My name is Chris Mennell. I moved to Wotton in December 2024. I’ve found local people to be very friendly and welcoming. Their passion for the town is very clear. I wanted to share that passion and became a Town Councillor in August 2026. My aim is to improve the town, help people and maintain Wotton, as a great place to live.I am interested in the local road safety strategy, animal welfare, local business(buy local), public toilets and encouraging more visitors to the town.
Becki Britton-Griffiths is a long-standing resident of Wotton-under-Edge, having grown up in the town and attended Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, she now lives here with her wife and two daughters. After gaining a degree in Arts and Event Management from Leeds she has spent the last 10 years as a Project Manager. Deeply engaged in community life, Becki is a founder of Wotton Pride, Long Street Summer Social, a trustee at Under The Edge Arts and also a member of the Twinning Society. When not working or volunteering, you’ll find her on the hockey pitch at Wotton Community Parc or spending time with her young family. Becki is committed to fostering inclusion, creativity and ensuring that Wotton remains a welcoming and vibrant place to live and visit for everyone.
John has been a Town Councillor since 1979 and was Wotton’s County Councillor from 1981 to May 2021 and is now an Honorary Alderman of Gloucestershire County Council. Over the years he has served seven terms as Town Mayor and has also been Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council and has held other leading positions on the County Council. He takes a particular interest in local history and has written three leaflets about the town. His main areas of interest on both councils are in planning and transport issues and in public rights of way. He worked in the nuclear power industry at Berkeley as a metallurgist.
Email Cllr Dr John Cordwell
I have lived in Wotton-under-Edge for over twenty years with my husband and our two boys, who both attended Blue Coat Primary and now go to Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School. I taught drama locally for over ten years, creating inclusive community performances, and together with my husband run a framing and fine art printing business in Thornbury. I’ve enjoyed supporting local events such as the Wotton Summer Social and Christmas Under the Edge, and I’m passionate about contributing to the continued growth and wellbeing of our wonderful town.
I and my young family (3 school aged children) are proud and happy residents of Wotton under Edge. Having lived in many places over the years, once I discovered Wotton 15 years ago, there was no doubt this wonderful town would be my home. The people and remarkable facilities, businesses and schools make it a very special place. I joined the Town Council to give back to the community that has giving so much to me. Having worked for many years as a Community Coordination Officer for the Welsh Assembly, I have experience and skills that am able to offer but I’m aware I have a lot to learn, and will no doubt be challenged, delighted, and humbled in the process. I will endeavour to bring our community together positively; to listen to one another, solve problems, strengthen relationships, and improve communication. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to Wotton-under-Edge continuing to be a welcoming, happy, inclusive, sustainable, and desirable place to live and work.
I have recently taken up the role of Town Councillor in 2025. It’s a bit of a steep learning curve but I am keen to learn, and my fellow councillors and Town Clerk have a wealth of experience that I can rely on. Having recently moved from London, I hope to be able to dedicate more time to my role in supporting local businesses and residents to further enhance Wotton’s reputation as one of the most attractive Cotswold locations and enhance all our visitor’s experiences. I’m keen to get more local residents involved in the Council to get a better demographic representation of the town and to expand the knowledge and experience available to it. I enjoy walking both locally and further afield, and I look forward to meeting residents and visitors alike on my travels.
Email Cllr Richard Halpin
I have lived in the Wotton area since 1987. I am married to a local chap which has given me the added benefit of his life experiences of Wotton. I spent 11 years as a Wotton shop owner and chaired the Chamber of Trade during that time. As a local retailer, we reintroduced hanging baskets back into the town and I can remember helping organise Christmas Dickensian evenings which were great fun. In more recent times my daughter and her partner launched their clothing business on Wotton’s main street 12 year ago. so, I have been a local businesswoman, but am also an ordained priest. I am The Priest in Charge for the C of E Tyndale benefice ( which includes St Mary’s Church) since 2022. I retire from this role in July 2026 and hope to be able to continue to support my local community through this new role as a Town Councillor. I hold a strong sense of justice and believe that all members of our community should be fairly represented and heard.
As a resident, business owner and leader, I am invested in our town and community. I have two decades of experience in communications, mainly marketing and PR, for small, large, local, national and international organisations. I have fundraised for causes close to my heart my entire life; from helping with Stroud green community initiatives to raising cash for local medical practices. In Los Angeles, we launched and ran a baseball league for special needs children, that has now been passed on to new leadership and is going strong. From Stroud District Youth Council to holding a two year seat on the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, I have never shied away from the political or commercial sphere.
I recently moved to Wotton to be near my family, and I found the people in all walks of life very friendly and helpful. The range of house property styles is unusual and there are various shops and activities for all ages. Over the last 30 plus years I have been involved with energy conservation on old to new buildings an advisor troubleshooting on a large range of buildings, products, and procedures. As an outsider I hope I can help to keep up the progress of the town for the future people of Wotton.
I have lived in Wotton for 67 years. After leaving school I completed a five year apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with Jotcham and Kendall. I started my own business in 1970, carrying out all aspects of building working and around Wotton, for well over 45 years. I care about Wotton and becoming a Councillor and feel I could put something back. Now retired, I am a Cotswold Volunteer Warden carrying out all types of projects around the district. I also drive for Wotton Volunteers and am a volunteer patient drive for Longfield Hospice.
Email Cllr John Lewis
I have lived in Wotton under Edge all my life and I own a business in the town that my family established in 1896. I was elected as a Town Councillor in 2018. I want Wotton to be a vibrant town for both business, social and leisure activities and also a pleasant area to live in. We need to see a positive forward thinking Town Council embracing the need for change and involved in projects to improve the facilities of the town. I was elected by the community to pursue those aspirations. I have been an enthusiastic supporter for the Symn Lane Car Park which will provide much needed additional parking for the town with great benefits for the local economy. I have also since becoming a councillor been pursuing funding for renewable energy projects in the town which will lower the council energy costs and help the planet. Some progress is being made in that area. My social activities include walking and cycling. I will continue to promote the town to the best of my ability.
Email Cllr Derek Thomas
Since retiring from Tesco Stores Limited as a Super Store Manager, I have been involved in the Town and Local community. I was President of the Chamber of Trade for three years; I restarted and managed Christmas Under The Edge for two years after the pandemic. I have been both Mayor and Deputy Mayor in my past and I have made many contacts in Business, Retail, County and District Councils. I bring to the council skills in Human Resources, Employment Law, Health and Safety, Budget Control and Forecasting. My wife owns a business in the town, so I am easily contactable and always available.
My name is Paula Underwood, and I have been incredibly lucky to call this wonderful town my home for my entire life. My connection to Wotton runs deep: I am mother to two boys who attended local schools and played for local sports clubs, and now a grandmother to two precious grandchildren who are continuing that tradition. With my own parents still living locally, I truly believe I have a personal insight into how challenging life can become right now for families across all generations. I hold wonderfully fond memories of my own childhood and the incredible community spirit our town has always shared. Having worked on our high street for 25 years for two different charities, I also feel extremely close to my fellow traders and the beating heart of our community. Now I feel it’s time to do my bit. I want to work together with like-minded individuals to recapture that close community feel-the one that didn’t focus on why we shouldn’t but only on the reasons that we should. My Commitment to Wotton and my life is rooted here, and my Commitment is unwavering. I want to be your voice on the town council-a voice that understands our past and is fiercely dedicated to our future.