I have lived in Reading with my family since 1981. I have 5 children and am a grandmother of 6.

I have been Labour Southcote Councillor since 2006 and was re-elected in May 2008.

I am on the Planning Applications Committee, Licensing Committee, Environment Scrutiny Panel, Appeals Pool, Corporate, Community and External Affairs Scrutiny Panel, School Transport and Awards Appeals Panel, Family and Friends Fostering Panel and am Chair of the Parenting Panel. These all cover my areas of interest and expertise.

I have worked not only in the community sector but also in the public and private sector, all of which has given me a lot of working and life experiences. Since living in Reading, I have held a number of voluntary community posts, the most recent being:

· School governor for Manor Primary and Southcote Primary schools.
· Chair and tutor for Southcote IT Experience, an award winning UK Online community project. I write courses and train local people in IT skills.
· Chair of the Steering Group for the Southcote Children’s Centre.
· Governor of the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospital NHS Trust

I run my own book-keeping business dealing with small business accounts. I have a passionate interest in life long learning and personal development for all. In my free time, I swim, am an avid reader of detective novels and do crosswords to relax.