Promoted by Robert Rigby on behalf of Bedford & Kempston Conservatives, both of 7 Lime Street, Bedford, MK40 1LD

© 2011 Bedford and Kempston Conservatives

 

President : Sir Stanley Odell
Sir Stanley has lived all of his life in Bedfordshire and was educated in Bedford. A former Chairman, Treasurer and President of Mid-Bedfordshire Conservative Association, he was Chairman of the Party's Eastern Region and National Chairman in 1989 when he chaired the Party Conference in Blackpool. Among his many public appointments he served as Chairman of the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Healthcare Trust and is a member of the Court of Bedfordshire University where he was appointed an Honorary Fellow. In 1986 Sir Stanley was recommended for a knighthood by the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, for political and public service.

 

Chairman : John Watson
John and his wife Averil were both educated in Bedford and have spent most of their lives in the town. John is a retired partner of Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC), and Averil was formerly a magistrate on the Bedford Bench and Chairman of the N. Beds branch of the NSPCC.

 

Deputy Chairman (Political) : Parvez Akhtar
Parvez is Chairman of the Urban Community Council in Queens Park, and is actively involved in many local community projects and issues. Parvez is an engineer with Ford Motor Company and an avid follower of cricket. He is a former Chairman of the Association.

 

Deputy Chairman (Membership) : Bernard Jones
Bernard and his family live in Newnham ward having moved some years ago from Great Barford. Bernard plays an important role coordinating efforts for local and Parliamentary campaigns.

 

Treasurer : Brian Parsons
Brian recently moved to Bedford from Astwood where he and his wife, Peggie, were active members of the local Conservative Association, having previously been involved in Suffolk Coastal and NW Surrey Conservative Associations. Brian is a retired Headmaster and is now Churchwarden and Treasurer of St Pauls church in Bedford. He and his wife are strong supporters of St. Paul’s, the Conservatives and charities.

 

Management Committee : Shirley Groves
Shirley is a local businesswoman and a long term supporter of the Conservative Party in Bedford. In addition to being a management committee representative, Shirley is also actively involved in the Conservative Ladies’ branch and organizes many fund raising events on behalf of the Party.

 

Management Committee : Roger Rigby
Councillor Roger Rigby is a long serving member of the local Borough Council and a local businessman. Roger plays an important role coordinating efforts for local and Parliamentary campaigns.

 

Constituency Secretary : Gillian Rose
Gillian, born and educated in Bedford, is the Secretary of the Association and, for two days each week, is based in the Conservative office in Lime Street. Gillian is responsible for general correspondence, keeping members informed about events, and maintaining the Association’s records.

 

Ward Development Secretary : Sue Stewart
Sue’s role is to encourage local people to get more involved in their local Conservative ward groups. Whether by delivering leaflets, putting up posters, making a financial donation or attending social events, Sue’s job is to ensure that all supporters find the best way they can to help the Conservative cause in our local community.

 

Social Events Coordinator : Janet Russell
Janet is responsible for informing members and supporters about our upcoming social events and encouraging people to come along and enjoy good food, good company and – hopefully – a good speech.