Parish Councillors

List of Councillors:

John Broom (Chairman) 01508 538929John

I have lived in Surlingham with my family since 2003.  My wife was born in the village and both my sons attended the primary school.  I am the Managing Director of Norfolk Plant Hire. Historically, my family began building boats in Norfolk in the late 1800s.  So you could say the Norfolk Broads are in my blood, which is why I am as passionate about the broads as I am about our village.

I have been the Chairman of the Parish Council since 2015.  My ambition is for the Parish Council to commit to both a village (short) and neighbourhood (long term) plan to identify and record what the expectations of the residents are, for example clarifying the cicumstances where and when housing developments should be allowed.  The Neighbourhood plan, approved by the electorate would be recognised by SNDC.  By taking control to shape things for the future we will help to protect the character of the village.

Philip Reeve 01508 53851620180403_213551

I was born and raised in Surlingham and have lived here most of my life. So I have a strong interest in preserving the culture and tradition of the village, as well as looking forward to the progress required to keep village life alive. My grandchildren were 4th generation of my family to attend the village school and I believe as a community we must support the school in order for us to continue to grow as a community.

I joined the Parish Council in 2015 and have been very active in helping to organise events for the village and carry out the odd repair when required.

Pat Scowen 01508 538791Pat Scowan

My driving interests are environmental/conservation issues and social/community issues: my interest in the environment in relation to Surlingham Parish Council can best be summarised by the slogan think global act local and my interest in creating a community orchard combines all the above interests – conserving heritage varieties, creating a local social space and shared resource, ultimately, hopefully, producing locally grown fruit which can be shared locally, and finally, the trees planted will also contribute, albeit in a small way, to carbon reduction.

Dave Swinborne 01508 538065

Born in London I came to Norfolk in 1968 and moving to Surlingham in 1987. 

Our two sons who went to the village school and then Framingham Earl are both in the police, one in CID in Cambridge, the other in Norwich.

I worked at Norwich Union (Aviva) for 44 years in various capacities but in the last half of my career in a managerial capacity. I retired from Aviva then went on to work for Norfolk County Council for a further 8 years.

I was a Parish Councillor in the 1990’s for a few years as well as a Treasurer for FOSS.

Having always been interested in the wellbeing of the village and now with more time on my hands I thought it was time to become involved again.

Interests include Archaeology, History, Vernacular Buildings, Antiques, DIY, Rugby, going to the Gym at Loddon, singing with the Surlingham Broadnotes and now babysitting our granddaughter.

Richard Atkins 07850 030737

I moved to Surlingham in 1991 and spent several years renovating the home in which I now live.

After 40 years’ service, I have recently taken early retirement from BT where I worked initially as an engineer before moving into product and program management roles.

I have a strong sense of community and have supported many village activities and good causes over the years, most notably the “Fair on the Green”.   Now retired, and with my daughter about to set off to university, I would love to be able to support the village further by taking an active role on the Parish Council.

I have a keen interest in the local environment that helps make our village so special. I am a volunteer at Wheatfen and have recently joined the Broads Authorities volunteering team. 

My other interests include kayaking, sailing, cycling, walking and collecting antique bottles. 

Pam Wilson 01508 538945image

I moved to Surlingham in 2013. We were attracted by the wonderful countryside and the great walls. Having recently retired from Norfolk library service I have more time to put towards the parish council. I have also recently taken over a delivery route for Eleven Says magazine.  I enjoy reading, gardening, and walking my dogs.

Martin White 07834 683041Martin White

Born in Leicester and moved to Norfolk in 1975, and to Surlingham in 2005.

I am a retired primary school headteacher, having spent 46 years working in Norfolk’s schools, 26 years as a headteacher.

I am a school governor of a federation of schools north of Norwich, and a governor representative on a number of bodies.

I have a great love of nature and the countryside but I also have (far too many) other interests including a love of sport (as a spectator) and I am a Norwich City season ticket holder. I enjoy my garden, travelling, history, and my model railway.

Charlotte Rust (Clerk to the Parish Council) 07960 887791

For Village Hall bookings phone Rachel on 01508 537151