Meet your Parish Councillors
Martin Brocklehurst
Chairman
Elected: 04/05/2023 (first co-opted in December 2018)
Martin currently operates as an Independent Environmental Adviser working to develop Citizen Science as a new way of undertaking research in which everyone can take part. He is currently Chair of the Vienna based Citizen Science Global Partnership (http://citizenscienceglobal.org) and Board Member of the Berlin based European Citizen Science Association (https://www.ecsa.ngo). Citizen Science is rapidly changing the way research is undertaken and having a significant impact on how Government Policy is developed and implemented across the European Union and within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Locally Martin is working with the Forest of Dean on the EU Funded AURORA citizen science project designed to help local people reduce fossil fuel energy needs for heating and powering their homes and for travel see https://www.aurora-h2020.eu
Formally Head of Waste Strategy for the Environment Agency he maintains a working interest in the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA). As a former senior environmental manager for BP and Chevron in the Oil and Gas business, he brings both business and public sector experience to the Parish Council as well as an outstanding network of European and Global contacts that can benefit the village.
Martin has lived in Kempley for over 30 years. Married for 47 years he and his wife Maggie have raised two children in the village and both take an active part in community life. Martin has led the drive to deliver modern internet communication infrastructure for Kempley and has secured nearly £700,000 worth of investment to bring superfast fibre optic broadband to our community.
“Parish Councils have a major role at the heart of rural village communities. They have the opportunity not only to deliver on their statutory roles but they can and in our case are providing community leadership. We may be a small village with a tiny precept but we can leverage in public and private funds to support and develop our community and maintain our way of life.
My aim is to bring my life long environmental and business experience to add value to the work of the Parish Council. I am particularly keen to see the Parish Council implement the spirit of the Kempley Community Led Plan. I also want the Council to be active in shaping the future infrastructure of the village. Forward thinking plans can ensure that Kempley is not forgotten when investment decisions are taken and can buffer the village from the shocks of forthcoming changes that are now inevitable as a result of Climate Change.”
Kim Reynolds
Councillor and Vice-Chair
Elected: 04/05/2023 (first co-opted 20/09/2021)
Denise Wood
Councillor
Co-opted: 15/05/2023
I have had the pleasure of living in Kempley for nearly ten years – except for a period of living abroad due to my husband’s work. My husband and I enjoy supporting village activities and being part of the local community. We have two sons who are married.
We attend Gorsley Baptist Church, and I am on both the Safeguarding & Pastoral Teams.
My career background is in the NHS in both adult and children’s services, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive behaviour change. More recently, I have trained and started my own Life and Wellbeing coaching business, supporting people to navigate change and make important life decisions. I also work with Alzheimers UK as a Group Facilitator, supporting people with dementia to enjoy life and have hope for the future.
I am a people person. I am non-judgmental in listening to the views of others. I listen to understand rather than to reply. I am honest, empathetic, and sensitive to others’ needs.
As a Parish Councillor I want to support the people and community of Kempley. I am especially interested in helping people maintain good physical and emotional health. I am aware that concerns affecting people where they live can negatively impact their wellbeing. I am delighted to serve the community as a Councillor and trust that my training and experience will be a benefit to the parish.