Councillors

Cllr. John Britt (South Ward)

07973 207521

john@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

Parish Council Chair 

I moved from the Medway towns to Lenham, with my partner Albie, in 2005. I worked in the NHS and local government from the early 1990s focusing on improving things for ordinary people. I eventually retired as joint Head of Adult Commissioning at Medway Council and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group in 2018. Ahead of retirement I approached the parish council to see if co-option was a possibility to use my skills in any way. I was co-opted in April 2018, and I have been Chair since September 2020. It hasn’t been plain sailing, but it is immensely rewarding.

Cllr. Alastair Walmsley (North ward)

01622 859032 

alastair@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

Vice Chair of the Parish Council

My family and myself have lived in the Village for over 50 years my two daughters and son attending the Village schools. My son is possibly the last home birth in Lenham.The children were actively involved in busy Village life via guides, scouts, church choir, bell ringing, football, the Lenham Players etc. came to work at Marley Extrusions as a technical department manager after times in teaching and then Standards negotiation at the British Plastics Federation (BPF).

The Marley technical department carried out long term durability and fitness for purpose testing of Marley Plumbing Products.I then worked for Marley / Aliaxis for the rest of my career always based on standards but including other responsibilities.

I was partly seconded to represent the Plastic Pipe Industry at BSI, eventually representing Industry and BSI at CEN preparing European standards to replace the existing British standards.

Near retirement I was additionally given Environmental site responsibility and managed to gain Marley accreditation to EN 14000 the Environmental (continuous improvement) management standard. My involvement with the Parish council has been to give back something in appreciation to the Village which has been so beneficial to my family over the years.

Cllr. Paul Culver (North Ward)

paul@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

I’ve lived and worked in the Maidstone area all my life, with the last 26 years in Lenham. My wife works at Lenham Primary School, my daughter attended the school and I recently retired as a school governor after 15 years and have supported local initiatives, evidence of my deep roots in our community. Most people know me for dog walking (or talking). I am always ready to listen and have a chat. I believe in trying to make change not just complain. I’m someone who rarely says no preferring to look for ways to help. My goal is simple: make Lenham the best it can be for today and the future.

Cllr Hannah Dale (North Ward)

hannah@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

I’m the newest member of the parish council, having joined in October 2025. I’ve lived in Lenham all my life & care very much about the future of our beautiful village. I’ve been involved in many clubs and organisations over the years and feel passionately about engaging different groups within our village where possible. I’m a member of the Lenham Christmas Lights organisation and welcome any feedback or suggestions - along with other ideas for village activities. You’ll most likely know me from my many dog walks around the village. I am also married to the Village Town Crier - please feel free and chat any time about parish council issues and I will help where I can.

Cllr. Darren Earl (North Ward)

darren@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

I have lived in the Lenham for the last 5 years and locally for the last 25.My career involved working in Management roles within the retail environment. I have extensive experience in programme management and overseeing large projects. I joined the parish council a few years ago because primarily I was concerned about development in the village. I wanted to be part of a team that helps shape its future over the coming years, more for our children’s sake than anything else.I always try to remain balanced and provide a common sense approach to get the best outcome for all concerned. 

Cllr. David Garland (North Ward)

david@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

I was born in Kent and have lived in the county all of my life. I moved to Lenham with my wife, Lynnette, in 2018. I am a qualified analytical chemist and have an MSc in Chemical Spectroscopy. Before retiring in 2022 I spent over 40 years dealing with all aspects of water hygiene and treatment, culminating having my own Company which I ran from 2003. This career path gave me the financial and technical experience which has helped in my role as a Parish Councillor which I was co-opted to in January 2020. I want my experience to help the Village maintain its character and improve local amenities for all of our residents. I serve on the Finance & General Purposes Committee, the Environmental Committee and the Staffing Committee and have helped with projects to refurbish toilets, install new CCTV cameras, resurface footpaths, refurbish playgrounds and have special responsibility for the planters around the Village.

