WIN’s People

From the beginning, Wells Independents’ focus on people before politics has attracted residents from all walks of life.

	Cllr. Carol Cox I have lived in and around Wells since 1988 when I came to work as a probation officer for Somerset from Inner London. Working gave me experience of mental health issues within the criminal justice system, whilst civil work meant being with families and children of all ages and backgrounds. More personally, I have 11 grandchildren and attend the Catholic church in Wells; I am also involved with “The churches together in Wells”. As an independent councillor, I am keen to establish more links and discussions between the Council and the people of Wells. I want to encourage and support liaison with our many local organisations who help to bring a sense of community to the city.
Adrian I’Anson I support Wells Independents because I believe that a group of individuals, freed from political party affiliation and ideologies, can build on the work carried out by Wells City Council and provide much needed energy and innovation.As a planning lawyer, I have considerable expertise in planning and have used this as a member of the committee of Wells Civic Society.  In that role, I worked with others to prepare a draft of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan.  I have been a governor of the Blue School, a trustee of City of Wells Almshouses and a lay member of Wells Cathedral Chapter.  I am currently working with other members of Wells Independents to organise a regular charity fund raising event called “SOUP”.
	Chris Winter I firmly believe that locally elected representatives can, and should, bring everyone together to use all the talents and skills in the City for the community, and devote its own resources to supporting local groups and projects. Wells Independents is working towards this end.Chair of Wells Civic Society; member of Sustainable Wells, Wells WI, City of Wells Tourism Forum, Wells City of Culture Steering Group, Wells in Mosaic project team, Women of Wells (WoW), Wells Independents (WIN), presenter – Glastonbury FM radio; also Alliance of Historic Cathedral Cities and Towns (ACT) Steering Group and Trustee of Civic Voice.
Paddy O’Hagan Paddy O’Hagan supports WIN because I believe in local people taking local decisions to get things done – not party politics and special interest groups.Paddy O’Hagan is:  Director, Wells Food Festival Chair, Somerset Local Food Direct Master, Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Director, Sally Strachey Historic Conservation Committee member, WAC
	Cllr Matt Gilson (St Cuthbert Out) Born, raised and educated in Wells, I’m heavily involved in a wide range of community projects, all of which bring direct benefits to the city’s residents and their lifestyle. I am sick and tired of the way party politics divides the community and frustrates progress. I want people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved decision-making at all levels. Wells Independents provides wonderful support for people who want to stand for Council out of conviction rather than to toe the party line.
Steve Wilson I support Wells Independents, and have done from their inception, because I feel it’s so important to have an independent presence in local politics. Politics in general is changing, as the electorate see through the constant lies and spin of the party-political machines, and this change needs to come from all directions, including locally. But as well as all this, WIN are simply a group of concerned and active local people trying to make their community better for everyone, so they also get involved in many non-political community activities.I have lived in Wells for 13 years, first as a resident and then as an owner of local businesses, and I’ve also been involved in various community groups and events, most recently Wells in Mosaic and Wells Lions.
	Philip Welch I want to build on the work of the city council to make Wells a more vibrant, prosperous and liveable city for all residents.Voluntary work: Founder member of the campaign to make Wells a Dementia Friendly City, Ambassador for the Wells Girl Guiding movement, vice-chair of Wells Civic Society, leader of project to install a series of 12 Blue Plaques around Wells to tell residents about little known aspects of the city’s history and create a new tourist attraction, leader of a project to support long-standing local family businesses in Wells through presenting them with commemorative indoor plaques, member of Wells in Mosaic project team, presenter of weekly programme on GFM community radio, press officer for GFM, trustee of Somerset Spark a new organisation which supports charities in the county, honorary member of Wells Lions, member of the Wells Men’s Breakfast steering group, reviewer and sponsorship securer for Wells Festival of Literature, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.  Professional work: Advises five Wells firms on how to deal with the media and market their businesses.
Ross Young Having travelled from near Taunton to attend Cathedral services for 7 years, we moved here in June 2015. I love Wells and feel hugely privileged to live in this wonderful City. I was immediately impressed by those I met in Wells Independents in their keenness and determination to enhance the life and environment of the city, unencumbered by party politics. SOUP, which helps charities and projects not only raise much needed funds but also spread the word of their wonderful work, is a good example of their initiative.Member of the Wells Independents SOUP team, Regional Director South West for charity SOS Kit Aid, Wells Cathedral Sidesman. Formerly County Executive Officer St. John Ambulance following a career in newspaper and magazine publishing.
	Simon Lawder “Almost 40 years after I moved here, Wells is still beautiful but it desperately needs fresh, visionary leadership or it’s in danger of becoming a beautiful relic.”Published author, initiator of the Wells We Want public consultation conference (2000), past president of City of Wells Lions, Past long range planning chairman, Lions Clubs GB & I, past Regional Director of Business in the Community, past chairman of Wells Men’s breakfast, Steering group member, Wells Food Festival.

Judith Ludovino

I support Wells Independents because I want to see a modern, diverse economy in the city, and for that to happen we need people who look forward and plan for the future. The individuals involved in Wells Independents are “do-ers”.  I am director of the Mendip Hub, the area’s first co-working space, and also Managing Director of TelePA, a local employer.