Home » Wootton Parish Council » People behind the Council

People behind the council

This page has 3 sections. First details staff employed by the parish council. Second section lists the councillors. The final section shows who sits on what committee. If you have a road or pavement issue, click on the committee name at the bottom and you will see who is on that committee for you to contact.

Council Staff

Picture ot the clerk, dressed in her DMU graduation gown.

Sue Edgar Playford BA (Hons) PSLCC AICCM

Clerk to the Council & Responsible Financial Officer

‘Clerk’ is an honorary title for a local council’s Chief Executive Officer.  I advise the council on legal/procedural matters and implement policy decisions.  As Responsible Financial Officer I also ensure the council’s financial dealings comply with supporting legislation and internal/external audit requirements

Phone 07531 930 788

Email: clerk@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Alison Reed-Thomsett

Allotments Officer

I manage the allotments and the waiting list for those wanting an allotment

Phone:- 07977 341 861

Email: allotments@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Katie Day

Caretaker

I am the recreation ground caretaker.  I keep the area free of litter, inspect the play equipment and look after the toilet block

Lorna Cochrane

Litter picker

I am the litter picker for the village (not including the recreation ground or developments which are under a private management scheme)

The Councillors

These are the people who live or work within the parish and volunteer their time.
We do have vacancies and if anyone wants to find out about becoming a councillor, please contact the Clerk

Picture of Coucillor Gareth Lloyd

Gareth Lloyd

Chairman of Full Council

I moved to Wootton from Milton Keynes in 2005 so my children could attend the high-performing local schools. Since then, I have helped with the local scout group and coached football at Bedford Town Youth FC.

A fellow council member asked me to join the Parish council. I was reluctant at first, not knowing what was entailed.  I joined in 2010 and was surprised at what parish council life is all about. Apart from the obligatory roles and responsibilities, the council’s main aim is to try and improve the quality of life within Wootton for our residents and I enjoy doing my bit to help the community.

My career has been working in IT, with several varying organisations.

Phone: – 07414 551 820

Email: – Gareth.Lloyd@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Gerald Bygraves

Gerald Bygraves

Vice Chairman of Full Council

I have lived in Wootton since 1987 and have three children who have schooled through the Wootton three tier system. I served on the Lower School PTA for several years and helped/ coached with the local Football, Cricket and Netball teams. I have a passion for all sport having played Rugby for Bedford Blues and Cricket for Cutler Hammer, Elstow and Flitwick.

In 2016 I joined the Parish Council, having retired from two or three other committees as the kids grew up. My day job as an accountant helps with the financial aspects of the PC. I still assist a number of local organisations with their finances, act either as treasurer or as an Independent Examiner. I continue to try to improve the Leisure and Amenities facilities within the village.

Phone: – 07792 842 601

Email: – Gerald.Bygraves@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Bob Hensher

Bob Hensher

I am a retired Business Manager and have resided in Wootton since 1979. I have in the past served as a member of the Wootton Lower school PTA with one year as Chairman. I became a Parish Councilor in 2016 and have represented the Council on both the Community Centre and Village Hall Committees.

Phone: – 07984 696 058

Email: – Bob.Hensher@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Jeff Noakes

Jeff Noakes

I am 75 years old. I have lived in Wootton for the past 14 years with my wife. We have a son with two grandchildren and daughter with three grandchildren. I am retired but keep occupied with our dog and my horse. Of course there are always jobs to do about the home. Prior to retirement I served in the army and in Bedfordshire Police, both as a police officer and as a civilian support worker.  I joined the Parish Council in 2015.

Phone: – 07806 470 411

Email: – Jeff.Noakes@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Stuart O'Dell

Stuart O'Dell

I am a former SubPostmaster for Wootton, and retired Justice of the Peace. I have 30 years experience working in Local Government promoting disabled people’s rights to goods and services. I joined the Parish Council in 2017.

