Councillors

  • Gary Cullimore – Chairman
    Gary Cullimore – ChairmanChairman
    Telephone:  07762812158 I was born in Luton but moved to Cornwall at the age of 6 months so I consider myself to be Cornish.  I lived in Redruth for most of my childhood and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16, I served on ships for a few years and then joined Submarines where I stayed for the rest of my time in the Navy.

    Whilst Serving I had an accident that led me to be wheelchair bound for the rest of my life.  After leaving the Royal Navy I came back to Redruth where I met my wife Nikki, we moved to Illogan with our children in 2004.  I have worked as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion and SSAFA.

    We live in a vibrant and beautiful village, my aim is to help the Parish Council serve the people of Illogan to my best ability, and to help create and maintain our green spaces and to look after the facilities and services we already have.
    Chairman
    Telephone:  07762812158 I was born in Luton but moved to Cornwall at the age of 6 months so I consider myself to be Cornish.  I lived in Redruth for most Read More.
  • David Crabtree – Vice Chairman
    David Crabtree – Vice ChairmanVice Chairman

    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.

    Vice Chairman
    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 Read More.
  • David Ekinsmyth
    David EkinsmythCouncillor
    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.
    Councillor
    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 Read More.
  • Graham Ford
    Graham FordCouncillor
    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.
    Councillor
    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 Read More.
  • Lee Hodge
    Lee HodgeCouncillor
    Telephone:  07592136620 Hi my name is Lee Hodge, Originally from Portreath but moved to Illogan at about 14. I have been a chef and in the hospitality trade for the last 26 years and have recently taken over the Robartes Arms. I have my wife Beth who I have been married to for 5 years, my eldest boy Freddie who's 6 and Reggie who is 18 months old and our newest edition who is due in August. I joined the Council to give back to the community and hopefully bring the village back a central, friendly local pub that the village can be proud of we will Try and assist in as many events as we can and hopefully keep them going for as long as I own the pub.
    Councillor
    Telephone:  07592136620 Hi my name is Lee Hodge, Originally from Portreath but moved to Illogan at about 14. I have been a chef and in the hospitality trade for the Read More.
  • Paul Holmes
    Paul HolmesCouncillor
    Telephone: 01209 714275 An Illogan boy and schooled in Illogan, he worked in London from 1966 to 1976 and is now a retired electrician, having run his own electrical business.  He has been a Church chorister, joining Illogan Church Choir in 1952, a memver of Come and Sing Community Choir.  He has sung in Wales, Scotland, France and England and holds a Royal School of Church Music silver medal and many singing trophies from local festivals. Between 1985 and 2009 he served six terms as the Illogan County Councillor and as Illogan District Councillor until both were abolished in 2009.  He was elected to Illogan Parish Council in 2003.  As a Councillor since 1985, he would like to see more devolution of responsibility from Cornwall Council and is delighted that Illogan Park has now been secured under Illogan Parish Council.  Paul would like Illogan Parish Council to take on more responsibilities from Cornwall Council to ensure that matters that are neglected by Cornwall Council are done by someone. Paul is married to fellow Illogan Parish  Councillor, Jean Pollock.  He has been involved with Illogan Parish Council work since 1985 as a Councillor except 2002.
    Councillor
    Telephone: 01209 714275 An Illogan boy and schooled in Illogan, he worked in London from 1966 to 1976 and is now a retired electrician, having run his own electrical business.  Read More.
  • Tara O’Donnell
    Tara O’DonnellCouncillor
    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.
    Councillor
    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 Read More.
  • Jean Pollock
    Jean PollockCouncillor
    Telephone: 01209 714275 Dorset born of Scottish ancestry, she moved to Somerset in 1979 where she was a Frome Town and Mendip District Councillor.  She is a retired Pipe Organ Builder’s Assistant.  She visited Cornwall for many years and moved to Illogan to marry Cllr Paul Homes in a Cornish Language Ceremony at Bridge Chapel in 2013.  As well as being an accomplished violinist she is a member of Come and Sing Community Choir.  She is an animal lover with one cat. She was elected to Illogan Parish Council in 2013.  She believes poverty is a serious problem in Cornwall and firmly believes we must protect the rural areas of our Parish and support its agricultural industry whilst still providing homes in the right places for local people and she trusts that serving you will help to improve the area. Jean and Paul are the first married couple in Cornwall to win the Royal School of Church Music silver medal.
    Councillor
    Telephone: 01209 714275 Dorset born of Scottish ancestry, she moved to Somerset in 1979 where she was a Frome Town and Mendip District Councillor.  She is a retired Pipe Organ Read More.
  • Jenna Simmons
    Jenna SimmonsCouncillor
    Tel: 07748 461842 I'm a proud Cornish woman, born and raised here in beautiful Cornwall.  Illogan and it's surrounding areas have always been home to me, and for the past 10 years, I've been lucky enough to call Illogan Parish my home. Over the years I've tried my hand at various roles - from working with horses and dogs to being involved in different areas of hospitality, including restaurants and holiday lets, alongside my family.  More recently, I've been focusing on the clerical side of our family's development company, where I've been expanding my knowledge around planning and finance. I'm also a very proud mum, which has deepened my passion for making sure our community offers welcoming, inclusive spaces and opportunities for children and young people to thrive. I decided to join Illogan Parish Council because I truly care about our area and want to help ensure that all voices - young and old - are heard and respected.  I believe a council should reflect the diversity of its community, and I'm grateful for the chance to play a part in that.
    Councillor
    Tel: 07748 461842 I’m a proud Cornish woman, born and raised here in beautiful Cornwall.  Illogan and it’s surrounding areas have always been home to me, and for the past Read More.
  • Lee Simmons
    Lee SimmonsCouncillor
    Telephone:  07971 171921 I am a Cornishman and grew up in Camborne. I went to Camborne School of Mines and then onto Cornwall College where I gained my qualifications as a craft mason. I then worked all over Cornwall for the past 25 years building. In my spare time I enjoy golf with my son and have more recently been dedicating time to planning a volunteer work scheme to improve Illogan. I moved to Illogan in 2007 where I have raised my son and been an active member of the community since. I have been strongly involved with raising money for some great charities over the past few years and enjoyed the process so thought it was time to dedicate my spare time to the Illogan area and have a voice on the council. If you see me around Illogan please feel free to come and say hello or contact me and I will be more than happy to help in any way I can.    
    Councillor
    Telephone:  07971 171921 I am a Cornishman and grew up in Camborne. I went to Camborne School of Mines and then onto Cornwall College where I gained my qualifications as Read More.
  • Sue Simmons
    Sue SimmonsCouncillor
    Telephone:  07984 552527 I’m a proud Cornish woman, born and raised in this beautiful county, with deep roots in the local community. I’m a mother, grandmother, and a local business owner with extensive experience in the planning and property development sector. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and horse riding—two passions that keep me connected to nature and our rural heritage. I joined the council because I believe my many years of experience can be put to good use in helping shape the future of our area. Having witnessed the changes in Cornwall over the years, I understand both the challenges and opportunities we face. Now living in Illogan, I’m proud to call it home and am committed to working hard to support positive changes that will benefit our community.
    Councillor
    Telephone:  07984 552527 I’m a proud Cornish woman, born and raised in this beautiful county, with deep roots in the local community. I’m a mother, grandmother, and a local business Read More.
  • Stefan Szoka
    Stefan SzokaCouncillor
    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 is retired. 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.
    Councillor
    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 Read More.
  • Maggie Thompson
    Maggie ThompsonCouncillor
    Councillor
  • Vacancy
    VacancyCouncillor
    Councillor