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Meet our Staff: Sarah Rees 29 Jan 2025 A Q&A with our Communications Officer.

When did you join?

I started in June 2021 as the Parish Council’s first Communications Officer, working part-time. I love my job! It’s rare to get to ‘create’ a new role and I’ve enjoyed developing new communication channels to help the Parish Council better engage with the community. 

What’s been the best aspect?

It’s been interesting to learn all about how local governance works, as well as getting to know Eynsham. There’s such a vibrant, passionate community living and working here. I enjoy being able to help connect the community and the Council to ensure residents are informed about what’s happening locally.

What are the biggest challenges?

Understanding the nitty gritty of Parish Council process can be complicated. Fortunately, I have wonderful and very supportive colleagues who help me. It can also be dispiriting when a (very) few people are dismissive and unpleasant towards us, usually on social media. My colleagues and Councillors work so hard to do the right thing for this community and it’s unfair to see their efforts denigrated. Currently, we are facing a challenge recruiting new Councillors. It’s a satisfying, rewarding role that would be ideal for anyone who loves Eynsham and wants to have a positive impact on the community. Come along to a Council meeting and see how we work, or email me via epc.comms@eynsham-pc.gov.uk.    

What do you like about Eynsham?

I wish I lived here! It’s attractive, historical, on the edge of beautiful countryside and full of interesting people doing interesting things. I’m grateful I have got to know Eynsham by having this job.

What’s the highlight so far?

I spent one of my volunteering days helping with the Eynsham Museum and that was fantastic; what a super group of people!

Have you always done this type of work?

I used to be a journalist, working for magazines and newspapers in far-flung places such as Sydney and KL. I also spent some time as a food reviewer and worked in corporate communications for a tech company, so its been a varied career this far! 

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to read – I belong to a local book club – but I also love to be active. I run, swim and do yoga regularly, as well as walking in the lovely Oxfordshire countryside near where I live. I also like to spend time with my family, especially my two exuberant little nieces.

Get in touch with Sarah via epc.comms@eynsham-pc.gov.uk. 

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