Councillors

David Ekinsmyth – ChairmanChairman

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Telephone: 07811 114971 Councillor David Ekinsmyth was born in London and spent some years of his childhood in Australia, returning to complete his schooling. He has a degree in Economics from London University and a post graduate Certificate in Education. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute by examination. He spent the first 10 years of his career in the Insurance industry before moving into Further Education as a business and management Lecturer. He moved to Cornwall and was able to develop his interest in sailing and was involved in yacht delivery around Europe and sail training. He was also employed within the Recycle for Cornwall Project as a canvassing supervisor. In 2007 he was elected to the Parish Council and has subsequently served on all Committees and as Chairman of the Council for 3 years. In July 2014 he was elected to Cornwall Council and is the current member for Illogan. Outside of Council roles David is a proud father and grandfather and has maintained the interest in sailing and has just retired after 5 years as Commodore of Blind at Sea. He also enjoys playing the piano and guitar and walking his two dogs. David is a Liberal Democrat member.

David CrabtreeCouncillor

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Telephone: 07803 165419

David was born in York and started moving around the country as he gained promotion working for a building society before taking redundancy in 1989 and then becoming a sub postmaster.

His wife is from Camborne until the mid 1970s.  When they sold the post office in 2001 the decided to move back to Cornwall.  Since then he has run a number of businesses and is now working for a national market research company.  He has two grown up children and two granddaughters, both of whom live locally.

He was a parish councillor when living in Sussex and was pleased when the opportunity came along to fill the vacancy for Park Bottom in October 2014 as he sees it as a chance to hopefully put something back into the Parish which made them feel so welcome.  He feels that each part of the Parish should maintain its individual identity and a green border maintained.  He will fight against any mass development that would spoil this area.

Graham FordCouncillor

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Telephone: 07747 346481 Graham Ford was first elected to Illogan Parish Council in 1985 and is the last founding member. He has served three full terms as Chairman. He is the Finance Chairman of the National Association of Councils. He represents Cornwall at the South West Region and on the Committee for Smaller Local Councils. Graham has served on the Community Health Council and as a District Councillor for Illogan.

Mike JobsonCouncillor

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Telephone:  01209 610395 Mike was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and has lived and worked in various locations in UK and then Africa, living in Lagos, Nigeria for six years pursuing his career with Diageo PLC. Mike moved to Cornwall in 2007 and worked as a Business Coach in the county, working with many small and medium sized enterprises. Mike is keen to promote the Parish as a safe place to live and work, to the benefit of all. Mike has a keen interest in road safety and is a keen motorcyclist, sailor, and skier. Mike is one of the Parish Councillors for the Tehidy ward.

Tara O’DonnellCouncillor

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I was born and grew up in the seaside village of Perranporth, and spent most of my early years living in a guest house that my mother owned. During the school holidays, I worked in hospitality to earn extra pocket money, and got to know many of the locals living in the village at that time.  It was a comfort that people knew each other and looked out for each other as neighbours used to – a bit of a rarity these days. I attended university at De Montfort University from 1992, where I studied Performing Arts with the view to pursuing an occupation teaching Drama.  Unfortunately, I hated being away from Cornwall and could not wait to return home. On my return in 1997,  I bought my first home for my son and I in Pool, before moving in to the Illogan Parish in 2014, an area that I have loved.  Our daughter attended Illogan Primary school and it was wonderful to feel part of a community, where I feel that schools play an integral part.  My Husband and I have 5 children between us and 5 delightful grandchildren, who all live close by. I have worked in retail, education, health care and admin. I am constantly updating my skill set and have a zest for learning. I am passionate about my family, good friends, live music and theatre performances and of course walking on our beaches.   We recently lost our beloved Lucy (Golden retriever) who we walked regularly through the park and Illogan woods, again meeting lots of local folk who we could chat to, especially the elderly who love having that 5 minute chat. By joining the parish council, I am really hoping to make a difference and put something back into a community that has been wonderful to us since we moved here.

Stefan SzokaCouncillor

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Telephone: 01209 214735 Stefan was born in Redruth and educated at Redruth Grammar School. His father was Polish, injured during the war at the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 whilst fighting with the allied forces and was brought back to the UK.  His mother is Cornish. He works as a Sales Engineer in the field of commercial catering equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning. He has a keen interest in sailing/boating and serves on the Truro Harbour Forum and Truro Boat Owners Association committee. He has been a parish councillor for around 30 years, initially on Carn Brea Parish Council, then Illogan Parish.  He is an independent councillor and not a member of any political party. Nationally and within the County he believes taxpayers’ money sometimes being spent unwisely and draws attention to this at every opportunity.