"I am your Ridgeway Ward Borough Councillor" 

My family and I live in Wanborough and play an ongoing part in village life.

I'm married to Sarah (Head-teacher at a Swindon Primary School) and we have three children (Jordan was a Critical Care Nurse but is now an educator in the same hospital), Hannah is studying childcare and volunteers in education and 18 year old Will is off to university to study Sports Analysis having just completed Sixth Form at The Ridgeway School.

I was a Parish Councillor for 14 years in Wanborough & Chairman for 5 years and in 2021 I was delighted to be re-elected to the Parish Council with the highest number of votes cast - thank you to residents for your continued support and faith. I work hard in my community, attend and throw myself into village events including the Village Clean Ups (Liddington & Badbury as well as my own work in Wanborough), Wanborough Summer Show, May Day Fayre, the Scarecrow Hunt.

Contact me at gary@ridgewayvillages.co.uk

(all day) or call my home on 01793 790814 

"My work as a Borough Councillor" 

In May 2018 I was proud to be given the role of Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and this was confirmed again for 2019/20 which includes overseeing the Strategic growth of Swindon and all planning matters including the New Eastern Villages, Wichelstowe, Tadpole Garden Village, Kingsdown etc.

In 2020 this role was increased so I have been the Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport & Planning.

In May 2021 I was elected as Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council but also keeping the same Cabinet responsibilities.

Having worked in the housing sector for 35 years I have considerable experience and knowledge which I bring to the role.

Bishopstone & Hinton Parva Country Garden Fete 2019

A lovely event in the gardens of the Old Vicarage and St Mary's Churchyard. 

Wanborough May Daye Fayre 2019

My wife Sarah, son Will and I together with another helper spent 5 very busy, non stop hours on the barbecues this year - such a great job apparently that we've got the gig for next year!

Over £8,000 raised from the May Day Fayre and Scarecrow Trail.

I attend monthly Parish Council meetings in Liddington, Bishopstone and Chiseldon (for Badbury).

I hold Ward Councillor Surgeries in Wanborough Village Hall monthly but also do these on occasions in Bishopstone and Liddington - all Ward residents are welcome to each:

As Ward Councillor I may attend up to four Parish Council meetings a month and do my best to add value and help where requested.

On the whole both the Parish Councils and residents benefit from this but I am more than happy to meet residents at other times more convenient to them.

After ten years at Wanborough Junior Football Club including the last few years as it's Chairman I stepped down this summer and was presented with the innaugural 'Gary Sumner' award for special services to the Club. This award will go to another recipient next year.

Foundation Park is the new training location for Wanborough JFC: 

One of my greatest achievements for Wanborough Junior Football Club was something I will see for many years to come.

Working with STFC Community Foundation, 'Wanborough Junior Football Club' became one of only two partner clubs in this fantastic £2m facility next to the County Ground attracting over £900,000 towards the overall cost from the Premier League.

I was able to agree a 5 year deal with excellent rates for WJFC to train and play at the state of the art facility. Teams have the best quality training facilities and in the summer when the older age groups lose 'Hooper's Field' to Cricket for several months and are 'homeless' for training they have this incredible place to play and train. In the winter, younger ages can play league matches on a Sunday morning and train on a Saturday.