The Parish Council is composed of up to 14 elected volunteers who serve a 4-year term.
Although Councillors may receive expenses, they do not receive additional compensation for their service.
Any vacancy arising within the Council will be filled through election or co-option. If interested in becoming a Councillor, kindly contact the Parish Clerk.
Each year, a new Chair and Vice-Chair are elected to oversee Council meetings.
For additional information about any of your local councillors, please click on the “i” symbol.
If you wish to make contact with the Council, kindly email the Parish Clerk at
Paul Blackwell
Chairman
The primary role of the Chairman is to lead and preside over Council meetings, ensuring discussions are conducted in an orderly manner and that all members have an opportunity to speak.
They represent the Council in a ceremonial capacity and act as its public face on formal occasions.
The Chairman does have the right to vote, and in the event of a tie, they have a casting vote, giving them a crucial role in decision-making.
While they hold a position of leadership, it’s important to note that the Chairman does not have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Council unilaterally.
Decisions and directives come from the Council as a collective, and even the Chairman must adhere to this principle, working collaboratively with fellow members.
Gary Smith
Parish Clerk
The primary responsibility of the Clerk is to provide legal advice to the Council and propose methods for implementing its decisions.
They can offer impartial information to assist the Council in making informed choices.
The Clerk does not take part in decision-making or voting on motions during Council meetings.
It is solely the Council’s duty to make decisions, and all directives to the Clerk must come from the Council as a whole.
Even the Chairman cannot individually hold the Clerk accountable.
Role of Council Members
Council Members are responsible for seeing that the Council meets its obligations to deliver certain local services.
They consult with residents and local firms, make proposals, vote on proposals and are responsible for implementing the Council’s decisions.
They are expected to represent the views of parish residents and local businesses in Council discussions and in discussions with other bodies such as the West Northamptonshire Council, although they also bring their own experience and knowledge to discussions and decisions.
Parish Councils are not run on party political lines and Members do not have to be members of a political party to serve.
Other Council Managed Activities
Footpath and Rights-of-Way Warden: Paul Hymers – (07884 959919 / woodfordfootpaths@gmail.com)
Wildlife and Tree Warden: Ian Dobson
WoW Editor: WoW Production Team – wow.editor@woodfordcummembris-pc.gov.uk
Website Editor: website.editor@woodfordcummembris-pc.gov.uk
Halls Booking Clerk: Beverley Blackwell – (07579 020003 / booking.clerk@woodfordcummembris-pc.gov.uk)
Halls Caretaker: Andy Rymer (07919 485151 / caretaker@woodfordcummembris-pc.gov.uk)
Data Protection Officer: Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils (details on the Privacy Policy Page)
Council also has representatives on various other bodies as follows:
Woodford cum Membris Heritage Trust : Kay Coles
Eleemosynary Charities Trustees+ : Kay Coles, Paul Blackwell
+ Other trustee is the current ecclesiastical parish incumbent.
