Romsley Councillors
John Weston
Chairman
johnweston@romsleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
About me
Having taken early retirement from local engineering company Sandvik Ltd in Halesowen I am keen to add my skills and experiences to the parish council, taking an active role in making sure allocated funding is spent in the best interests of residents and ensuring Romsley parish is a safe and pleasant place to live.
During my many years at Sandvik I held several management positions working closely with numerous well-known companies. My responsibilities included project management, contract negotiation, budget setting and follow-up and ensuring service level agreements were achieved resulting in positive business development.
I was fortunate to have lived and worked in Sweden, where the companies head office is, for a three-year period with my family which enabled me to gain experiences from a global, corporate level.
My wife, Jayne, and I have three grown up children and two granddaughters who all live locally enabling us to socialise on a regular basis; we also have an ageing cocker-spaniel dog called Alfie.
I enjoy most sports with a special interest in football and was a quailed referee for 15 years reaching senior county level status until recently retiring. I also enjoy walking, swimming and travelling.
I have a positive “can do” attitude and am excited to be joining a motivated team that collectively strives to meets its duties and responsibilities as parish councilors.
Lois Swift
Vice Chairman
loisswift@romsleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
About me
I have lived in Romsley for 25 years with my husband and pet alpacas. I am a keen walker and enjoy a jaunt up the Waseleys with my whippets.
As a Grandma I love being amongst children, I know St Kenelm’s School well and have served as a Governor there. As a member of Romsley Pantomime Group I have responsibility for ticket sales. I enjoy sewing and I repair used school uniform and make hospital gowns for charities.
As a Parish Councillor I’m part of the communication group and I’m working on the Playground Refurbishment, an exciting project for 2023!
johnshaw@romsleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
About me
Following a period of three years in China, my wife Sue and me moved to Romsley in 2000 and recommenced working for Sandvik Ltd in the UK.
As a cutting tool engineer with Sandvik for over thirty-five years, I operated in major Automotive, Aerospace and mechanical engineering companies in the UK, Europe and beyond.
The major focus was on the improvement of the customer’s production processes, solving technical problems and introducing more modern technology, to improve their productivity.
During my working life, I enjoyed various management roles, engaging with different teams of people, from the shop floor to the senior executive level. In the latter stages of my career, I was responsible for the technical training programmes for our engineers and customer personnel.
Originally from Merseyside, I appreciate most sports and enjoyed a long career in Rugby Union Football, retiring finally at aged 48.
For the past six years, I have held the position of Facilities Director at Stourbridge Rugby Club with overall responsibility for the grounds and infrastructure.
Keeping fit for Sue and me means early starts with three Labrador dogs, and being members of the National Trust and the RSPB maintains our interest in the countryside, its development and protection.
Romsley with its wide diversity and rural environment fulfils that desire and ambition – we are here to stay.
Jack Strain
Councillor
jackstrain@romsleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
About me
I am currently a university student studying Computing and I have lived in Romsley all of my life. I joined the council after involvement with the Romsley Fibre project, and I am looking forward to working together with my fellow councillors to make a positive difference to the parish and beyond. I also hope to bring my technology skills to the council and assist with the transition to remote working and maintaining effective digital communication.