I grew up in Congleton and moved to Rushton around 10 years ago.

Like Sam, buying my home was an ‘accident’. I was looking for the archetypal ‘country cottage’ but a friend persuaded me to look at a bungalow on the market ‘as it will mean you won’t need to move when you get older’.

My working life has been in Facilities Management, where I looked after commercial buildings, and for the last two years, in a large Housing Association.

I originally joined the council because I did not want the atmosphere and feel of the village to change. I believe that if you believe in something, you should get involved and, therefore, be able to influence any decisions made. I love the village and surrounding areas, the views and countryside, while still being close to Congleton, Leek, and Manchester and further afield to the Potteries and  Manchester.

I am part of a small team collating the news and views of the local villages and producing ‘The Link’ magazine each month, which gives me an insight as to what our residents enjoy, and their interests.