Contact details for all councillors:
Address: Southwater Parish Council, Beeson House, Lintot Sq. Southwater RH13 9LA
Phone number: 01403 733202

Chris Pearce
South Ward
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Chairman of Finance & General Purposes Committee
I have served as a Parish Councillor since 2022 and currently Chair the Finance & General Services Committee, a role I take very seriously. I am also a dedicated member of the HR Committee and have recently joined the Planning Committee to support its efforts in scrutinizing development in our village. With over 30 years of experience in the private sector at a senior/director level both in the UK and overseas, mainly in logistics and manufacturing, I bring valuable skills to the Council. Now retired and a resident of Southwater for nearly 20 years, I am committed to using my experience to support both the Parish Council and its residents, ensuring our village remains a safe and happy place to live.

Derek Moore
South Ward
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Chairman of the Council
I joined the Council in 2017 as a co-opted Councillor which allowed me time to familiarize myself with how local authorities function. Now retired, my career began in the motor vehicle industry, followed by 30 years in the insurance sector, and then 15 years as a director of an accident repair company. I am now involved in 5 organisations voluntarily. I am active in several council committees and working groups and am also involved in Horsham Older Peoples Forum, Community Partnerships, Mobility Scooter Safety, and serve as Church Warden at Holy Innocents Church. Having worked most of my life whilst living in Southwater, I wanted to ensure that the people of Southwater receive the best from their local authority and the development the area has absorbed. I firmly believe that if you want things to change, you should be part of making it happen.

Geoffrey Cole
South Ward
I joined the Council in 2012 following my retirement at the age of 68. I currently serve on the Finance & General Purposes Committee and having previously served on the Planning Committee and other committees. I worked for 52 years as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, spending the last 20 years running my own consultancy business. My job involved preparing budgets and controlling expenditure on a wide range of construction projects, including offices, large logistic centres and hotels. I support several charities, with my main interest as a trustee of The Ghyll, where I focus on refurbishing and improving the facilities.

Graham Watkins
South Ward
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Chairman of Planning Committee
I moved to the area in 2012 and joined the Council in 2015, becoming Chairman of Planning Committee due to my experience as a retired Building Surveyor. I was Chairman of our Neighbourhood Plan, which was a national award runner up. From 2016 to 2022 I served as Chairman of the Council and currently Chair the Planning Committee again. I am committed to charitable work as a trustee of two charities and to community betterment. I also serve as Chairman of Horsham Association of Local Councils and Vice Chairman of West Sussex Association of Local Councils and represent SPC on various outside bodies.

Jeffrey Villis
South Ward
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Chairman of Health & Safety Committee
I have served as a Councillor since 2022 and have a professional background in public service, having served in the Fire Service for over 30 years as a senior fire officer. I am committed to community service and professional excellence, and I volunteer for multiple charities, including Horsham Museum and SSAFA. I serve on multiple committees where my experience in health and safety, and crisis management provides valuable insight.

Nicola Brown
South Ward
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Vice Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee
I have lived in Southwater for nearly 30 years with my family. In 2022, I became a Councillor and currently serve as Deputy Chair of Finance and General-Purpose Committee (F&GP). As the Financial Controller at Christ’s Hospital, I manage a wide range of financial responsibilities. My professional background is in accounting, with extensive experience in charity, trading and CIC accounts. I am committed to using my expertise to support the Parish Council and ensure the financial health of our community.

Claire Vickers
North Ward
I have been a Parish Councillor since 1989 and a Horsham District Councillor since 1991, living in Southwater for over 35 years. Before becoming a councillor, I served as a Governor of Southwater Infant Academy. As a District Councillor, I sit on the Passenger Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the Gatwick Consultative Committee, and have been deeply involved in the redevelopment of the village centre since the early 2000s. I am committed to conservation and the environment, working hard to protect green spaces for everyone to enjoy for exercise and recreation.

Erica Haddon
North Ward
I have served as a Councillor since 2022 and am a dedicated member of the Planning Committee and the Climate Change Group. I have lived in Southwater for over eight years and took early retirement to care for my father in his later years. My professional background includes working in media for various magazines and spending 24 years in Press Relations as PR Operations Manager for a blue-chip motor manufacturer. I am also a trustee of Southwater’s Village Hall and Trustee for Southern Sighthound Rescue in Barns Green, a charity that rehomes retired greyhounds and lurchers. I am passionate about the environment and believe in working alongside nature to benefit everyone.
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Graham Turnwell
South Ward
I have lived in Southwater for over 30 years and became a Councillor in 2022 to play a greater role in the future development and preservation of Southwater. My experience as a financial advisor helps me serve the Council in my roles on the Finance & General Purposes (F&GP) and Planning Committees. I take a keen interest in development and am an active member of the Neighbourhood Plan Consultation Group.
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Ian Stannard
North ward
I was reappointed to the Council in 2024 after a brief hiatus, during which I served as District Councillor for Southwater and Shipley. I have lived in the area for over 30 years, initially as a teacher and now as House Parent at Christ’s Hospital, as well as a Governor of Southwater Infants School. I have a strong interest in education, public law and planning. Whilst at HDC, I fought to stop the development at Buck Barn to protect our local environment. I support the need for homes, especially for younger people and those on low incomes, but oppose significant developments without adequate infrastructure. During my time at HDC, I served on the Planning Committee, as Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Council.

Lloyd Everard
North Ward
I have lived in Southwater for over 20 years and work as a Physical Infrastructure Director in the IT industry. I have served as a Councillor since 2022 and am an active member of the Planning Committee, among others. I am passionate about the community and committed to seeing it thrive.
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Nikki Knott
North Ward
I have been a Councillor since 2018 and am an accountant by profession. I served as Chair of Governors at the local junior school for six years and was instrumental in setting up YANA, a mental charity support group for parents of Millais and other local schools. Currently, I serve as a trustee of The Ghyll and sit on the Finance & General Purpose (F&GP) committee. I am passionate about supporting the community, mental health, sports and recreational facilities, and providing support for both the elderly and young people.
Southwater Parish Council is made up from a maximum number of 15 Councillors.
We currently have 3 open vacancies.
If you are interested in joining the Council, please contact us:
01403 733202