Councillors, Committees and Working Groups

Allan Blakemore

I intend to continue with the work in the community as I have done for over ten years.

Councillor Allan Blakemore sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Finance
• Fireworks
• Butterwick Road Cemetery
• Policy and Records Management

Councillor Allan Blakemore also represents the Town Council on the following:

• SCA Executive
• CDALC AGM
• CDALC Larger Councils
• Pubs Partnership
• “The Sedgefield District Relief in Need Charity” and “The Howle Hope Estate”
• Sedgefield 700+

• Address:
  32 Beacon Avenue, Sedgefield TS21 3AB
• Telephone Number:
  01740 621820

Ciaran Butterworth

I was born and raised in the village and took full advantage of the many community groups on offer as I grew up here. In 2024, I moved back to the village with my family because I wanted to make sure my daughter could have as many opportunities as I did.

I look forward to making a full and active contribution to community events in the village and representing and bringing diversity to the council.

Councillor Ciaran Butterworth sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Appeals

Councillor Ciaran Butterworth also represents the Town Council on the following:

• Sedgefield Charities “The Educational Foundation Board”

• Address:
  via the Council Office
• Telephone Number:
  07837 647158

Mark Cant

I am pleased to be able to continue to support the very positive work of Sedgefield Town Council which has been carried out on behalf of the residents of Sedgefield since I was elected in 2013. As part of a team of very enthusiastic and largely non-political independent members; we aim to continue to deliver great results, as we hope you think we have done, since 2013.

Councillor Mark Cant sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Appeals

• Address:
  Mordon Moor Farm, Racecourse Road, Sedgefield TS21 2HN
• Telephone Number:
  07818 243774

Ann Carr

I have lived and worked in Sedgefield for 47 years and always been interested in what makes our town thrive and why it is a popular place to live. I am married to Mel and we have two daughters. I have worked as a nurse, midwife and hotelier in Sedgefield for many years. I enjoy travel, reading and am a keen participant/volunteer in many groups such as the Inner Wheel, U3A, Dance Group and Holme House Prison. I am concerned with what can be done to preserve what we have in Sedgefield and how to improve it. I will do my best to support the residents of Sedgefield in maintaining and building on all the great things we have in our town.

Councillor Ann Carr sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Fireworks
• Butterwick Road Cemetery
• Policy and Records Management

• Address:
  3 The Square, Sedgefield TS21 2AB
• Telephone Number:
  01740 629070

Mel Carr

I was born in Sedgefield and have lived here for over 60 years. I now live with my wife Ann in the centre of the village. We have two daughters Louise and Emma and two granddaughters who have been a great support to me since I joined the Town Council. I am pleased to be a Councillor and will continue to work for the interests of all residents to retain the special and unique character of Sedgefield.

Councillor Mel Carr sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Appeals

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Finance
• Fireworks
• Butterwick Road Cemetery
• Policy and Records Management

Councillor Mel Carr also represents the Town Council on the following:

• Sedgefield Development Trust
• Sedgefield In Bloom

• Address:
  3 The Square, Sedgefield TS21 2AB
• Telephone Number:
  01740 629070

Helen Cunningham

Having moved back to Sedgefield in 2021, at the same time as retiring from work as a Health & Safety Manager and Emergency Planner, I threw myself into life in Sedgefield by joining several community groups through involvement, support and volunteering.

I am a mum of four adults also seven growing grandchildren and step grandchildren. They all call me ‘grumpy grannie’ but I can’t think why?

I feel it is important to take this opportunity to further support the residents of Sedgefield by standing as Councillor, to have a new voice heard and to assist residents with issues that affect their everyday lives.

I look forward to working with my fellow councillors, building long term relationships with local businesses and community organisations.

Councillor Helen Cunningham sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest

Councillor Helen Cunningham also represents the Town Council on the following:

• “The Sedgefield District Relief in Need Charity” and “The Howle Hope Estate”

• Address:
  5 Eden Drive, Sedgefield, TS21 2DX
• Telephone Number:
  07932074981

Kelly Dickerson

I relocated to Sedgefield from Lancashire with my family 27 years ago. Now married to husband Marc, we have two children and fully appreciate and enjoy all the services Sedgefield has to offer. I am passionate about my local community and very grateful for the beautiful, vibrant Village and surrounding areas Sedgefield benefits from. I am committed to making it even better. With a strong focus on environmental issues, improving our parks, green spaces, and footpaths together with minimising the environmental impact.  I am looking forward to contributing to the community events and feel that my dual qualified background in Surveying and Building Surveying will help support planning and estate matters.  I am active in the community, approachable and hope to bring a fresh perspective and creativity to the Town Councils services and look forward to working with fellow councillors.

Councillor Dickerson is the Town Council’s Allotment Champion.

Councillor Kelly Dickerson sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Appeals

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Fireworks
• Butterwick Road Cemetery

• Address:
  30 Beaumont Court, Sedgefield, TS21 3AH
• Telephone Number:
  07702080497

John Finlayson

I am a retired IT Consultant formerly with “HP Enterprise Services” at Wynyard, and I have lived in Sedgefield for over 23 years with my wife Dee. I was born in Darlington and grew up in Stockton – and I also lived in the London area for a number of years before returning to the North East in 1998. I am involved with Sedgefield Blues Club and Sedgefield Players, and I am a keen photographer. I look forward to serving the Sedgefield community and working with my fellow Councillors during the coming term.

Councillor Finlayson is the Town Council’s Parish Hall Champion.

