Who We Are

cllr.tsaunders@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk

Committee Membership

After leaving school I worked in local authority finance for 33 years mainly in large councils in London specialising in treasury management. After retiring at 50 I started selling one type of china at very large antiques fairs and was recognised as one of the country’s expert on that particular make.

I moved to Primrose Hill in 2006 and have enjoyed every minute here and made many friends. Some years later I joined the Town Council and have been active ever since.

I have an interest in workers rights having spent some of my time in trade unions including representing at industrial tribunals. I hope my wide experiences can be used for the good of Lydney.

cllr.rholmes@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk

Committee Memberships

Declaration of Interest Form:
Cllr Carol Harris

cllr.charris@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk 

Steve grew up and lived in Bream until his late 20s, before moving to Highfield Hill in Lydney. Steve attended Whitecroft Secondary School in Lydney as a child, going on to study IT at RFDC before his brief career as an IT Technician. Steve’s passion for photography quickly saw him leave IT and computing to start his own business as a Professional Photographer, a career in which he has excelled, winning multiple awards within the wedding industry, and running a successful local studio with images published within and on the front cover of national magazines. Steve and his team have also had the privilege of capturing some large events, such as Country File Live, Frightmare, 2000 Trees, Barn on the Farm and many more, whilst also regularly working with popular tourist attractions such as Adam Hensons Cotswold Farm Park and Over Farm Adventure Park. 

Steve pursued a space on Lydney Town Council after attending a council meeting to propose Lydney needed to update their youth provision, particularly the skatepark as it was dilapidated and substandard for the number of youths that Lydney has, compared to its surrounding towns all of which have significantly more impressive skate facilities. 

After winning majority vote on 19th August 2021, Steve joined Lydney Town Council and proudly took the role of lead youth councillor and setup a working group for the Lydney skatepark revamp project and has pursued this project since alongside Maverick Skateparks who won the tender for the work. Lydney Town Council and Maverick Skateparks are currently in the process of acquiring the required planning permissions to see this exciting project through to fruition. 

Alongside representing Lydney’s youth, Steve also volunteers his time to run both the Squirrels and Beavers group for Lydney & Aylburton 1st Scout Group. 

In the little personal time Steve has, he enjoys the outdoors in all forms. From his huge passion for wildlife photography he also enjoys hiking and camping, wild swimming and rock climb, kayaking and cycling, to exploring the country and Europe on his motorcycle. When not exploring the great outdoors, Steve loves to get stuck into a good board game or card game with his family and friends. 

cllr.scave@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk 

Committee Memberships


Declaration of Interest Form:
Cllr Susan Holmes

I grew up in London and on leaving school I started work with Lloyds Bank, before moving  into Local Government in Finance and Housing departments.

I had a break of service when our children were born which was a whole lot of other skills.

Moving to Lydney in 2006 I became involved in a number of groups and committees,  in which I have made a lot of friends. I became a Lydney Town Councillor in 2019 and have enjoyed being a part of the organisation whose aims are to promote, improve and protect Lydney for the present and the future.   

Although I have not been in Lydney all my life I really love  it here, and the Forest of Dean is a wonderful place.

I use the skills I have attained during my life to help me as a councillor, which I hope benefits both myself and the people of Lydney.

cllr.rholmes@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk

Having served in the WRNS, spent 34 years in PR and 13 years working in residential childcare I have a vested interest in helping build a strong community in Lydney.  I was elected councillor in 2022 and am on a variety of Council Committees and Vice Chair of Planning and Highways.  I enjoy meeting people, am interested in current affairs, enjoy gardening and love spending time with my young granddaughters.

cllr.pjohns@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk 

Cllr Richard Kemsley
Lydney East

Committee Memberships

Declaration of Interest Form:
Cllr Richard Kemsley

cllr.rkemsley@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk

Committee Memberships

Declaration of Interest Form:
Cllr Peter Macklin

cllr.pmacklin@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk 

Committee Memberships

Declaration of Interest Form:
Cllr Emma Taylor

cllr.etaylor@lydneytowncouncil.gov.uk

I was co-opted onto the town council in the autumn of 2024.

I am a member of various committees for the council.

I have lived  in Lydney all my life, and am a retired  Police Officer of over thirty one years service as a Special and regular Constable. 

I run my own successful dog walking and house sitting business with my wife Jo in and around Lydney and enjoy Cruise holidays  and  caravan holidays in our touring caravan with Jo and our Labradors Loki and Milly.

I was co-opted onto the Town Council in October 2024. I grew up in Bristol and moved to Lydney 16 years ago. I was impressed by the friendliness and welcome when I moved to the Forest. I worked as a District Nurse in and around Lydney. I’m now retired and feel passionate about supporting my community. I volunteer with Great Oaks Hospice and the NHS and in the past with the Dean Forest Railway. An avid reader, and lover of music, I enjoy baking, swimming and Aqua fit. We love to travel widely and many of our holidays are by train. I am married with grown up sons, grandchildren and have always owned a dog.

Having lived in Lydney my entire life ( with the exception of seven years in South Africa) I was fortunate to be co opted into the council in 2024.

As well as three grown children l can now add two grandchildren to the family. As the parent of a child with Asperger's I'm passionate about inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities.

I'm fortunate to have my parents, family and lots of extended family all still living in Lydney and the FOD.

I've always volunteered for different things over the years and am currently enjoying being a committee member at the Town hall.