Your Councillors

David Hellens (Chair)

David Hellens has lived in Shipton with his family (Sandie & Charles) since 2013. He was appointed as Chair of the Parish Council in January 2024.

Although born in Kenya, David went to School in Cheltenham, and thus discovered this beautiful part of the world.

He retired from an International Commercial Career in 2013, moved back to the Cotswolds from London, and ran a management consultancy in Gloucestershire until 2023, and is now retired apart from involvement with voluntary/charity organisations.

David plays tennis at East Glos, walks occasionally with the Shipton Walking Group, is a part time member of the Shipton Gardeners,(The mens philosophy group) and is a trustee of the Shipton Reading Room Charity.
 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhellens/?originalSubdomain=uk

 

Claire Gibbs (Councillor)

[DRAFT]

Claire has lived in Shipton with her husband Andy and their family since 1994. Claire is well known in the community and actively participates in many local events and activities.

She was appointed as a Parish Councillor in May 2025. Claire acts as a liaison with the Reading Room Trustees on behalf of the Parish Council.

Claire is a qualified accountant and has worked as a Finance Manager for a local college in more recent years. Claire enjoys international travel, theatre and pilates. She also a big fan of quiz shows and once appeared with her son on BBC's Pointless programme.

 

Ann Hanagarth (Councillor)

Ann retired 11 years ago after a busy and rewarding career, initially working for Smiths Industries. In 1983, Ann returned to the workplace after having children and played a key role in the establishment of a brand-new business, serving as the dedicated company secretary. As the business grew from a modest beginning and after its acquisition in 2006, she remained there in diverse roles including business development, sales management and technical support working with councils throughout the uk until her retirement.

For many years Ann served as a Samaritan in Cheltenham and after retiring continued with voluntary work at Maggies Cancer Support Centre in Cheltenham.  

Throughout her 22 years in Shipton, Ann has enjoyed being part of village organisations. Eager to make a positive impact, she is actively engaged in representing the local community when challenges arise or opportunities for improvement emerge.

Andy Gibbs (Councillor & Webmaster)

Andy has lived in Shipton since 1994, with his wife Claire and their family. He was appointed as a Parish Councillor in Jan 2024.

Andy manages the Shipton Parish Council's online presence, including the Shipton Village website and Facebook site. If you are organising or leading a group or an event that may be of interest to local residents Andy can help you to promote your activities (political and religious groups excluded).

Andy leads a local walking group which  has walked together over 250 times in the past 4 years. Andy has also been actively involved in organising many quizzes, social events and activities for our local community, including fund-raising events that have generated thousands of pounds for local and national charities.

Andy is keen to use his IT skills to further improve communication about local events and activities, and also to maximise the benefits of Shipton's valuable public resources.

Jasmina Tyler (Councillor)

Jasmina has lived in Shipton for 9 years and was nominated as a Councillor in Jan 2024.

She is a Chartered Structural Engineer, now retired. Her career as a Structural Designer was very interesting and diverse. Apart from designing new structures such as the road bridge over the river Coln in Andoversford, she also led the maintenance and repair programmes of some iconic bridges like the Humber Bridge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Forth Road Bridge.

Jasmina has a keen interest in psychology and holds an Open University Degree in psychology. Another interest is in painting landscapes.

She has combined both these interests by exhibiting her work at various retirement homes as part of an initiative to engage through artwork and provide positive mental stimulation to the residents of the home.

Jasmina is motivated to get involved in the local community and use her professional experience to help enhance assets and facilities.

Verna Spires (Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer (RFO))

Verna is the Parish Council's Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer (RFO), and is a primary point of contact for anything to do with the Parish Council. 

Verna has many years of experience working with Parish Councils and recently returned to Shipton Parish Council after a break. Verna also works as a Clerk/RFO for a neighbouring Parish Council.

Verna looks after the administrative affairs of the Parish Council. She also manages the Parish Council finances in liaison with the other Councillors.