Councillors – North Ward
Councillor Daniel James
I have lived in Freshwater since 1999, having married into a local family, and we have raised our son here. I am a partner in the town planning consultancy Plan Research, working on developments for housing, small business and education in my day job.
Some years ago I organised a collection of bicycles for export to Africa at the old ambulance station in Queens Road, and have been an active community volunteer ever since.
Committees
- Personnel – Chair
- Planning
- Finance
- Land Management and Assets – Vice Chair
Other Committees/Organisations
- Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners Advisory Committee
- United Charities Trust
Councillor Brenda Hobbs
Born in Hertfordshire. I am a widow with a son and a daughter and a grandchild. I moved to Island with my husband in 1963 and have lived in Wellow, Ryde, Newport, and since 1975 in Freshwater.
Freshwater Parish Councillor since 1987. I live in the Parish, love the area, and therefore wish to be involved in all aspects affecting Freshwater.
Currently serve on Golden Hill and United Charities. West Wight Sports Centre supporter, from swimming at Brambles onwards to the building of the West Wight Pool and involvement in development of the West Wight Sports Centre. Founder member of Friends of Freshwater Library. Founder member of the now closed Freshwater Community Initiative.
Committees
- Community Resilience (including Yarmouth Sea Defences) – Chair
- Planning
- Finance
- Land Management and Assets
Other Committees/Organisations
- Memorial Hall Arts and Leisure Co.
- United Charities Trust
Councillor Emma Cox – Chair
I moved to the Isle of Wight in December 2013, having been a visitor since 1986.
I have been predominantly a ‘stay at home’ mum, due to having children with medical issues. I enjoy reading, swimming and gardening.
I believe that the way forward is to develop our local communities and protect and conserve our social structures.
Feel free to approach me in the village if you would like to discuss any local issues.
Committees
- Planning
- Land Management and Assets – Chair
Other Committees/Organisations
- Freshwater Bay Residents Association Liason
Councillors – South Ward
Councillor Anne Bamford
Studied at two colleges in London between 1971-1976. I became a teacher and taught English, drama and music in 11-18 secondary schools in London, Hertfordshire, Dudley and Stafford until moving to the Isle of Wight in June 1998. I worked in a couple of high schools before settling down at Lake Middle School, where I spent the last 11 years teaching KS3. With the closure of middle schools I took early retirement after teaching for 35 years.
With my interest in the local community I became a Freshwater Parish Councillor in May 2014. My interests are reading, music, theatre, films and pottering around in my garden.
Committees
- Planning – Chair
- Finance
- Land Management and Assets
- Personnel
Other Committees/Organisations
- Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC)
- Memorial Hall Arts and Leisure Co.
Councillor Warren Whyte – Vice Chair
I am an architect and automotive bookseller and is based in heart of Freshwater where he owns the Flaneur book and model shop on Avenue Road. In my architecture work I specialise in ecclesiastical projects and is a Quinquennial Inspector and architect for a number of churches in the Diocese of Portsmouth area, including here on the island.
I am originally from Canada but during my peripatetic career I have lived in East London, Buckinghamshire and more recently in Freshwater. In my spare time I am an advocate in sustainable transport and architecture and has spoken at a number of events and conferences on the topic.
Freshwater Parish Council Vice Chair
Committees
- Library – Chair
- Planning
- Land Management and Assets – Vice Chair
Other Committees/Organisations
- Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC)
- Freshwater and Totland Memorial Bungalow
- Memorial Hall Arts & Leisure Co.
Councillor Sandra Knowles
I have lived and worked on the Isle of Wight for many years and am passionate about supporting the local community.
As a Parish Councillor for Freshwater, I enjoy engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and working towards positive changes that benefit the area. Alongside my role on the council, I am actively involved in voluntary work, supporting initiatives that help local businesses, young people, and community groups.
I also have experience in grant applications and funding, helping to secure support for community projects. With a background in event planning, project coordination, and community engagement, I hope to contribute to making Freshwater a great place to live and work.