Cllr. Kate Hammond (South Ward)

07925 606236 

kate@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

Cllr. Steve Heeley (South Ward)

07791 694073

steve@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk 

I’ve lived in Lenham Heath since 2017 and joined Lenham Parish Council in 2021. I serve on the Planning & Implementation Committee, represent LPC on the Save Our Heath Lands (SOHL) campaign, support Highways matters in the Lenham Heath area, and chair the Lenham Tourism Group. A founding member of SOHL, I have been actively involved in the community’s efforts to challenge proposals for a 5,000‑home new town, championing residents’ voices and the protection of local character. With 20 years’ experience working in local government and a Masters in Transport Planning, I bring professional insight to parish issues, particularly around development and infrastructure. I live in Lenham Heath with my partner and two young children and am committed to ensuring the parish remains a thriving, welcoming place for all.

Cllr. Marino Michaelas (North Ward)

01622 850658 

07827 016534 

marino@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

Although I do not live in Lenham, my business keeps me here daily. I am a family man with 3 children who keep me busy. I have been a business owner in Lenham for over 30 years. I pride myself on having my ‘ear to the ground’ with regards to the Lenham Parishioners.  I have been a Parish Councillor for 10 years, being a business owner in the Square allows me to hear all that is going on and share with the Parish Council any concerns and feedback .  I enjoy interacting with them and helping with any issues they care to raise over a plate of first class fish and chips. 

Cllr James Murray (North Ward)

james.murray@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

As a local dad and resident, I care deeply about Lenham’s future, and I’m big on the small, practical changes that add up to a better place to live. I’m also hands-on in the community, volunteering time to support local projects, events and groups that bring people together. Outside the council, I’m a senior product leader with 20+ years’ experience building and scaling data platforms and AI/ML-enabled products. I’ve led cross-functional teams, delivered complex programmes, and helped organisations turn strategy into real-world outcomes through strong discovery, smart prioritisation and solid execution. That technical background helps me on the parish council, too.  I’m comfortable getting into the details, asking the right questions, and working through options around cost, risk, suppliers and delivery. My aim is to listen, be transparent, and help move things forward for Lenham.

Cllr. Diane Turner (North Ward

diane@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

I moved to Lenham in March 1991 with my family. My children attended local schools, and I was active in the PTA at Lenham Primary, also working there part-time as a lunchtime supervisor and briefly as a teaching assistant for special needs children. Since leaving school, I've earned several qualifications, including ECDL, an Accounting & Bookkeeping Diploma, Art & Design Certificates, and a City & Guilds in Learning Support. I still love learning new things, meeting new people, as well as doing art and crafts in my spare time. Over the years, I've worked various jobs to support my family and later volunteered at CROP, which led to a paid position until the charity closed after 10 years there. Encouraged by friends and family, I then became a Parish Councillor, fulfilling my desire to continue to help the community. Despite health challenges, I try to remain active and involved locally.

Cllr. Andy Ratcliffe (South Ward)

andy@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

My wife & I moved to the Parish from Rochester in 2003 settling in Sandway. We were joined by our daughter in 2006. Looking for another new challenge, in 2016, we relocated to a relic of a building on the Parish boundary which had last been occupied around 1966. Putting life into storage, we moved into a caravan with our young daughter and embarked on our own ‘grand design’esq’ project. Once completed I decided that it was time to get involved with the Council – with the intention of bringing my professional construction background to benefit discussion and decision making. Since becoming involved I have led on matters to do with the WC refurbishment, starting up a   local interest group to undertake bi-annually maintenance of The Lenham Cross, planning for the new Nursery, and the Freedom of the Parish event for REME.

Cllr. Chris Wood (North Ward)

chris@lenhamparishcouncil.org.uk

My career began in Local Government Management Services, in a DOGE efficiency role, long before Elon Musk was out of nappies.

I gained experience of council operations from bin collections & budgets to parks & planning. I went on to set up a consultancy business advising major corporates including AIG, Marsh, Citi, Allianz & many others on multi-million-pound projects. In 2013 I launched a local business in Harrietsham until lockdown challenges forced closure. Currently an efficiency consultant for managed estates & council services, delivering results with my own workflow software AI tools. Long-term Lenham Social Club supporter & have served on the committee several times. This year I'm starting Lenham Repair Café with local volunteers helping KCC to cut waste drawing on my plastics and lithium battery recycling knowledge. I look forward to working with Lenham residents & fellow councillors to support Lenham’s future & ensure every voice is heard.