Meet the Team

Sharin Ingleby - Chair

chair.acklingtonpc@gmail.com

I have lived in the parish for over 30 years and have a strong interest in the local community and its future.

As a Parish Councillor, I am committed to representing residents’ views and helping to ensure the parish remains a welcoming and attractive place to live.

I take a particular interest in local services, the environment, and community initiatives, and I enjoy working with fellow councillors and local organisations to support projects that benefit residents and enhance village life.
Alison Bell - Vice Chair

I moved to Acklington in 2022 with my partner and daughter after a long search for our first home together. Shortly after, we welcomed our lovely spaniel Alfie who was born here in the village.

I started my career as a scientist working in the Medical School at University of Newcastle where I stayed for 17 years. The chance to travel and see a bit more of world came when I joined a Life Science Company where I stayed for 25 years, as initially a sales rep progressing into management looking after North Europe.

Alfie and I are often seen walking through the village or one of the many surrounding footpaths. We normally stop and have chat with someone from the village or a visitor. Our conversations normally include what concerns us or what’s changing around us.

I joined the parish council because I want to be able to influence decisions that affect our parish and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.

Email: abell4598@gmail.com

Sean Malone - Councillor

I live in Acklington, and consider myself privileged to serve the community as a Parish Councillor. Acklington has much to celebrate: beautiful homes, surrounded by wonderful countryside, populated by friendly, talented, energised people.

Above all, I believe Acklington is a forward-looking village: always preserving the best of its rich heritage, whilst embracing the new opportunities of the future.

Email: sean@yellowspanner.com
Tony Mezza - Councillor

I and my wife were born in Ireland in a big city. In 1974 work brought us to Acklington village before work took me all over Europe and the Middle East doing various jobs, in both the private and public sectors.

In May 1992 work took me back to Northumberland and we ended up Acklington again, managing all aspects of Health and Safety and The Environment.

When I retired my wife and I decided to stay in Acklington as Mary loved this place and I hope that by being a parish councillor I can contribute in a small way to keeping it a small County village.

Email: la.mezza48@gmail.com
Steve Thorpe

I have lived in Acklington since 2003, having moved here from the Sussex coast with my family. I worked in the Civil Service for over 40 years retiring in 2019. I have always taken an active part in our local community. I enjoy walking my dog Barney around the village and chatting with everyone who I meet which keeps me abreast of local concerns that can be addressed at our local Parish Council meetings. I have been a Parish Councillor since 2017 and thoroughly enjoy being actively involved in planning for our future whilst still celebrating the history of Acklington.

Email: sthorpe11@cloud.com
Steve Shanks - Councillor

Email: coalhousesfarmcs@aol.com
Simon Caiger

My wife and I have lived in Acklington for very nearly ten years.

I am a keen walker and enjoy using the footpaths around the village and the wider county.

Having now retired from professional engineering I am pleased to have more time to contribute to the village community and was delighted to be accepted onto the Parish Council with this goal in mind.
Mark Gatiss - Councillor

I am proud to serve as a member of Acklington Parish Council and I’m keen to play an active role in supporting the village and its residents.

Before moving into business, I served with Northumbria Police, working in a variety of operational and supervisory roles, including CID and custody management. I retired from policing in 2020 after a career centred on public service, problem-solving and working with communities. I now help to run Scarab4, a Northumberland-based marketing and communications agency. My work involves supporting businesses and organisations with their growth, strategy and communication.

As a parish councillor, I am particularly interested in protecting Acklington’s character, supporting practical improvements to the village and making sure residents’ views are heard.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family and walking my dogs in the Northumberland countryside.

mark.gatiss@scarab4.com
Ann McDougal - Councillor

ann_mcdougal@yahoo.co.uk

I was born and brought up in Acklington attending the village school. I moved some years after University to work in Higher Education and then London in the City in Global communications before returning home to care for my mother. I currently work for the MS Society remotely. I am actively involved in St John the Divine church. I joined the Parish Council to help preserve my home village as a beautiful rural village and to put forward the concerns of the community.