Cllr Kathryn Davies

Mayor 2022-23

c/o Knaresborough House
High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

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Register of Interests for Kathryn Davies

I have lived in Yorkshire all of my life, moving to Knaresborough 16 years ago.

I am a retired Senior Civil Servant, having worked over the years for the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Food Standards Agency. I also am a member of the Chartered Institute of Global Management Accountants.

Since retiring, I have taken the opportunity to undertake further study at York University in Creative Writing and Spanish.

I am very passionate about our local environment and green spaces, and have successfully campaigned for the award of the tree preservation order for a local area of woodland that was previously unprotected. I have also worked closely with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and NYCC to improve flood defences in the Nidd catchment area following the Boxing Day floods of 2015.

I am a member of the Harrogate and District Naturalists' society which works to record and protect the many varieties of wildlife that are to be found in the area.

I am a keen gardener, and a member of a local walking group and book club, along with my husband Robert. I have two step daughters, who now live in America and Bedfordshire respectively, and two granddaughters.

Representing on External Organisations: Knaresborough Civic Society, Friendship and Leisure Centre, Harrogate & District Access Group, Town Twinning

Party: Conservative 

Cllr James Pickard

c/o Knaresborough House
High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

07967627945

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Register of Interests for James Pickard

Many of you will already know me, or if not know of me.  You’ll be aware that politics have never been high on my agenda but doing right by people is.  I have a passion for helping people and improving their situations.

Since moving from Harrogate to Knaresborough in 2004 I have been heavily involved with the community working closely with Community Support Organisations, local Schools & Youth Engagement Groups.

In 2017 I took this one step further and joined North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue as an On-Call Firefighter. This is one of my proudest achievements, a firmly puts me on the frontline within the community.

Representing on External Organisations: 

Party: Liberal Democrats

Cllr Matt Walker

c/o Knaresborough House
High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

01423 209100

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Register of Interests for Matt Walker

Born, raised, schooled, and lived in Knaresborough most of his life. I’m keen to listen to residents’ views to ensure the town thrives and they and the community have all the services they need and deserve. Also elected to North Yorkshire County Council representing Knaresborough West.

I work full time for the NHS and have managed the A&E at Harrogate Hospital and the out of hours GP service for the whole of North Yorkshire.

As a director of Knaresborough Community Land Trust (KCLT) I am passionate about affordable homes for residents.

Getting outdoors and keeping active is important to me and I enjoy walking in the Dales and swimming. Also, an active cyclist and can often be seen leading a group of Tandems for the local charity Open Country who helps people with disabilities access the county side. Having four brothers with young families, keeps me busy with Uncle duties and there is never a dull moment.

Representing on External Organisations:

Party: Liberal Democrats

Cllr David Goode

11 Abbey Crags Way
Knaresborough
HG5 8EF

01423 860766

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Register of Interests for David Goode

I have been a Town Councillor for 4 years, re-elected in 2018 and it has and continues to be an honour to represent the Town both locally and internationally. During my Mayoral year I attended over 110 events and learnt many new things about Knaresborough; learning that very much influences the work I undertake as a Councillor today. Married to Catherine, we have 3 Children and 4 Grandchildren, my interests revolve around transport themes being keen to support the protection of our motoring and motorcycle heritage. I’m now retired and devote many hours to supporting the Community, particularly work to support the Voluntary Sector in Knaresborough.

Representing on External Organisations: 

Party: Liberal Democrats 

Cllr Margy Longhurst

c/o Knaresborough House
High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

07765954983

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Register of Interests for Margy Longhurst

As a retired teacher I moved to Knaresborough attracted by its beauty and heritage. As a member of the council’s Conyngham Hall Gardens Working Party, my aim is to help preserve and improve the grounds there as a recreational asset.  Having trained as a professional tourist guide, I have been Chair of the Yorkshire Association of Blue Badge Guides for over 4 years. Most of my work is now done on a charitable basis, including leading walking tours for FEVA and the Knaresborough Civic Society.  As well as tourism, I am interested in history, yoga and country walks.

