Gareth Williams, Chair
Gareth has a long and deep rooted and evolving passion for …
Gareth has a long and deep rooted and evolving passion for the sustainability agenda. This led him to develop his family farm into a diversified rural business which includes Caplor Energy. Gareth is actively involved in the renewable energy industry and wider environmental arena, to which he contributes through Board membership of the Solar Trade Association, Chairmanship of Business Futures Forum as well numerous local and regional lobbying groups.
During his career Gareth has had the privilege of working in developing countries through consultancy positions giving agricultural, sustainability as well as leadership support.
Gareth has been a farmer all his life being born and bred at Caplor Farm which the family has operated since 1923. He has been on Fownhope PC since 2003.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Mike Simmons, Co-Vice Chair
Mike has lived in Herefordshire for most of his adult life…
Mike has lived in Herefordshire for most of his adult life and moved to Fownhope with Helen, his partner, in the summer of 2005. After a somewhat chequered start in life Mike became an academic, working at the University of Wales Newport for many years until he took voluntary redundancy in 2011.
He now runs two small businesses, one making counselling training DVDs and the other web sites. He joined the council in 2011 and has served as both vice chair and chair. He sits on the Environment Working Group and represents the council as a trustee on the FRFA, for which he is also the chair.
Outside the council he is is a musician, and he also manages the village Facebook page and is editor of the Flag. Mike is a strong believer in the power of communities – the way in which people can work together for mutual support and benefit – hence his wish to serve on the parish council.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Kevin Braybrook, Co-Vice Chair
After a career in the international pharmaceutical industry Claire and…
After a career in the international pharmaceutical industry Claire and I returned to the UK to 2011. We have lived in Fownhope since then and now run a B&B. I have been on the PC since 2015 and am currently Chair of the Planning Working Group. I am also a Board Member of Fownhope Community Land Trust and a Governor of Beacon College, part of the Accordia Academies Trust.
We both enjoy the community spirit of Fownhope and are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of the village by working with the PC and associated organisations.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Tim Jones
20 Years living in Fownhope.
2 sons who both attended…
20 Years living in Fownhope.
2 sons who both attended St Mary’s Primary School.
Responsible for neighbourhood watch.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
William Morris
I have lived in Fownhope since the age of 8, with…
I have lived in Fownhope since the age of 8, with a 5 year hiatus whilst I was at University. I now work in Research & Development at an emergency medical device company.
Fownhope is a very special place, and I am proud to be able to serve on the Parish Council so I can actively contribute towards its sustainable growth, whilst considering the preservation of its unique characteristics.
Whilst not working, I enjoy hiking, running, cycling, and garden landscaping.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Claire Patel
I grew up on the Herefordshire border in Shelsley Beauchamp and …
I grew up on the Herefordshire border in Shelsley Beauchamp and after ten years teaching in London, moved back two years ago. We bought our house in Fownhope a year ago. My husband is also a teacher and we have two small children.
I am delighted to be on the Parish Council and am looking forward to learning and contributing to the village in any way I can.
My focus will, I hope, be on helping to reinforce Fownhope as a caring, thriving community, especially for young families.
I am passionate about education, and together with the environment, feel this will be key for the next generation.
We have received a warm welcome from the community here and as a family we are excited about the future.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Alex Potter
Hello! I’ve lived in wonderful Fownhope since May 2025, having moved from the…
Hello! I’ve lived in wonderful Fownhope since May 2025, having moved from the Essex coastline.
Outdoorsy, environmentalist, and total foodie. I’m motivated by social justice (removing barriers and creating opportunities). I love bringing communities together, especially to help young people thrive. Speaking of which, I’m lucky to Chair our village Scout Group.
I lead Grant Giving and the Employee Forum for UK Scouts. My background is in charity, strategy, and relationship management.
You’ll usually find me chatting Friday evenings away in the Greenman!
Michael Short
Michael was elected to the Parish Council at the Local Council…
Michael was elected to the Parish Council at the Local Council Elections 4th May 2023. A semi-retired chartered surveyor, he has lived in Fownhope since 2019 after moving from Sussex. Michael has a keen interest in ensuring that the village retains its shops, school, surgery, bus service and numerous societies which make it a pleasant place to live.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Lavinia Smith
I have over 25 years experience working in local government,…
I have over 25 years experience working in local government, both at district and borough level. In a voluntary role, I have been a School Governor, and Chair of the Students and Community Committee.
Having moved from Sussex to Fownhope two and a half years ago, I have lived in the village during the floods, which resulted in the B4224 road closure and diversion of traffic through Woolhope, and then Covid hit the scene! However, out of disaster sometimes comes something good and the road closure not only gave villagers a lovely space to walk and exercise during Covid restrictions, but we could also see how the road works were progressing … and a particular advantage for someone new in the village like me, was that I met lots of people from the village each day whilst walking.
Fownhope is a beautiful village with a wealth of assets, which many villages have unfortunately lost over the last decade. I want to be able to do my part, so as we move forward into the future, we ensure our village assets not only thrive but grow wherever possible and that we also ensure we have a safe environment for pedestrians from speeding road traffic in the village.
My hobbies are history, flower arranging, gardening, and art.
Contact via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Vacancy
Could you be a Parish Councillor?
Fownhope Parish Council invites interested members of the parish to consider applying for this role. Serving as a Parish Councillor offers the opportunity to contribute to the local community, participate in decision-making processes, and help shape the future of the parish.
To arrange an informal chat with a Parish Councillor or to register you interest, contact the Parish Clerk via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Vacancy
Could you be a Parish Councillor?
Fownhope Parish Council invites interested members of the parish to consider applying for this role. Serving as a Parish Councillor offers the opportunity to contribute to the local community, participate in decision-making processes, and help shape the future of the parish.
To arrange an informal chat with a Parish Councillor or to register you interest, contact the Parish Clerk via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Vacancy
Could you be a Parish Councillor?
Fownhope Parish Council invites interested members of the parish to consider applying for this role. Serving as a Parish Councillor offers the opportunity to contribute to the local community, participate in decision-making processes, and help shape the future of the parish.
To arrange an informal chat with a Parish Councillor or to register you interest, contact the Parish Clerk via clerk@fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk