Skip to content

New champions to promote causes across Vale

Water and culture and heritage will be championed by two new Vale of White Horse District Council appointments.

Councillor Andy Cooke will be covering water – which not only involves highlighting how vital water is to us and promoting ways in which to reduce our water usage, but helping the Vale hold Thames Water to account on their Water Management Plan proposals. 

He said, “Whilst we’re very aware of need for a National Water Grid, we also all need to play our part.Installing water meters, using rainwater butts for our gardens, reducing water use where possible, avoiding waste, and reporting leaks promptly all help use less water which also reduces the greenhouse gases released from collecting, treating, and supplying clean water.”

Meanwhile Councillor Oliver Forder has been appointed Culture and Heritage Champion.

He will promote the fantastic cultural and historic offerings on our doorstep in the Vale such as the Faringdon Folly and Vale and Downland Museum.

Cllr Forder added: “From the fantastic programme of events at the many cultural venues across the council area to our historic market towns, there is plenty to enjoy across the district.

“I’m looking forward to highlighting the wide variety of culture available while celebrating our rich heritage locally.”

Councillor Eric De La Harpe has had his champion remit expanded from Active Travel to Fitness, Activity and Wellbeing.

The council has also removed the Small Business Champion and Science Vale Champion.

The full list of champions is:

  • Councillor Paul Barrow as the Food and Farming Champion
    Councillor Val Shaw as the Deputy Food and Farming Champion
  • Councillor Mark Coleman as the Military and Veterans Champion
  • Councillor Andy Cooke as the Deputy Military and Veterans Champion
  • Councillor Katherine Foxhall as the Nature Recovery Champion
  • Councillor Max Thompson as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
  • Councillor Jill Rayner as the Deputy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
  • Councillor James Cox as the Cost of Living Champion
  • Councillor Eric de la Harpe as the Fitness, Activity and Wellbeing Champion
  • Councillor Oliver Forder as the Culture and Heritage Champion
  • Councillor Andy Cooke as the Water Champion