Councillors
All 28 Councillors provide their services on a voluntary basis and do not receive any salary or allowances, and hold regular Surgeries for the residents in their wards. Please contact your local Councillor(s) to find out more. Councillor meeting attendance can be viewed on the Councillor Attendance page. Declarations made at meetings, entries in the Register of Interests and receipt of any gifts or hospitalities for our Town Councillors can be viewed at: Bracknell Town Council Declarations and Register of Interests
Birch Hill and North Lake
Janet Cochrane
Birch Hill and North Lake
Labour
T: 01344 516841
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Janet Cochrane
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Planning Committee - Vice Chair
Staffing Committee - SubstituteCath Thompson
Birch Hill and North Lake
Labour
T: 07490 626321
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Cath Thompson
Staffing Committee - Vice Chair
Planning Committee - SubstituteBullbrook
Graham Firth
Bullbrook
Labour
T: 01344 425406
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Graham Firth
Strategy & Finance Committee - Member
Environmental Services Committee - Substitute
Planning Committee - Substitute
Graham has lived in Bullbrook, Bracknell for 35 years and is married with two grown-up children, who have now moved away but previously attended local Bracknell primary and secondary schools. Now retired for some years, he was formerly a university librarian. Graham was for many years a governor at Cranbourne Primary School and has previously represented Bullbrook on Bracknell Town Council (1995 - 2000), so feels greatly honoured to be elected again for the ward after such a long break. He edits a quarterly magazine for the Exeter University Club for the more mature graduates of the university and, since retirement, has joined the Bracknell Film society and the local U3A.
Graham is interested in sport, including locally provided facilities, and enjoys walking and jogging in the many parks and open spaces of Bracknell, upkeep of which is an important part of Bracknell Town Council's work. He recognises the importance of Bracknell's libraries as community centres and is keen that South Hill Park should be properly supported as a continuing outstanding local focus for the arts.Crown Wood
Elizabeth Baker
Crown Wood
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Elizabeth Baker
Staffing Committee - Member
Elected in May 2023, Mary moved to Bracknell in 2023 to be nearer family and friends. She enjoys living in Bracknell with its abundance of parks and outdoor areas and she particularly likes attending events at South Hill Park.
Working as an early years teacher for over twenty five years has given Mary a great deal of experience of dealing with young families. She has owned and run an independent bookshop for fifteen years.
In her spare time Mary has a variety of interests. She attends a weekly literature class, helps at Age UK Berkshire and belongs to the Bracknell Film Society. She always makes time to be with her four lively grandchildren.Jodie Watts
Crown Wood
Labour
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Jodie Watts
Strategy & Finance Committee - Substitute
Environmental Services Committee - MemberGarth
Anna Keen
Garth
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Anna Keen
Strategy & Finance Committee - Vice Chair
Staffing Committee - Chair
It is a privilege to be your Labour councillor. I will continue to work with you to ensure that all members of our community can enjoy our recreation areas and play facilities, with opportunities for exploring, learning and fun for everyone.
I have lived in Bracknell for most of my life, with both parents successful local Labour Councillors. I have been a teacher in Bracknell for over 20 years and also lead the Board of Trustees of a local scout group. I am passionate about nature and conservation.
I am proud to live, raise my family and work in Bracknell and proud to represent my constituents to make Bracknell a very special place to belong.
Ellen Mac Hale
Garth
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Ellen Mac Hale
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Planning Committee - Member
I have lived in Garth for 39 years, and am now retired. I worked as a chartered librarian for BP; two higher education libraries, a comprehensive school and finally as Head of Learning Resources at Henley College.
Since retirement I have volunteered with ABC to Read in a local primary school, South Hill Park and the National Trust at Nuffield Place. I am particularly pleased that our local Councils support South Hill Park where I enjoy meeting and helping customers for our wide-ranging performances.
My hobbies include gardening, theatre, WEA classes in art history and architecture and walking with local groups.
Our parks and green spaces are very important to me and I realise how lucky Bracknell is to have them. With so many flats being built now, they will be the gardens for many residents. They are wonderful resources for our physical and mental health.Great Hollands North
Donna Pressland
Great Hollands North
Labour
Mary Temperton
Great Hollands North
Labour
T: 01344 426191
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Mary Temperton
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Staffing Committee - Member
I have now served on the Bracknell Town Council for 40 years, representing Great Hollands North residents and it is a real privilege. Bracknell Town is blessed with superb play areas and recreation grounds, both big and small. Ensuring these are well maintained and accessible to all age groups is essential, but we need to hear from residents too if more needs to be done or different equipment should be included. I am anxious to make our Town as ‘Green’ as possible, to increase our biodiversity and bring our carbon footprint to net zero as soon as possible.
