National News
Councillors
There are currently three Liberal Democrat Councillors in Havant:
Ann Buckley
12 Oaklands Road, Havant, PO9 2RN - 023 92473512
I am the Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Bedhampton and Leigh Park representing 25,000 people. I have also served on Havant Borough Council.
My work background was in housing and care for older and disabled people working for housing associations. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. I also have a strong interest in health issues and my family had a dental practice serving Leigh Park and Bedhampton for over 25 years. I am able to use the skills and experience from my background serving on the Hampshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Safe and Health Scrutiny Committee.
Education and Children’s Services are an area of particular interest and I have two grandchildren. I have been a member of Parent Teacher associations and Governing Bodies of local schools.
I have a strong interest in the environment, particularly water, and I am a member of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the Standing Committee on Problems Associated with the Coastline, Hampshire Water Festival, Havant Thicket Reservoir Steering Group, and Staunton Country Park Management Committee.
I have been involved in many local campaigns including better road surfaces, health services at Oak Park here in Havant, sewage pollution in our local Harbour, and the library service.
My email address at Hampshire County Council is ann.buckley@hants.gov.uk - please contact me if you have any issues and I will do my best to help.
Faith Ponsonby
78 Havant Road, Emsworth, PO10 7LH - 01243 372825
I was elected in a by-election in November 2006 as councillor for Battins Ward and local residents showed their confidence in what I have been doing, by returning me in May 2008 for a full 4-year term, with over 46% of the vote.
I am passionate about the green spaces in the ward and Borough, and have been working with our local environment team, and tree wardens, to see how they can be made better for local people to use. Another great interest of mine is finding activities for young people, and I have been consulting with our Youth Council, and youth workers to see if we can set up a sustainable 'youth café' in the area.
I'm a member of the Environment & Community Committee and the Staffing Matters Committee and attend other meetings such as the Access Group and the Youth Council. I also help with local events, such as the Grotto in Greywell, and the Carnival on Stockheath Common, as well as attending the meetings of the Leigh Park Community Board, and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
I have been active in politics for nearly 50 years, joining the Liberal Party when I was at university. Now retired from teaching, I have been able to take up a much fuller role, regionally and nationally. I am now Vice-Chairman of our Region, helping with the campaign for the Euro-elections in June 2009 and I regularly attend National conferences. Combining my Christian beliefs with my political views, I am an active member of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum, as well as a member of the Green Lib Dems.
My husband, Michael, formerly an economist with IBM, is a huge support to me in this busy life, and we look forward to celebrating our Ruby Wedding later this year. We have a daughter in Nottingham and 3 sons, one living in Japan, the other 2 both happily married, in Leicestershire and London; our second son now has 4 children of his own, 2 boys and 2 girls. I am also a member of Havant Rotary Club, so you may sometimes see me shaking a bucket outside Tesco or Waitrose!
Feel free to contact me by phone or email (faith.ponsonby@havant.gov.uk) if I can help.
Katie Ray
1 Sherfield Avenue, Leigh Park, PO9 5HS - 023 92473874
I became the second Liberal Democrat Councillor for Battins ward in the May 2010 elections joining Faith Ponsonby. I grew up in Battins ward, having been born in The Warren, attending Front Lawn Schools, Staunton Park School and then onto Havant College. I am currently at Chichester University taking a BA (Hons) degree in English and intend to then study for a PGCE in secondary teaching.
I developed an interest in Politics in my teens and chose to join the Liberal Democrats because of the message of fairness and equality that runs throughout the party. I believe in social justice for all.
I am passionate about making sure that people's voices are heard. That means locally if you have an opinion on anything that is happening in our area then let me know. On a wider scale it has lead me to being an active supporter of Amnesty International.
A compulsive reader, I will often have at least two unfinished books in my bag and will try to sneak five minutes of reading where ever I have the time.
Being a councillor is thoroughly enjoyable so far and I am learning a lot. I intend to work hard to repay the faith shown in me by the people of Battins ward. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you feel I may be able to help you.
My email address is katie.ray@havant.gov.uk - please contact me if you have any issues you would like my help with.