My name is Stephen Hodgson. I have been a member of the Yeovilton and District Parish Council since May 2022 and prior to being elected Chairman in May 2024 I was responsible for Highways and bridlepaths. I have only been living in the parish for a short period of time having moved into the area with my wife Carol from Surrey in April 2021. Prior to moving I had served for several years as a school governor of one of the towns senior schools and been vice Chairman of our local IAM committee. I am now fully retired and before retiring completely I had been self employed as a driving instructor for over ten years and used to run my own driving school. It was always our idea to retire to the south west to be near our younger daughter, son in law and grandson and Covid presented the opportunity to me and my wife to do so and we are so pleased that we did. We both love the area and all that it offers.
In May 2023 we were one of the properties in Podimore that were flooded as a result of the storms and since that time I have been in constant communication with the various authorities involved fighting for our community and the surrounding area in an attempt to raise awareness of these issues not only with the local inhabitants but also with the local authorities and bodies which feed into the wider picture in an attempt to keep us all safe.
When I am not busy with Council business I can be found either on the golf course, normally looking for lost balls! or wondering around the area with my camera round my neck taking advantage of the wonderful variety of wildlife and diverse range of woodland which we have with my camera lens.
I feel tremendously privileged to have been elected as Chairman. I am currently undergoing a massive learning curve, I am discovering so much about the area and the surrounding towns and villages which I am finding both fascinating and challenging.
In spite of this I would like to assure you all that during my time as Chairman I will do my upmost to resolve any issues that may arise and that I am available to any of you at any time.