Phone: – 01234 767 133

Email: – Stuart.ODell@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Keith Randell

Keith Randell

I have lived in Wootton for 50 years and was for a number of years, an international HGV driver, before ill health.  I became interested in the Parish Council as the Neighbourhood Development Plan progressed – finally joining in 2019.  I am a member of the Patient Participation Group for Wootton Vale Healthy Living Centre and also vice-president of the Kempston Probus Club.  My interests include gardening and spending time with our grandchildren. 

Phone: – 07872 647 234

Email: – Keith.Randell@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

Bob Wallace

Bob Wallace

Bob retired from Cranfield University in 1998 after working there for 25 years as the Chair and Managing Director of Cranfield Data Systems. He has since been involved in voluntary roles in the environmental and community sectors.

He has been a Parish Councillor in Wootton since 1999 (Chair for 4 years) and was a member of the Executive committee of the Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils from 1999 to 2023.

He has been a supporter and volunteer at the Forest of Marston Vale since the late 90′s and a Trustee of the Forest of Marston Vale Trust since 2000. He is a director of Marston Vale Farms.

 In 2004 he was invited to become a Community Governor of Wootton Upper School and, subsequently,  a Member of Wootton Academy Trust (until 2024).

He has always had a strong interest in the Public Rights of Way network and Countryside Access and in 2002 was appointed the inaugural Chair of the Bedfordshire Local Access Forum, a statutory body dedicated to providing advice to the Local Authority and other organisations on access to the countryside. Currently, he is the Chair of the Borough of Bedford LAF.

He has been Treasurer and Secretary of Wootton Village Hall since 1999.
He enjoys travelling (particularly in his caravan), walking (he is Chair of a Local Walking Group) and cycling.

Phone: – 01234 768 011

Email: – Bob.Wallace@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

This is a picture of parish councillor Graham Ward

Graham Ward

I have lived in Wootton since 2015 and chose to join the Parish Council to become more actively involved in community work and to contribute positively to village life. I am keen to play a part in ensuring Wootton remains a welcoming and well-supported place to live for residents of all ages.

My professional background is in logistics, and I currently manage a distribution warehouse. This has developed my organisational, operational and problem-solving skills, which am keen to bring to my work on the Council. My key interest as a councillor is improving local amenities and helping to enhance the facilities available within our community.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, with a particular passion for cruises.

Phone: – 07469 147 804

Email: – Graham.Ward@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

John Wheeler

John Wheeler

Parish & Borough Councillor

Joined the Parish Council in 2001

Elected as Borough Councillor since 2015

John is heavily involved with community life in the village as a parish councillor of over 24 years’ experience, a Vice Chair of both Wootton Primary School and Wootton Upper School, a member of 3 village charities and a regular visitor to the village’s churches.

Outside of the Council, John worked in advertising sales and marketing in Bedford, London, Europe and the USA.  He has a keen interest in sport, having played rugby for Bedford Athletic RUFC for 20 years and helped run the Bedfordshire Junior Lawn Tennis Association.  He is very keen on motor racing, especially Formula 1.

Phone: – 07913 409 433

Email: – John.Wheeler@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

This is a picture of parish councillor David Whittington

David Whittington

I have lived in Wootton since 2020 and have always lived in and around the area. I have been very interested in local Government for a number of years since becoming a father in 2008. I have held various positions as School Governor at my sons schools when they went through the education system, they are now both doing A Levels and I have stepped away from them roles.


I am an Operations Director/Process Engineer and currently working as a Senior Consultant for Tescos.

I’m passionate about Wootton and would like to be involved in making Wootton better for generations to come, especially with the big changes on the horizon and the investments which will become available.

Phone: – 07547 028 194

Email: – David.Whittington@wootton-pc.gov.uk

Register of Interests

There are currently five vacancies on the Parish Council

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Clerk to the Council on:      07531 930788 or email: Clerk@Wootton-PC.gov.uk 

Register of Interest

Who sits on which committee