Message from the Chairman Helen Ogden
As we enter a New Year, we look forward with hope following the positive news of vaccines effective against Covid-19. There is a way to go before that hope is realised and in the meantime Westerham along with all of Kent is currently living with the restrictions of Tier 3 with no real idea of when or if it will emerge. This has hit our local businesses, especially the hospitality sector hard and although shops are open, footfall from other tiers is not encouraged.
So my New Year’s resolutions? Continue to support our local shops – and as far as possible – tell friends to come and shop and eat here when restrictions allow. Thank you to all those organisations and individuals who have worked so hard to support our community throughout this last year and who continue to do so. And finally focus on the future: while 2020 was in many ways a year when much hit the pause button, I trust that 2021 will be a year when we can take forward some of the plans which our community has said are important to them.
Your Crockham Hill Councillors
Cllr Deborah Coen – Deborah was elected unopposed on to the Council in May 2019 to represent Crockham Hill where she has lived for the last 22 years. She is a qualified solicitor but recently became an Accredited Life Coach with a particular interest in recent graduates and young adults at a career crossroads or seeking work for the first time. She is married with three children. Deborah sits on the Planning Committee and Youth & Community Committee where she is keen to put her training and skills to good use in engaging with Westerham’s young people. Deborah loves being active in her local community and is a Trustee of Crockham Hill Village Hall.
Cllr Alan Jowett – Alan has lived in the Edenbridge and Crockham Hill area for almost 40 years and is committed to help improve the facilities and attractiveness of the area. He was co-opted onto the Council in September 2016 and was elected unopposed in May 2019. Alan lives in Crockham Hill with his wife Liz and their four children.
Amongst his various community-oriented projects was his role in the fundraising, construction and establishment of the Crockham Hill Village Hall Trust. In this his training as a solicitor proved invaluable; since retiring Alan has continued to apply his legal skills on a pro bono basis to help both individuals and a number of local community initiatives – most recently the formation of a community interest company to acquire and establish what has become a beautiful orchard in the heart of the village.
Cllr Sharon Sheen – Sharon was co-opted onto the Council in July 2016 and elected in 2019. Sharon moved to Westerham in 2001 and then to Crockham Hill in 2008. Sharon has always felt very privileged to live in such a special place. Recently made redundant after a long career in banking in the City, Sharon brings experience in finance, social housing, youth unemployment and counselling to support the Council to maintain the unique nature of this beautiful place and to protect the services available. Married, with children and grandchildren, Sharon loves to spend any spare time in the garden. Sharon is the Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee, member of Highways & Lighting Committee and a member of the Crockham Hill War Memorial Trust Committee.
