Eynsham Parish Council News

Meet our Staff: Richard Wilkins 18 Mar 2024 Find out more about our Deputy Clerk

How long have you worked for Eynsham Parish Council?

I have worked with the Parish Council since September 2021, just over two and a half years.

What roles have your done previously?

I have a full-time position alongside working part-time with Eynsham Parish Council, and have worked there for over 17 years. Good news: I will be leaving that role to work with Eynsham Parish Council full-time from 1 April 2024.

Why do you enjoy working in local governance?

I love helping people in general and ensuring everyone feels happy. Working at this tier of local government means that what you’re doing helps to provide a nice place for people to live and enjoy.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your role?

I enjoy working with a great team (staff and councillors) to provide services to Eynsham that all residents of any age can access and enjoy.

What is the most challenging part of the role?

Not having enough hours in the day to complete tasks and so having to prioritise the workload can be challenging, especially as everything is important to residents. Unfortunately, on occasions, the completion of tasks is held up by situations out of our control, which is very frustrating. That being said, everyone working for Eynsham Parish Council takes pride in what they do.

What project are you most proud of so far in your work with EPC?

This is easy: the Old Witney Road Playground renovation, a project that was enabled by Section 106 funding provided by local government. The project involved liaising with the project manager, our Councillors and West Oxfordshire District Council. It was a challenge at the time, but the result was fantastic. The re-opening event on Saturday 14 October was my idea and when it was put to the Council, they fully supported it. It proved to be a great day and I loved seeing so many happy faces – young and old – enjoying the new facilities.

What do you like about Eynsham?

From day one when I first came to the village, I was made to feel welcome. When walking around all the open spaces, residents would stop to chat, as did people in the local shops. I have to mention the Eynsham Carnival: wow what an event! It felt like the whole village came together, even people who no longer live in the village returned for this special event.

Are your local to the area?

I lived in Littlemore (approx. 20-minute drive away) for 39 years and I am now living in Wantage.

What do you enjoy about life in Oxfordshire?

It has the best football team in the country for starters, but there are so many things to do around Oxfordshire with so many independent shops that are fantastic to see and support.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my staffie dog Lexi. I recently re-discovered my love for baking cakes and I am a lifetime supporter and current season ticket holder of Oxford United (1986 milk cup tie played at Wembley Stadium was the first game I ever attended aged 5!). I have been a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer at Oxfordshire Army Cadets since 1999 and currently hold the role of County Media Officer.

What would you like people to know about the Parish Council?

People think that Councillors who sit on the Parish Council are paid – this is incorrect. Councillors volunteer their time to help provide a service to the community. The staff at Eynsham Parish Council work well as a team to help provide those services and provide support to the Councillors. 

You can contact Richard on epc.office@eynsham-pc.gov.uk

 

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