I taught Science at Easthampstead Park School for 22 years and loved it. It is always a joy when I knock on the door of one of my past students- and there are very many of you still living here in Bracknell. Bracknell is a lovely place to live.Great Hollands South
Gerry Webb
Great Hollands South
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Gerry Webb
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Gerry has lived in Bracknell all of her life and in Great Hollands for the last 36 years. She started her life as a Chemist with a local defence company. Following a career break to raise a family, Gerry moved into secondary and then further education, where she still works today.
Gerry participates in many outdoor pursuits, including running and cycling, and she enjoys the extensive facilities that the town possesses. She wishes to maintain and improve these facilities and to protect the environment for all residents to enjoy.
Lucy Young
Great Hollands South
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Lucy Young
Environmental Services Committee - Chair
Lucy moved to Bracknell in 1991, first living in Hanworth and moving to Great Hollands in 2001.
Since living in Bracknell Lucy has brought up four children, using many of the facilities and amenities provided by Bracknell Town Council. As a dog owner she appreciates the many green spaces offered and feels passionate about keeping them safe, litter-free and accessible for the whole community.
With a background supporting vulnerable families and their children, Lucy wants to continue ensuring the quality and safety of play equipment in our parks, so people have places to enjoy precious time with their families.
In her spare time Lucy continues with dedicating her time to the young people of our communities by running a guide unit, something she has done for nearly thirty years.
Lucy has a love of theatre and enjoys nights out at The Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park, a great facility offered to the residents of the town.Hanworth
Kathleen Nugent
Hanworth
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Kathleen Nugent
Environmental Services Committee - Vice Chair
I have lived in Bracknell for over 40 years, and was headteacher at The Pines school in Hanworth, and also a governor at Bracknell and Wokingham College. I now work as an advocate providing advocacy support for vulnerable adults and children.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family in Bracknell's beautiful parks. I passionately believe that it is important to listen to the views of local people when decisions are being made about community services and the local environment.Jenny Penfold
Hanworth
Labour
M: 07885 952788
T: 01344 453044
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Jenny Penfold
Staffing Committee - Substitute
Planning Committee - MemberHarmans Water
Donna Sidebotham
Harmans Water
Labour
View profile of Donna Sidebotham
Donna Sidebotham
Strategy & Finance Committee - Substitute
Environmental Services Committee - Substitute
Staffing Committee - Substitute
Planning Committee - Substitute
I have lived in Bracknell for nearly 20 years, entering the area into the Binfield side of Bracknell, then moving to housing association flats in Downshire Way. I then moved to Forest Park and have now lived in Harmans Water for 10 years.
I love Bracknell and I've become a strong part of the community. I became a school governor for Harmans Water school 6 years ago and also run my own company in Bracknell.
As a mother and dog mum to my 2 dogs, Swagger and Bonnie, I have great appreciation for the outdoor space and parks and am passionate about the environment and green living. My roots are from country living, but enjoy what Bracknell has to offer. I believe there is a great community, green space and you can always see trees where ever you stand.
I look forward to being even more active in the community and standing up for all the parks and open space can offer. Cherise Welch
Harmans Water
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Cherise Welch
Strategy & Finance Committee - Substitute
Planning Committee - SubstituteJennett's Park
Jeffrey Gillbe
Jennett's Park
Labour
M: 07854 831506
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Jeffrey Gillbe
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Jeff was first elected in May 2023, one of two inaugural councillors for Jennett’s Park. Having once lived on Osprey Avenue, he is keenly aware of the opportunities and challenges the community faces – the need to defend its green spaces, and to ensure the infrastructure keeps pace with its growing population. As a member of the Environmental Services Committee, Jeff will use his position to fight for Bracknell’s green heritage and to lobby the borough council.
Jeff worked 45 years as a petrochemical designer, stationed on projects all around the world. Now retired, he is committed to giving back to the town he is proud to call home. Besides his work on the town council, he enjoys his time at classical music concerts, making sure his pet cat Pixie keeps out of trouble…and ensuring he keeps his son Guy (borough councillor for Easthampstead & Wildridings) busy with plenty of casework.Kathryn Neil
Jennett's Park
Labour
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Kathryn Neil
Strategy & Finance Committee - Member
I was first elected in 2019 to represent Jennetts Park as part of the Great Hollands North ward and have enjoyed representing the interests of residents in ensuring quality services and value for money from the council.
