You are here > Home > Greasley Globe > "Parish Councils are the ‘bedrock‘ of British democracy" says new Chairman.

Pages from the 'Greasley Globe'...
"PARISH COUNCILS ARE THE ‘BEDROCK’ OF BRITISH DEMOCRACY"
SAYS NEW CHAIRMAN.

Added: 28th May 2010

By following in his wife's footsteps Cllr John Handley has completed a notable civic double.

His wife Cllr Margaret Handley was Chairman of Greasley Parish Council in 2006 - 07 and at this year's annual parish council meeting John was elected to office.

Son of a Yorkshire miner, he was born in the West Riding town of Pontefract "famous for its cakes and castle." At 91 his father is still very active.

After qualifying as a science teacher at York his first post was at Bicester just outside Oxford and it was at Bicester he met Barnsley born Margaret also a newly qualified teacher.

The new Greasley Chairman views restoration work at Beauvale Priory.
(Click the image for a full size version.)

The couple, who will celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary this year, moved north - to Codnor - in 1975.

We both thought it was time for a move professionally and I was one step closer to God's own county!

John taught at Aldercar Comprehensive and Margaret at Ripley Technical College. They moved to Greasley in 1979.

They have two children who both attended the National School in Hucknall. After working as Chief Officer with P & O Cruise Ships their London based son has a new career in training safety involving maritime issues. Having gained a law degree in Sheffield their daughter then studied in Paris for a second law degree and liked the French capital so much she now lives there.

Contribute to the community

John retired in 2006, a year after his wife.

Margaret was already a parish and borough councillor and with time on my hands I wanted to contribute something to the local economy and local community which had served me so well over the years. I've certainly enjoyed my time here.

Already a school governor Cllr Handley was first elected to the Parish Council in 2007. Last year he was elected Chairman of the Finance & General Purposes Committee, a position to which he was re-elected for the current municipal year.

The best part of being a parish councillor he said was being in a position to put something back into the community. And the worst?

not being able to please all the people all the time. You make a decision in the best interests of the whole community and it won't suit everyone, someone will be disappointed.

Watchful

During his year of office Cllr Handley hopes to meet as many community groups and voluntary organisations as possible.

I want to promote our identity in terms of what Greasley Parish Council does for the community.

I also see it as a period when we need to be careful in maintaining the rural landscape of Greasley.

He praised his predecessors for the decision to build and then extend the sports and community centre on Dovecote Road.

This centre which is used by people of all ages and interests sets Greasley apart from most other parish councils. It is something special, it is at the heart of the community and the council is extremely pleased at its continuing success.

With his background in education Cllr Handley is clearly delighted at the prospect of a brand new primary school next door to the centre.

We are fortunate it is being built in the parish as it will be a first class asset for the local community.

Make a difference

Asked if he thought there was a long term future for parish councils, he replied,

I think they are the bedrock of British democracy. No one is closer to the residents than parish councillors, they are important in obtaining feedback from members of the public. People only become parish councillors because they want to make a difference.

When asked if parish councils should have more powers Cllr Handley said he felt the balance of responsibilities was about right. They debated local politics around local issues whereas if they were larger authorities he felt party politics would come into play.

Away from public life the Handleys are seasoned travellers and both share a love of the sea. In addition, Cllr Handley enjoys photography and walking in his spare time.