Sue Clarke
Town Mayor and Chair
I have lived in Buckfastleigh for 14 years and my children attended South Dartmoor Community Academy. I have spent my career working with young people and I have a strong interest in issues that affect their welfare. A big part of my life in the last year or two has been being part of the amazing group of people that run the Sports Club on Holne Road. Looking at ways to open up that facility to a more diverse group of people and encourage local youths to take time away from their electronic devices and play outdoors, is our goal.
I love Buckfastleigh, it is a unique and beautiful place, but I also appreciate the isolation, lack of opportunity and lack of employment that can affect those in rural communities. I have been impressed with the positive changes that came from electing BIG councillors in Buckfastleigh. They looked for new ways to get things done and consult with townsfolk. Most importantly, they have won the funding that’s needed to improve things and develop new projects.
I want to serve the people of Buckfastleigh and Buckfast and promise to work hard, to listen and to achieve positive change on their behalf.
Email: sue2earth2002@yahoo.co.uk
Ron Fox
I have lived in Buckfastleigh for nearly 50 years so I must like this place! I've worked locally, starting in the woollen mill, then on the A38 construction before becoming self-employed as a plumber, gas fitter and kitchen fitter. My eldest of five children was born here 48 plus years ago and I have a 16 year old about to start 6th form at SDCC. I have been a town councillor for 4 years and am proud of the changes we have made to how the Council functions and the achievements of the Council over that time. I have been involved in the Amateur Dramatic Group and Chief Barbecuer for Friends of Buckfastleigh School in the past. More recently part of the team which saved the swimming pool for the town. I am looking forward to participating in the future of our town as part of BIG19.
Email: ronfox15@gmail.com
Steven Burch
Towns and villages across South Devon have been my home since 1987, before I settled here in Buckfastleigh with my wife nearly three years ago. In that time I’ve witnessed creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and at the same time, concern for the less fortunate in our community. So, I want to build on the good work being done by individuals and many local organisations to make our town a more positive, thriving place to live.
As a co-opted councillor, trustee at the Valiant Soldier and after a good many years in business I hope I can use my skills and experience to bear on the important work of the Town Council.
Email: stevenburch@quaestus.co.uk
John Bailey
My wife and I have lived in Dean Prior for 34 years and my children attended school in Buckfastleigh and Ashburton. I’m the Chairman of Buckfastleigh Football Club and Secretary of the Social Club and I want to develop sports and activity to get people happier and healthier.
I’m the owner of a successful local shop fitting company employing 90 people and have a lifetime’s experience in contracts management, project planning, budget management, communications and people management - skills that would be really helpful on the Town Council to help ensure we’re managing money, assets and people properly to make the most of the opportunities available.
I’m not allied to any political party but I am working with the BIG19 team to use my skills to assist local people, businesses, sports and leisure facilities to make life better for everyone in our great town.
Email: jwb@benbowgroup.co.uk
Sylvia Phillips
I’ve enjoyed living in Buckfastleigh for over thirty years. My children all attended Buckfastleigh Primary School; in the past my mother taught there and I was a school governor for a while. For a number of years I helped organise Children’s festivals in Victoria Park. Currently I’m a member of the French Twinning Association, also a trustee with the Valiant Soldier and for the Bungalow Youth Project.
I have a degree in fine art and in my spare time enjoy any arts and crafts pursuits. My last employment was as a manager of Adult and Community Learning for Devon County Council; therefore I have a good understanding of local government and the importance of education for all. The current economic climate is difficult; however I’m keen to help find ways to see Buckfastleigh become a thriving community once again.
Joanna De Groot-Marzec
I have lived in Buckfastleigh since 2018. I am a volunteer and a trustee of Moorland Community Care and one of the volunteers organising Buckfastleigh Christmas Fair. My working career covered Project Management in IT and in later years working in a dementia care setting. I love living in Buckfastleigh and at the same time appreciate the isolation and challenges facing older people living in rural communities.
Email: jdegrootmarzec@gmail.com