Your Green Party Candidates for North Devon District Council, Landkey,
Swimbridge & Taw Ward
Anna Wotton
I am a 64 year old retired linguist and have lived in Devon since 1983,
over 4 years of which have been in Bishops Tawton.
I have lived overseas and spent many years in Germany. I was alarmed on
my return to the UK to see how far behind we were – and still are - on
environmental issues.
I graduated from Exeter University in 1989. I have three children; my youngest
daughter is currently studying medicine in London.
I was made homeless some years ago and consequently have personal experience
of the hardships that many in our society face.
The lack of affordable housing needs to be addressed urgently but also
effective measures to improve the quality of life of law-abiding citizens.
I would support the viability of local composting schemes and allotments
for more sustainability. A late evening bus service to our villages
could replace many car journeys.
Ian Godfrey
I have lived in Swimbridge for eight years and consider myself fortunate
to live in such a beautiful village within one of the most picturesque
parts of the country. I have grandchildren who attend the excellent
local primary school and who benefit from the sense of community that
is fostered by its links with the Pre-school and the active Friends group
(PTA). I am also encouraged by the coming together of both ‘incomers’ like
myself and those born and bred here, in support of various local community
events.
For well over thirty years I have been actively involved in community,
environmental and humanitarian campaigns at home and abroad. These have
ranged from local co-ordination of GREENPEACE (Herts); working with projects
supporting Tibetan refugees in Nepal; aid runs to Romania supporting
children with HIV/AIDS; local Tsunami Appeal efforts; a team member of
Lightquest (Lightquest, Dreamwalk, Lightwalk) - major fundraising events
for the North Devon Hospice. Currently I hold the position of Chairperson
for two local charities - Swimbridge Parklands Committee and The Jubilee
Village Hall. As Director of Health and Harmony Festivals, I have welcomed
the opportunity to support not only local trades-people but also local
and international charities all working to make this world a better one!
I consider human beings to be an intricate part
of (and not apart from) the rest of creation. As such, it
is our responsibility to live our lives in a way that is sustainable
to both the planet and its people.
In a ‘past life’ I worked in retail and recognise how ‘fashionable’ it
has become to be seen to be ‘Green’. However, there
is one political voice that has been consistent on the issues of sustainability,
climate change and renewable energy solutions, whether or not it was
fashionable – The Green Party.
To quote Ghandi –
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you
(or claim the idea as their own!) then you win!”
By taking personal responsibility for our own actions
and those taken in our name - by looking at how our community works
and the effect this has upon our own lives and that of others, we can
truly change the world.
From small acorns to ancient and mighty oaks…
My priorities at this time reflect my belief that, the actions of local
government are judged by the commitment shown to its children and elders.
Swimbridge Needs A Park!
For over 57 years, there has been an identified (and documented) need
for a recreational space for the residents of Swimbridge. Despite
being NDDC’s ‘number one priority’ for the last five
years, we are still no closer to securing the land required. Swimbridge
needs a park NOW. A lot is spoken of the lack of respect that young
people have for their elders – we are all role models for our children
and young people and have to earn their respect, by acting with integrity
in all that we do, by honouring our promises and providing them with
safe communities to live and grow up in.
We cannot allow yet another generation to be failed by the bureaucracy
of the system and intransigence of landowners. I will continue
to work towards bringing commitment from all concerned to provide the
planned and promised community space for the residents of Swimbridge – elder
and younger alike.
Over 60’s Free Bus Passes.
The Free Bus Pass entitlement was welcomed by many residents and ensures
that the benefits of living in a rural village are not outweighed by
inaccessibility to services and amenities by the elders of the community. By promoting
the greater use of public transport, this initiative also further contributes
to conserving precious resources and promoting the welfare of the planet
and its people. I would therefore, work to ensure NDDC’s continued
support of this entitlement for the over 60’s, and press for further
improvements to the Park and Ride system.
You may also like to visit North Devon District Council's "Candidate's Profiles" page
The Green Party are fielding over 1,400 local candidates all across
England in this May's local elections. We currently have 93 councillors
at District level or above, and expect to gain many more seats this year.
Your Green Party Candidates for North Devon:
You may also like to visit North
Devon District Council's "Candidate's Profiles" page and "Parish
Candidates"
page
Your Green Party Candidates for Torridge:
You may also like to visit Torridge
District Council's "Notice of Poll" page
|