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My husband, Bill and I moved to Weston-super-Mare in 2015 following my retirement as a Headteacher in a Bristol Primary School with a Children’s Centre. During nearly forty years of teaching in London and Bristol I had taught throughout the primary school age range, been a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator and gained a Masters Degree in Education. I was fortunate to attend learning and teaching opportunities in South Africa, Uganda and India and I was seconded to the Health and Safety Executive in London for a year to lead a project on risk assessment in the National Curriculum. We moved here with my eldest daughter and my mother and were closely followed by my younger daughter, her husband and children and then one of my sons. At one time we had four generations living in our house! My eldest son lives in Pill with his family, near to my great grandson. I enjoy doing the school run and I am the Chair of Governors of Walliscote School. I also enjoy swimming, walking with the U3A, reading and attending theatre. I love the beach and the sea and I find pleasure in litter picking in Ellenborough Park. I am also a trustee of Refugees Welcome North Somerset and I love meeting people from different backgrounds and a variety of cultures.
I have been interested in politics from a young age and have always played a part in my community. I was an active member of church when younger. I have lead Sunday Schools and Youth Clubs and taught as an Ante natal teacher for twenty years. I want to see Weston super Mare as a thriving town and community looking after all its residents young and old. I want it to be clean, green, welcoming and vibrant. My main aim as a councillor is to protect our open spaces such as the beach and our parks so that they are accessible and appreciated by everyone both residents and visitors.
Planning and Environment Committee; Amenities Culture and Leisure Committee; Allotments Community Consultative Group; Devolution Start and Finish Group
Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee
Anti-Racism Champion
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I was first elected to the Council in 2007.North Worle is a delightful area and I am pleased to help whenever I can
with any issues that arise, from planning issues to the inconvenience where roadside grass has blocked gateways, and many other issues. After a long campaign I managed to get dropped kerb crossings for the shopping centre near Castle Batch school, which is a great help for pushchairs and wheelchairs, etc. In 2014 I started North Worle Forum .. a non political facebook page, open to everyone living in or connected with North Worle. Working with Weston Town Council, we now have a unique play centre on Castle Batch and we have ambitious plans for the building there….use of toilets and facilities for a cafe? And perhaps a long shot…a library!
Planning and Environment Committee; Devolution Start and Finish Group
Bristol Airport Consultative Committee
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I’m Jemma Coles and I represent Mid Worle on Weston-super-Mare Town Council. I also serve as a North Somerset councillor for the same area.
I live locally with my husband and son, who is about to start secondary school. I also have two grown-up daughters: one works in the ambulance service and the other runs a music brand in Bristol.
My working life has been a mixture of business, community development, events and trying to make ambitious ideas actually work. I came into the charity and voluntary sector from a commercial background in recruitment, sales, hospitality and venue management. This meant I often looked beyond short-term grants and helped organisations develop sustainable business models and generate more of their own income.
My friends sometimes describe one of my previous roles as being a bit like Gordon Ramsay for charities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, but with slightly less swearing. I supported hundreds of projects each year, ranging from steam railways and community buildings to carers’ organisations, mental health services and employment projects.
I have also created and run major local events, including Weston’s Zombie Race and Backyard Cinema, which became the South West’s largest open-air cinema.
Today, I run Hub Weston CIC, The Stable and its projects, The Stable Games Room and the Blakehay Theatre. I care particularly about protecting community facilities, supporting carers and families, creating opportunities for young people, backing independent businesses and making sure residents receive clear and honest answers.
Through my work with different community projects, I was already attending a lot of council meetings and asking questions. Too often, I came away feeling that I had heard plenty of words but had not actually received an answer.
I wanted to understand how decisions were made, challenge things that did not seem right and make sure residents were properly listened to. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.
I have since learned that not every problem has a quick or simple solution. But I still believe people deserve honest explanations, clear answers and councillors who are prepared to keep asking questions and challenging on their behalf.
Personnel Committee; Devolution Start and Finish Group
Weston Placemaking
I have been proud to serve as a councillor since 2013, working to support residents, strengthen local communities, and help make our area a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Over the years, I have held a number of leadership roles within local government, including serving as Chairman of Community Services for Weston-super-Mare Town Council from 2019 to 2021 and again from 2022 to 2024.
I was honoured to serve as Mayor of Weston-super-Mare during 2021–22, representing the town and supporting the many volunteers, charities, and community groups that make such a positive contribution to local life.
Away from council duties, I am Chairman of Weston Amateur Boxing Club, a role I have held for the past six years. I am also an amateur boxing coach, helping young people and adults develop confidence, discipline, fitness, and respect through sport. Supporting opportunities for local people, particularly young people, has always been important to me.
I am a proud father of four daughters and one son, and I am also a grandfather. Family life keeps me focused on helping to create safe, thriving communities for future generations. I currently serve as North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Regulatory Services and Sport, working to support cleaner, safer communities, effective local services, and opportunities for residents to lead active and healthy lives.
I became a councillor because I care deeply about the community I live in and want to help make a positive difference to people’s lives. Local government provides an opportunity to listen to residents, represent their views, and work towards practical solutions to local challenges. Whether supporting community groups, improving services, encouraging participation in sport, or helping to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe, I am committed to ensuring residents have a strong voice and that our area remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Grants and Governance Sub Committee
Single and Street Homelessness Partnership
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I have lived in Weston-super-Mare at the same address for 40 years. I moved here in 1986 because of my job, working for the Badgerline bus company as Timetables Officer at its Head Office in Oldmixon from 1986 until 1995. I had joined the bus industry in 1965 with Devon General after leaving school, and later worked in clerical positions for Bristol Omnibus Company, Southern National and South Gloucestershire Council Public Transport Team. I passed exams to become a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Upon retiring in 2011 I became a Liberal Democrat Town Councillor for the West Ward of Weston-super-Mare, later renamed Hillside Ward. In 2015/16 I had the honour of being the Mayor of Weston for one year, which was a very interesting experience.
Among my other interests, I help out with Services and Concerts at All Saints Church, where I have just retired as Churchwarden. I am the Deputy Chair of the Multicultural Friendship Association, a Trustee of Weston Street Pastors and a Friend of the Playhouse. For many years I was the Treasurer of the former Weston Winter Warmth Project and the Chair of the former Friends of the Weston Cricket Festival.
I want to see Weston improve its facilities, to reduce litter and to see closed shops reopen, making Weston a more pleasant place to live in.
Planning and Environment Committee; Amenities Culture and Leisure Committee
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