I grew up in Sandhurst, have lived in Jennett’s Park for over 10 years and have worked for a number of organisations and companies in Bracknell- including the council in their transformation team a number of years ago. So, I understand what is so brilliant about Bracknell Forest and our community; as well as the challenges we have experienced and how to get the best outcomes for residents.
We are so lucky to have the green spaces, facilities and community spirit that we do and it is important that we maintain and protect these for all residents and the wider community. Old Bracknell
Paul Bidwell
Old Bracknell
Labour
M: 07856 571529
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Paul Bidwell
Strategy & Finance Committee - Substitute
I am delighted to be re-elected as a Bracknell Town Councillor for the third consecutive time, I have now been a Town Councillor since 2015. As Town Councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings I will continue to work with the Community and Town Officers to ensure that all open spaces are a joy for everyone,. Bracknell is a great place to live but it is important that the upkeep of open spaces provides a safe environment, enjoyable for all.
I am also a Borough Councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings (Executive Member for Economic Development and Regneration), Governor at Fox Hil Primary School and Chair of Age Concern Bracknell (Dementia Day Centre).
I hold a monthly surgery at Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre and look forward to discussing your community events, issues or just to catch up. I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible over the coming months,
Guy Gillbe
Old Bracknell
Labour
M: 07789 095939
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Guy Gillbe
Strategy & Finance Committee - Chair
Staffing Committee - Substitute
Elected in a July 2022 by-election, and then a full term in May 2023, Guy moved to Bracknell in 2015, first living in Jennett’s Park, then Wildridings, and now Easthampstead. Attracted to Bracknell by its New Town ethos, Guy is determined to defend its founding philosophy – an abundance of green space, close-knit communities, and ease of travel by walking or public transport – at the same time as making improvements based on the collective experience gained since its inception.
With a background in operations for the charity sector, Guy wants to bring forward his experience of working with families in hardship. As a proud resident of Easthampstead, he wants to stand up for what he considers to be one of the jewel communities of our borough.
In his spare time, Guy feels the best way to understand Bracknell Forest is by walking it, so he enjoys his time as an avid rambler with his partner Emily…and their pet dog Pip! However, he still partakes in the thrills of being an obsessive F1 fan. Guy is also a councillor for Easthampstead & Wildridings on Bracknell Forest Borough Council.Priestwood
Ryan Frost
Priestwood
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Ryan Frost
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Planning Committee - Substitute
I have lived in Bracknell since 2020. Originally qualifying as a secondary school languages teacher, I now work for a national charity tackling educational disadvantage.
I am a governor at Garth Hill College and a trustee at Youthline, the young people's counselling service.; charities supporting young people are close to my heart.
In my free time I enjoy rambling so I am keen to protect and promote our green spaces.Imara Wright
Priestwood
Labour
M: 07470 444412
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Imara Wright
Strategy & Finance Committee - Substitute
Environmental Services Committee - Member
I moved to Bracknell in 2013 when I was 8 years old, and enjoyed my time in Bracknell Forest primary and secondary schools.
I am now at University studying Politics and French, and I am very interested in the participation of young people in civil society.
As a councillor I hope to bring a voice to young people in Bracknell and make sure that we are not overlooked in key decisions about our future!Town Centre and The Parks
Kwabena Adutwum-Quaye
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour
T: 07988 515400
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Kwabena Adutwum-Quaye
Strategy & Finance Committee - Member
Planning Committee - ChairRoy Bailey
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Roy Bailey
Strategy & Finance Committee - Member
Staffing Committee - Member
A former Thames Valley Police Superintendent, Oracle Business Consultant, university lecturer and teacher, Roy has a doctorate in Criminal Justice and has published papers on policing and policing governance.
Roy has previously served on both the Borough and Town Councils and he is delighted to be able to offer his services once again to Bracknell residents.
He has been a school governor in Bracknell for over 30 years and has been Chair at Fox Hill School for several years.
Roy loves Bracknell’s green spaces and play areas. He looks forward to supporting the Council in all its endeavours to maintain the highest of standards and service delivery to everyone in Bracknell Town.Megan Wright
Town Centre and The Parks
Labour
T: 01344 772700
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Megan Wright
Strategy & Finance Committee - Member
Megan has a background in nursing and for the past 13 years she has been running a children's charity that operates in Kenya.
She is looking foward to joining the Town Council and being part of the team that keeps Bracknell green, clean and accessible for all.Wildridings
Simon Carter
Wildridings
Labour
M: 07503 411199
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Simon Carter
Environmental Services Committee - Member
Staffing Committee - MemberHelen Purnell
Wildridings
Labour
T: 01344 420079 (office hours only)
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Helen Purnell
Environmental Services Committee - Substitute
Staffing Committee - Substitute
