so the village often feels left out of or neglected by official initiatives that tend to be organised within political boundaries. It used to have several pubs, a school, a butcher, a post office and a garage; all it has now is a gastro-pub and there are moves afoot to set up a community village shop.
What do you like most about living in Collyweston?
It's small, it's quirky, its parish council punches above its weight. It's got history coming out of its ears, and it has its fair share of local characters.
How did you first get involved with your local council?
I joined the village hall committee, to try and save it from closure. When initially approached about the parish council I believed I could not spare the time. My partner was co-opted at that time, and was clearly getting to know about the community far more quickly and thoroughly than I was … so when I was approached again, I agreed to be co-opted as well. So, I got involved out of nosiness as much as a sense of public service!
In what way do you feel that local councils can help to support younger people in the community?
Youth councils are underrated, and can be an investment in the success and inclusivity of more 'grown up' political and civic activity later in life. Councils sometimes need to see past the 7 numbers – Return on Investment is a qualitative as well as a quantitative thing, and in some communities an objective benefit to a smallish number of people is a springboard to all sorts of further activity and benefits. Providing transport and supervision to enable young people in isolated or rural communities to access facilities elsewhere is vital.
Why should people get involved locally?
In a town or city it's hard to affect important things, such as planning decisions or road maintenance budgets or healthcare provision. In something as small as a parish it's much easier to know the right people to talk to about anything worrying you. It's also, I have found, a great way to improve the skills you will need in the paid workplace, because if you're willing to have a go at something scary, other people will let you! Thus, I've made public presentations, chaired public debates (complete with angry mobs), and addressed key decision-makers – and can now feel comfortable doing so.
What film, song or book title would best describe your role as a councillor?
Truly Madly Deeply … especially the 'madly' bit! I'm not someone who can do a job mechanically or half-heartedly. Being a councillor can be demanding, but because the work has an impact on the lives of everyone in my community, and further afield sometimes, I know it's worth the extra time and thought and energy that I throw into it.
Gwen Radcliffe
Oundle Town Council
Oundle is an ancient market town situated beside the River Nene. The town is bordered by water meadows which provide a habitat for a diverse assortment of wildlife.
How did you first get involved with your local council and why?
As a mother of two sons, under 5 at the time, I was unimpressed with the play facilities in the Recreation ground and was my usual vocal self on the issue at Oundle Young Wives. Lotte Mason OBE, a close neighbour in her 80’s and retired Town and District Councillor suggested I take action and stand for election in 1979, volunteering to babysit if required.
How do you feel that you make a difference?
The Town Council’s direct provision and/or management of community facilities contributes to what makes Oundle special. As an active Councillor I can influence other authorities in their plans for services to Oundle. This may only be minor mitigation of problems at times, but things could be worse otherwise.
What film, song or book title would best describe your role as a councillor?
Great Expectations
What three key attributes would you say are most important for a councillor to possess?
Commitment – not worth doing if you don’t get involved;
Analytical thinking – need to think things through before making decisions;
Thick skinned – Don’t take things personally, be patient and exercise self-restraint in conversation.
What mechanisms does your local council have in place to keep you aware of the wishes of local people?
Public participation at all meetings, Council office open five days a week, councillor details publicised widely and feedback sought in newsletters and vibrant town meeting.
HOWEVER, only a small amount of feedback comes to me this way. Most of my awareness comes from living in the community. I am ‘lobbied’ everywhere I go from the queue in the butchers to when I am having my hair done. This is both the joy and the burden of the first tier.
What has been your proudest moment representing your local community?
Chairing the Courthouse Working Party from the initial approach from the County Council to the transfer of the asset (for £1), through feasibility study, public consultation, lottery bids and the £500,000 renovation to the Royal Opening. (Then seeing my younger son married in the building).
Councillor Paul King
Mayor, Oundle Town Council
I am a management consultant specialising in making organisations work better and wish to put my academic and professional experience to good use on behalf of Oundle. I became a councillor because I believe in maintaining the strong community that we have and ensuring that it grows and develops and that Oundle thrives as a market town with a very strong cultural identity.