Romsley Councillors
About me
I am a Cost Consultant and Project Manager, working within the construction industry for over 26 years, holding the position of Company Director, for the past 18 years.
My working experience has involved engaging with a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors. These include Local Councils, large Housing and Social Care Organisations, School Governors through to Banks and Premier League Football Clubs. This diversity of Clients, with budgets ranging from several thousand to in excess of £200 million, has required an ability to adapt and deliver, to each Clients specific requirements with a high level of accountability.
I have a keen interest in the history and heritage of our Country, supporting the National Trust.
I also have a love of rural affairs which I enjoy through walking and mountaineering. In particular the many walks from the village itself, through the surrounding countryside and the neighbouring Clent Hills – all of which I have enjoyed since childhood. I support both access and conservation of our countryside through membership of the British Mountaineering Council.
I was born, raised and educated in the Halesowen area – moving to Romsley in 1995
About me
I am Lesley Gray and I moved into Romsley in 1987. I am a retired teacher and spent my career teaching secondary aged pupils in an inner-city Birmingham school, an outdoor pursuits centre in Sharpness, Gloucestershire and in a school for pupils with Special Educational Needs. I am a committed member of the Parish Council and work proactively to further the best interests of Romsley residents as a community.
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
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.
Ray Carr
Councillor
About me
I have lived in Romsley for the last 8 years with my wife, Claire, and our 7 year old twins boys.
Like many people I consider it a privilege to live in such a beautiful place. I was fortunate to become semi-retired earlier this year, so look forward to becoming more actively involved in our community. In my spare time I love most sports and enjoy going to the gym.
I am also involved in grassroots football through my boys, and would love to see Sunday morning football return to Romsley park one day.
John Weston
Councillor
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.