Committees
- Planning
- Personnel
- Land Management and Assets
Councillor Natalie Thomas
I have lived on the island since 2013 and immediately fell in love with Freshwater, realising the Island was the perfect place to raise my beautiful young daughter. Up until Mid 2020, I worked in and around care, and I am experienced in a wide all types of care, from mental health to the Elderly.
I am an Ambassador for WAVE and the 70/30 campaign, which focuses primarily on prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Committees
- Finance – Chair
- Planning
Dr Brian Hinton MBE
I am a widely published author, from poetry to the Isle of Wight Rock Festivals to the 19C Freshwater Circle. I wrote the section on Culture in the newly published Isle of Wight Book and am executive chairman at Dimbola, having helped save the house from demolition.
My aims as a councillor are saving our local heritage and enhancing facilities for local people.
Committees
- Planning
- Library
Other Committees/Organisations
- Memorial Hall Arts & Leisure Co
Councillor Tony Armstrong
Having moved to the island with my wife in March 2023 I was very keen to contribute and support the local community in Freshwater.
I have pursued various careers on the mainland: working in corporate sales; running a small hotel and tenanting two public houses with accommodation; teaching Design Technology, Graphics and IT to A Level in the secondary and private sectors in the UK and overseas. I retired as Head of Department after 22 years.
I am passionate about maintaining the beauty of the environment on the island, especially here in West Wight and improving the infrastructure of the area.
I enjoy the Arts, reading, walking and photography in my free time.
Committees
- Planning
- Community Resilience – Vice Chair
Councillor Dominic Hicklin
After a career ranging from charities to crewing tall ships to finance I started writing software to escape the cramped streets of London.
Having come here on Holiday as a child and nearly every weekend to see friends after University I fell in love with the place and moved here; moving to Freshwater 17 years ago. I spent time in other parts of the Island, staying with friends, but I always gravitated back to the open spaces and the warm welcome of the West Wight.
As a Parish Councillor I am hoping to represent the views of the community I live in and help them be heard.
Committees
- Planning
Councillors – Freshwater & Colwell Ward
Councillor Chris Jarman JP
Having spent a lifetime around the world inventing and developing consumer technologies, my family and I relocated to the West Wight in 2004. I had visited since the age of 5 and with relatives then at Middleton, Ventnor, Bembridge, Cowes and many points between.
We undertook the marathon restoration of our home and launched into a host of charitable works as we have supported all our lives. The annual Spring Fete at our home for the Wessex Cancer Trust, support for Mountbatten hospice, Daisy Buses to transport patients to mainland hospitals etc all brought us closer to community groups.
Following my election as the Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Totland and Colwell in 2021, I joined both the Totland and Freshwater Parish Councils that my ward straddles. Supporting residents and community groups remains the cornerstone of my endeavours but closely followed by protection of our beautiful countryside and fragile environment.
Committees
- Finance – Vice Chair
- Personnel
- Planning
Councillor Frances Turan
I moved to the island over four years ago to be close to my son and his wife in Freshwater. This wonderful village and its close-knit community have made me feel like I am living my best life, prompting me to join the Freshwater Parish Council.
My background includes serving as a Banking Insurance & Finance Union representative, where I secured final salary pension rights for part-time female employees and negotiated better terms for local staff.
I also volunteered as an adult literacy tutor in Hornchurch, Essex, for three years, gaining invaluable experience.
In Tring, Hertfordshire, I spent eighteen years involved in local council issues. Although not a councillor, I addressed community concerns by collecting evidence, canvassing residents, and presenting facts to the council. This led to significant achievements, such as installing traffic lights, removing a noisy rumble strip, and creating a public footpath.
I believe that real change requires a collaborative community and a responsive council. I look forward to working together for a better future.
Committees
- Planning – Vice Chair
- Library – Vice Chair
- Community Resilience
- Land Management and Assets