Representing on External Organisations: Trustee of Chapel of our Lady of the Crag 

Party: Liberal Democrats

Cllr Mark Flood

Deputy Mayor 2022-23

29 Bond End
Knaresborough
HG5 9AW

01423 865887

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Register of Interests for Mark Flood

My wife & I moved to Knaresborough around 35 years ago and both my children attended schools here. Now retired, I have been involved
with and provided support for numerous local organisations and community events including FEVA, the Spring & Christmas Markets, Remembrance Sunday & Bright Friday. I was also Local Authority School Governor at Aspin Park School. As an Occupational Therapist I have clinical & managerial experience of working for the NHS, Local Government and within the Third Sector supporting Mental Health. I was founder and Director of Orb - the Mental Health Charity based in Knaresborough. I am keen to liaise with local organisations, groups and individuals as to how we can work together to improve the environment and quality of life in our beautiful and vibrant Town.

Representing on External Organisations: Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership, Amey (Allerton Waste Recovery Stakeholder Panel), Knaresborough Dementia Friendly Community  

Party: Green Party

Cllr John Batt

11 Bisdale Grove
Knaresborough
HG5 0PX

07986346611

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Register of Interest for John Batt

Representing on External Organisations: Spa Baths Charity, Trustee of King James' Foundation

Party: Conservative

Cllr Helen Westmancoat

c/o Knaresborough House High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

07711363608

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Register of Interests for Helen Westmancoat

I have lived in Knaresborough for 30 years, moving here with my husband and family when he worked for the British Library. I retired a few years ago from the role of Deputy University Librarian at York St John University.

I have always been active in the town initially through Scouts, then Rotary and Knaresborough Connectors. I am interested in what Knaresborough has to offer to young people, the environment and climate change. I am also keen that the town is seen positively by those tourists who come here. As has been publicised I am a keen tandem skydiver, having recently completed my 50th tandem!

Representing on External Organisations: Knaresborough Relief in Need, Knaresborough Demential Friendly Community

Party: Liberal Democrats

Cllr Kit Lacey

12 Stockwell Drive
Knaresborough
HG5 0LW

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Register of Interests for Kit Lacey

Representing on External Organisations: Knaresborough Business Collective 

Party: Liberal Democrats

Cllr Hannah Gostlow

c/o Knaresborough House
High Street
Knaresborough
HG5 0HW

07867 797594

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Register of Interests for Hannah Gostlow

I moved to Knaresborough several years ago with my partner and we are proud to be now raising our two young children here.  A typical week for us includes visiting our town centre shops, a scoot round the castle grounds, and a trip to Knaresborough Library.  We don't own a car so you'll often see us walking around or using our great public transport.  My friend and I run the St John's Stay & Play playgroup and I am on the committee for Noah's Ark preschool.  Outside of community work I am a member of a local book group; I love gardening, and can often be found in our nearest bakery. 

Representing on External Organisations: Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, Knaresborough Community Centre Committee

Party:  Liberal Democrats 

Cllr Andy Bell

26 Sterling Chase
Knaresborough
HG5 0WF

07881 638512

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Register of Interests for Andy Bell 

My area family history goes back 400 years, and I live in Scriven Park Ward. As a runner I have a close connection with Knaresborough having run down almost every street lane and track. I setup “Knaresborough Wombles” litter picking group which helps keep Knaresborough looking good for all of us. I’m a passionate environmentalist, I originally moved here so I can walk to work. I ran for council to help people and ensure the town stays a lovely place for us all to live.

External Organisations:

Party: Liberal Democrats 

Cllr Shan Oakes

25 Tentergate Road
Knaresborough
HG5 9BG

07769607710

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Register of Interests for Shan Oakes

I have campaigned on environmental and social justice issues since childhood…so specialise in uphill struggles! I have taught in senior schools, become a mum (and now a 'Greenie'), worked in local government (Humberside and York) and then in Uganda. I am delighted to fight on behalf of the inhabitants (people and other creatures) of Knaresborough for a kinder, fairer, safer, and more connected fun-filled world. Please contact me with your thoughts and ideas.

Representing on External Organisations: Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership, Renaissance Knaresborough Exec Committee

 Party: Green Party