Rugby fan ready to tackle the role of Sevenoaks District Council Chairman

Cllr John Edwards-Winser, Sevenoaks District Council’s new rugby-mad Chairman, can’t wait to kick off his year in office.

John is on the ball and ready to tackle the role of Sevenoaks District Council Chairman.

He was elected as the Sevenoaks District Council Chairman on 21 May 2019 at the Annual Council meeting. Cllr Diana Esler was elected to the post of Vice Chairman at the same meeting.

John, a life-long Otford resident, was born and raised in the village. After attending Otford Primary School, he secured a place at the Judd School in Tonbridge where fell in love with rugby. After representing Judd, he went on to play rugby at a high level for the Old Juddians and then the Civil Service.

John said: “I’ve enjoyed rugby since a young age and while I haven’t played for many years, I still enjoy watching the game. I still follow Tonbridge Juddians’ scores and I try to catch as many games on TV as I can. I’m really keen to promote rugby and the benefits of sport in general during my year as Chairman. Hopefully I’ll convert a few people into taking up my favourite sport.”

Outside of rugby, John is a keen beekeeper and is known for his locally produced honey.

After leaving school, John worked in a nearby government research establishment until his retirement in 2004 after which he travelled much of the world.

John was elected to Otford Parish Council in 2007 and four year later, he was elected to Sevenoaks District Council representing Otford and Shoreham and has been a District Councillor ever since.

John married Frances in 1968 and together they had three children and now have four grandchildren.

Previous chairman Pat Bosley hands over the chains of office to John Edwards-Winser.

He is also passionate about preserving local history. John is a Trustee of Otford Palace and played a key role in the transfer of the historic remains from the Council to the Archbishop’s Palace Conservation Trust.

Throughout his year as Chairman, John will be supporting the Kent-based charity Demelza. John said: “I have a family connection with this charity and I’ve seen first-hand how they make such a difference to the lives of desperately ill children and their families. During my year as Chairman, I hope to raise money and the profile of this important organisation.”

John welcomes invitations to attend community events. To invite John, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/chairman, e-mail chairman@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227247.

Follow John on Twitter at @sdc_chairman.