“I retired from fulltime employment in July 2023 after a career of more than 35 years: this was mostly in local government, including several years working for the old Northamptonshire County Council, mainly in social care, community development, procurement, and crime prevention. In December, I took up post as Clerk to Glapthorn Parish Council and started work in a similar position with Cold Ashby Parish Council in April. Working part-time as a Parish Clerk seemed like a good way of using my knowledge of local government in retirement; I’d had a lot of contact with Parish Councils over the years and was impressed by their success in making a real difference in rural communities. The work is interesting and rewarding.

I was excited by the opportunity to take up the Clerk’s role at Pilton, Stoke Doyle and Wadenhoe: I already knew a little bit about the area and had always been impressed by the beauty of the landscape. I studied History (many years ago) and my interest, particularly in local history, has grown in recent years. The three villages clearly have a rich and varied history and I’ve found that the Parish Clerk role offers an opportunity to explore and help protect rural heritage.

I’m looking forward to starting work and helping the Parish Council to continue to ensure that the villages are protected and enhanced. It’s important that residents have a real say in their communities and that services and development meet their needs: I believe passionately in local democracy, and parish councils are its foundation.”

Jonathan Ward-Langman