Stephen Joyce - Deputy Mayor 2011/12 - MILTON ON STOUR WARD

Peacemarsh Farm

Peacemarsh

Gillingham SP8 4HB

01747 822411

Cllr Stephen Joyce is the Gillingham Deputy Mayor for 2011/12.

Hi everyone,

I am one of the three members representing the Town Ward of Gillingham. I have lived in Gillingham all my life. I work full time and started my working life in dairy farming. As the industry changed I diversified into landscape gardening and operate my business locally.

I would like to thank all those of you who voted for me on the 13th December 2007, allowing me to carry on the tradition of my late father (a former Mayor of the Town) and my Grandfather who also served on the former Parish Council.

I have always been interested in joining the Town Council but the pressures of business and work never seemed to give me eough time to dedicate to this purpose. Last year, however, I decided to "make time" and here I am. I was surprised at how much hard work and effort is needed to run the Town Council.

We are in the capable hands of a very hard working and dedicated staff who giude us through a maze of regulations, regular meetings and working parties, many of which take place outside the normal working day.

Gillingham has changed a great deal in my lifetime, it was so sad to see the old local traditional focal points of the Town, such as the beautiful Town Mill being demolished. I remember as a pupil at Gillingham School helping with the annual fetes. Such wonderful memories!

I hope from now on we can breathe new life into the town. The first step is the refurbishment of the Leisure / Community Facility which I trust everyone will support wholeheartedly.