Your Councillors
David Banks
I have lived in Watchet over 25 years, originally coming from Cardiff. My previous employment included terms in the Merchant Navy and the RAF Regiment. I obtained a degree at Kingston Polytechnic and went into teaching. I have served on Watchet Town Council for 15 years and during that time I have served three terms as Town Council Chairman and now entering my fourth term.
Sally de Renzy-Martin
I moved to Watchet in 1982 and was elected to Watchet Town Council in 1991 on which I have served three terms as Chairman. Over the years I have been involved with several local organisations and currently chair the Watchet Youth and Community Centre Management Committee, Watchet Harbour Advisory Committee, Watchet Action Strategic Partnership and Watchet and District Activity Group. I am married with three adult offspring.
Jenny Hill
I was born in Watchet and attended St Decuman's School and Williton VC School where I was head girl. I was married in St Decuman's Church and my only child Jeneta was born and christened in Watchet. I married my late husband, Bob, when he was stationed at Doniford Army Camp. When Bob took early retirement, and we returned to Watchet in 1991, I had been working for a large building company in Peterborough as Company Secretary. When we returned to Watchet I worked for the NHS as PA to the Community Nursing Manager. I have been on District Council for nearly nine years and this year I have the honour of being the Chairman of West Somerset Council. I was elected onto Watchet Town Council in 2007, but I previously served as a councillor for the town for six years.
Janet Tapp
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Wendy Turner
I was born in Gloucestershire, living briefly in Watchet for four years where I attended the Church School. On return to Gloucestershire, I attended Drama School and became a qualified A.L.A.M. and subsequently worked in professional theatre. Family life took over during which time I was a voluntary worker for the Bristol Youth Theatre. I attended Bristol University to study Business Studies I then gained a City & Guilds Diploma in Tourist Attraction Practice and was on attachment to SS Great Britain. I have always been fortunate in meeting interesting people from all walks of life. I am interested in arts, crafts and design, social history and current affairs. I have now lived in Watchet for 14 years and was elected onto Watchet Town Council in 2004.
Vincent Woods
I first settled in Watchet in 1962 and attended Minehead Grammar School, returning to the town after retirement in 1999 to serve as Deacon at Sacred Heart Minehead. I was first elected to Watchet Town Council in 2003 although I previously served as a town and District Councillor in two different areas and worked in operations and training in a major clearing bank. I am married with two grown up children and four grandchildren.
Paul Chamberlain
I was born in West Somerset and have lived here all of my life. I am employed by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and have been since leaving school. My priorities are to improve facilities in our area and to make Watchet a better place to bring up a family. I have a record of service to the community and wish to ensure that the concerns and problems of the residents are fully heard. I will do my best to ensure that the environment is enhanced and protected whilst offering a commitment to ensuring the views of the residents are truly represented.
Peter Murphy
Born 1952 and educated in Leicester, I obtained a degree in Geography and worked for 27 years as a secondary school teacher in Doncaster. I was a local union secretary and became a member of the Labour party. I have lived in Watchet since 2002 with my wife, Liz and enjoy the community spirit in the town. I feel it is important to contribute to the community and I am currently Chairman of the Taunton Deane & West Somerset Credit Union helping to keep savings in the community and am treasurer of the Watchet Market House Museum Society. A member of Watchet Town Council since 2007, my main interests are planning and environmental issues and the Mineral Line conservation group.
Hazel Bowden
I moved to Watchet in 1976 from Hounslow, Middlesex, and am married to Tony Bowden a local man formerly serving on the Watchet Town Council. As an elected Councillor on Watchet Town Council from May 1995, I am a keen supporter in retaining green areas in Watchet. We were foster parents for several years. I am a member of the Twinning Society and was involved with the fundraising efforts for the Knights Templar School swimming pool.
Doug Webber
Born in Market Street, Watchet, before Second World War I lived in various areas in Watchet before finally settling in Greenway. Educated at St Decumans CEVA, Williton and Taunton Technical College I then Joined the RAF in 1954 as an aircraft engineer where I served for five years. I spent a further 12 years in aircraft construction and repair including a year on the Concorde project at Bristol. I spent one year on the inspection team during the construction of the reactor core at Hinkley Point B Station before moving into the insurance services for the following 30 years. I was elected to serve Watchet Town Council in 1996 and served as Chairman of the Council in 2003.
Dave Westcott
I was born in Roadwater and attended local schoools in Washford, Williton and Minehead. I have worked locally, opening the Williton and Minehead Co-ops, and owned Glenmore Foods in Watchet for 20 years. I still have other business interests in the town. I was elected onto Watchet Town Council eight years ago. I am a Governor at Knights Templar School and I also represent Watchet on the District Council.
Loretta Whetlor
I moved to Watchet in 1997 and am married with two sons. I worked for Midland Bank for 16 years as senior secretary. I joined Watchet Town Council in 1999. For the past three years have been the chairman of West Somerset Strategic Partnership. Chairman of Watchet Gardening Club for 6 years. I take an active part in helping the Watchet Carnival Club and Watchet Music Festival. As member of the Watchet Chamber of Trade I am chair of Watchet Blooms, who arrange sponsorship and maintenance of the floral displays on the Esplanade. I am totally committed to the community in which I live and take a great interest in what happens in the town. Watchet has a great past and an even greater future and I am pleased to be part of that.