When did you join the council?
I joined in December 2020 when we could only meet online. It would be another five months before I was able to meet my fellow councillors face-to-face (or mask-to-mask!).
Why did you want to join the council?
I am passionate about the democratic process and the US Presidential election showed me how fragile democracy can be. Joining the Parish Council to help our local community seemed like a small but important commitment to local democracy.
What do you enjoy about being a councillor?
It’s great to have a better understanding of some of the bigger issues affecting our community, especially the big developments of Salt Cross and West Eynsham, and feel that I can help articulate the views of local residents to planners and developers as these new settlements take shape. Plus the meetings we have can be interesting and fun!
What cause are you most passionate about?
The biggest issue of our time is the climate emergency and extinction crisis. It’s something that we can influence in our own patch, notably by calling for changes to policies around net biodiversity gain and zero carbon emissions.
Why do you like living in Eynsham?
Eynsham has a great sense of community, with good services and lots of activities. It’s been great to see the village ‘wake up’ after the months of lockdown. I like that we have both the wonders of the City of Oxford and the intimate pleasures of Witney all within easy reach by public transport.
What has been your favourite community activity in Eynsham so far?
Several years ago, I helped to organise a worm charming competition at Fishponds Nature Reserve. That was great fun! Do you want to know the secret of how to charm worms to the surface? As a professional worm charmer I’ll have to keep it to myself unfortunately…
What is your profession (aside from worm charming)?
I previously worked in Higher Education Management but made a change a few years ago. I’m now a green woodworker, running courses on carving spoons and bowls and trying to get people excited about the possibilities of working freshly cut green wood with sharp axes and knives. I love being outdoors and am enjoying linking heritage crafts to the management of green spaces such as woodlands.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I’m learning to play the melodeon and can just about bash out a tune. I don’t think I’d pass an audition for the Eynsham Morris yet…more practice is needed!
Do you have a question or a concern you’d like David to raise with the council? Contact him via david.knight@eynsham-pc.gov.uk.