Macdonald, Jenny

I am delighted to say that Andrew and I have lived happily in East
Peckham for the past 29 years and that our son, Guy, married to Anita,
lives not far away in West Farleigh. Our daughter, Hayley, lives even
closer, in East Peckham just a few minutes' walk away. She is married
to Simon and has three boys, Charlie, Alex and Tom. It must be a
compliment to where we live that these young people, who once lived far
away, wanted to come back home.

So here we are and, as if I'm not busy enough already with family,
friends, garden, golf, yoga and dog-walking (I have an energetic and
challenging little terrier), here I am as one of your newest parish
councillors and very pleased I am to be so.

Retired is how I should describe myself, having no longer any gainful
employment, but my days have never been more full and that suits me
fine.

For nigh on 25 years I was happily at the chalk-face, that is, as a
schoolteacher in the primary sector. There followed five years, with
daughter and son-in-law, setting up and then editing a national
children's newspaper. At its height it had a circulation of over 2
million. Unfortunately however, with no grants or funding available, it
became too expensive for us to sustain, so a new wealthy owner found us
and we moved on.

So what can I do for you good parishioners?

Well, in common with the whole of the parish council, I believe in
helping to make our village the best place to live, for young, middle
and old alike.

What is a good place to live?

Above all it is clean, respected and well managed and there should be
lots going on, with the benefit of the best of facilities and amenities
that can be offered anywhere.

As a village we already acquit ourselves well as a community, although
I think we could try harder to engage and occupy our young teenagers.
Let us know if you agree.

Litter is my particular bugbear and in that department we could do
much, much better. I find it utterly depressing. Do let us know if you
think we could do more to reduce it.