The Parish Council
Bob Hutchings OBE
Chairman
Bob was born in Christchurch and, after 40 years following his career as an auditor all around the UK, he retired to Highcliffe 8 years ago. A golfer, gardener and family man he likes nothing more than a stroll down the Zig-Zag path to the beach with a leisurely coffee to follow.
e: bob.hutchings@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | t: 01425 270075
Andy Martin
Vice Chairman
Andy Martin has been a journalist for more than 30 years most recently as editor and head of news at the Daily Echo, where he is now associate editor and community ambassador. He also teaches politics at Bournemouth University and is the chief examiner for the National Council for the Training of Journalists. He also works as a media training consultant for organisations including the MoD and local authorities.
e: andy.martin@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | m: 07809 419138
Nigel Brooks
Ward Councillor
I am a retired commercial property Chartered Surveyor and I have a passion for achieving the best for our local community, the young and not so young. I am enthusiastic about preserving the local environment for the benefit of my fellow residents and our visitors. I am also a BCP Council Ward Councillor for Highcliffe & Walkford and thus able to see the 'bigger picture' for our conurbation as well as help to influence how Highcliffe and Walkford can benefit from the new Local Authority structure.
Tina Butcher
Parish Councillor
Tina was born in Birmingham, West Midlands and moved to Highcliffe On Sea 4 years ago following a relocation request from her employer in her role as an Employee Relations Subject Matter Expert within the Company’s Human Resources department. Tina is currently still in full-time employment, however, as a wildlife conservationist, gardener and keen photographer she is looking forward to retiring from her current position in the near future, and spending more time on her passions and exploring the beautiful area in which we are very fortunate to live.
e: Tina.Butcher@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | m: 07887 991480
Nick Geary
Ward Councillor
I have had the privilege of serving the people of Christchurch and Walkford as a Christchurch Borough Councillor for over 15 years and, in that time, I was Mayor on two occasions. My Engineering business has been based in Christchurch for over 40 years. When I have time to relax I enjoy sailing my boat from Christchurch Harbour.
Lucy Harris
Parish Councillor
I took up the role of Parish Councillor in 2019 and found it a quick and rewarding way to get to know people and places, after a career in the Civil Service elsewhere. Having helped in the early life of the Parish Council I will not be standing for re-election in 2023 as, owing to family logistics, it will not be possible for me to do as much as I believe I ought, as a Parish Councillor. Instead, I intend to volunteer to help the Parish Council on a project by project basis.
I would highly recommend becoming a Parish Councillor to anyone who values the wellbeing of Highcliffe and Walkford villages. If you would be interested in standing for election in 2023, contact the Parish Clerk.
e: Lucy.Harris@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | m: 07899 730181
Willie McNeill
Parish Councillor
I was born in Glasgow in the days with steel foundries and shipyards. I had an academic career in mathematics / cosmology before entering the world of computing with a career with Rolls Royce IBM and Bank of Scotland. Living in Linlithgow a town near Edinburgh I was involved in community work via the Community Council. Moving to Dorset I am involved in a number of community groups including Rotary, Highcliffe Residents' Association, and Highcliffe in Bloom, with a passion for local community involvement. In my spare time I enjoy golf, walking, travel and reading.
e: Will.McNeill@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | t: 01425 278434
Susan Smith
Parish Councillor
Having known this area of Dorset for over 30 years I moved here from Poole to be within a short walk of the coast. My background is in horticulture and I have been employed by a number of Local Authorities parks departments throughout my career, ending in Bournemouth. I have also been involved in Britain in Bloom with Bournemouth's entries in the 1990’s and subsequently as a national judge, and this has given me an appreciation of the value of volunteers in improving their local environment.
e: Susan.Smith@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | t: 01425 277313
Jenni Cooper
Parish Councillor
Jenni grew up in Southbourne, and returned to the area in 2020, after a number of years working as a tax advisor in various parts of the UK and the US.
She enjoys walking, cooking and travel, and is passionate about sustainability and access to green spaces.
Peter Cranham
Parish Councillor
I have lived in the area for some thirty years. Now retired, my background is in property and publishing. I was a Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent in London’s West End and in 1998 the founder and Managing Editor of Compass Magazine, a free glossy lifestyle publication which was distributed in Dorset and Hampshire.
Trish Jamieson
Parish Clerk
On first moving to Highcliffe Trish quickly became involved in the local community and was employed as Parish Clerk to Burton Parish Council, a position she held for 19 years.
Some years later Trish was elected to serve as a Christchurch Borough Councillor for the West Highcliffe Ward and held that position for 16 years during which time she had the honour to be Mayor.
e: Trish.Jamieson@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk | m: 07958 812770
