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-
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): Roger Rigby
Councillor Roger Rigby is a long serving
member of the local Borough Council and a local businessman. Roger has served as
Deputy Chairman of the Association responsible for membership since 2006.
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: 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.
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. She will
be standing for election to the Council in the forthcoming unitary Council elections.
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. Recent speakers
have included: Nick Herbert, Steve Norris, former candidate for London Mayor; Lord
Kalms, founder of Dixons; and Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis.