Councillor John Finlayson sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Personnel
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Butterwick Road Cemetery
• Estates
• Finance

Councillor John Finlayson also represents the Town Council on the following:

• CDALC AGM
• CDALC Larger Councils
• Pub Partnership
• NETPark

• Address:
  5 Pine Ridge Avenue, Sedgefield TS21 3EF
• Telephone Number:
  01740 622313

Jenny Haworth

Originally from Darlington, I have lived in the North East most of my life and was fortunate to move to Sedgefield in 2018 with my husband. Having recently retired from local government I want to use my skills to contribute to the work of the town council.

I have found Sedgefield to be a very welcoming community to move into, and I want to help improve our local facilities and contribute to our strong sense of community.

I intend to support community engagement in the Council’s plans, improvements our parks and natural environment, and the development of safe cycling and walking routes and facilities in the area. I will do my best to represent the interests of local residents.

Councillor Jenny Haworth sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Finance
• Policy & Records Management

• Address:
  27 Station Road, Sedgefield, TS21 2BY
• Telephone Number:
  07946569178

Peter Hinde

I moved to Sedgefield in 1984 and have enjoyed living in this beautiful town. Over the years, I have been involved in local organisations such as the Badminton club and Sedgefield Community Association, as well as assisting with community events including the Medieval Fayre. I was part of the team which once brought Proms in the Park to Sedgefield, and also one of the residents who won £50,000 for the town many years ago in The People’s Lottery.

We are very fortunate to have so many facilities in our town and I will continue to work hard to support and promote them.

Councillor Peter Hinde sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• CD&E
• Community Chest
• Sedgefield Extra
• Staff Appeals

Working Groups:

• Finance
• Fireworks

• Address:
  44 West End, Sedgefield, TS21 2BT
• Telephone Number:
  01740 621709

Dave Jasper

My association with Sedgefield stretches back to 1976, when I was appointed as a class teacher with responsibility for music. Involvement with a flourishing PTA ensued and I spent 8 fulfilling years at Rectory Row School. During this period I was invited to be the Musical Director of the Lyric Singers so, although subsequently I was promoted to larger schools in Darlington and then Durham, I continued with the choral link to the village. In 1988 I moved to Sedgefield and have lived here ever since. I am a member of Sedgefield Players and the SCA and an honorary life member of the choir.

Membership of a school governing body as Vice-Chair and being Treasurer of a number of local music organisations and PTAs followed. Working on several committees and seeing how well they function have provided me with a wealth of experience. I look forward to helping Sedgefield to continue to be a great place to live and raise families, providing its youngsters with many opportunities, just as it did for our children over the years. It is important for inhabitants of all ages and for local businesses to flourish and a vibrant Town Council should facilitate this, as part of its remit. I believe it is incumbent upon Town Councillors to listen to the concerns of residents and consider them whilst, at the same time, preserving the central conservation area for all to enjoy.

Councillor Dave Jasper sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Appeals

Working Groups:

• Finance
• Estates
• Fireworks

Councillor Dave Jasper also represents the Town Council on the following:

• Sedgefield Charities “The Educational Foundation Board”
• Sedgefield in Bloom

• Address:
  The Mews, 1 Rosedale Close, Sedgefield TS21 3EQ
• Telephone Number:
  07791 030886

Myles Mantripp

I’m relatively new to Sedgefield, having moved here in 2022 from Durham City. Although I was born ‘down south‘ I was raised by my mum and grandad from Yorkshire and my grandma from Hull, so I’ve always felt a strong connection to the North. My wife came up in 2019 when she secured funding to train as a social worker and I followed her in 2021, we were married in 2022 and in 2024, we were thrilled to welcome our first child. We’re now eager to put down roots and become active members of the community.

I come from a diverse and hands-on professional background. Over the years, I’ve worked as a waiter, estate agent, labourer, overseas rep, salesman, cleaner, entertainer, barman, paperboy, retail assistant, travel specialist, warehouse operative—and I now serve as an Applications Officer with Durham County Council’s housing department.

I’m an avid traveller who enjoys long walks through beautiful countryside, especially when paired with great food and a well-crafted local brew. I’m passionate about supporting local businesses and committed to helping preserve and enhance the natural beauty and essential services that make our area so special.

Councillor Myles Mantripp sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest

• Address:
  15 Mitford Court, Sedgefield, TS21 2JE
• Telephone Number:
  07593326925

Julie Towler

I have lived and worked in Sedgefield for over 35 years and have been the owner of Jaiz Hair Salon for 30. My husband Andrew and I have brought our 2 sons up within the village community and have embraced all that Sedgefield has to offer. I have also been a volunteer Guide leader for the last 33 years. I hope to be a good asset to the council, working as a team.

Councillor Julie Towler sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Butterwick Road Cemetery

• Address:
  6 Mitford Court, Sedgefield TS21 2JE
• Telephone Number:
  07979 376997

Mavis Wayman

I came to live in Sedgefield in 1960, and my two children were born here and attended the local primary schools. My working life was divided into two parts, being the owner of Jayne Fashions Ltd. and Customer Services Manager at Filmco International on the trading estate. I was appointed Youth Leader in the village in the 70’s and had a hut at the isolation hospital as a centre. I hope to serve the residents in a way which will maintain the characteristics of the “village”, ensuring we have a safe environment in which to live and participate in a controlled housing development plan.

Councillor Mavis Wayman sits on the following:

Committees:

• Monthly
• Policy and Resources
• Environment
• Community, Development and Engagement
• Personnel
• Sedgefield Extra
• Community Chest
• Staff Complaints

Working Groups:

• Estates
• Fireworks
• Policy and Records Management

• Address:
  32 White House Drive, Sedgefield TS21 3BX
• Telephone Number:
  01740 620337