Throughout the 42 years that Andy Aylott has lived in Stratton he has always been keen to promote village life and community involvement. During this time he has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge relating to local matters and concerns. Andy has been either councillor, chairman or vice chairman of Stratton Parish Council, for 19 of the last 23 years along with a 15 year stint as organiser of the Stratton Summer Fayre. Andy helped to start the current Stratton Youth Club and besides his present tenure as a parish councillor, his longest and still continuing service, is as the Chairman and Treasurer of the Stratton Village Hall Charity, a position he has held for some 30 years. Prior to retirement, Andy worked as a local authority accountant with Dorset County Council.
5 Carpenters Close
Stratton
DT2 9SR
01305 260054
Cheryl Hobbs has lived in Stratton since 2003 although her connection to Dorset goes back to the early 1920’s when her grandparents moved to Winfrith Newburgh. Prior to retirement, Cheryl worked for Dorset County Council managing services for older people and has over 35 years experience in the caring professions. Since being co-opted onto Stratton Parish Council in January 2015 and then re-elected in the same year, Cheryl has held the Council brief for social care and crime prevention. Committed to preserving Dorset’s natural heritage, Cheryl is a staunch supporter of the campaign for a Dorset and East Devon National Park.
6 Locks Lane
Stratton
DT2 9ST
01305 260848
Originally from Hertfordshire, Matt moved to Stratton in 2012 & was co-opted onto the Parish Council in 2020.
A Chartered Building Surveyor by training, Matt is currently the Divisional Managing Director for Education at Sodexo, providing support services to Schools & Collages across the UK & Ireland. Matt is also a qualified Coach/Mentor.
Outside of work Matt loves the great outdoors, raising over £2000 for the Dorset & Somerset air ambulance completing the national 3 peaks with friends. Often seen walking around the village, on the allotment he shares with his partner Karen or in the Saxon Arms Matt’s decision to join the council was founded on the belief that for a community to thrive, those who are able to should make a contribution to its sustainability & diversity.
4 Penn Hill View
Stratton
DT2 9WF
Tel: 07969 561001 & 01305 259642
Beth Cooke has lived in Stratton with her young family since 2012 and is intent on being an active member of the Parish Council, serving all members of the community, both young and old. Beth and her family are keen users of the parish community facilities such as the village hall, village green and playing field. She feels it is important to be able to represent people in similar situations to herself in the community and is happy to share community views and experiences to help the parish council create the best living environment for all.
Beth works as a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Community Stroke and Neuro Service covering not only this parish but also the whole of West Dorset as part of Dorset Healthcare. Beth regularly links with other community services and feels the health and welfare of our community is paramount.
Beth has not had any previous experience of being on a council but has served as chairperson and committee member for a local children's nursery and has been actively involved with local schools. She has also been the regional representative for the Specialist Section of Occupational Therapists working in Neurology covering the whole of the Southwest region.
2 Meadow Bottom
Stratton
DT2 9WH
Tel: 07766 250699
Bradley moved to Stratton, with his wife Sarah, in 2018 and their daughter, Emily, was born in 2022.
Having been born and brought up on the Somerset Levels in a close community, he is very much for ‘rural living’.
Bradley has a career in the Financial Advisory Sector, requiring clear communication, effective decision making and planning, attributes which he feels will be useful as a Councillor and helpful to the Parish Council.
Bradley is committed to making a positive impact in promoting the Parish and the welfare for all its residents.
Tel: 07960 096891