Emma
I moved around a great deal, including abroad, before settling in Henley with my husband in 2017. I’ve enjoyed putting down roots here and becoming part of such a welcoming, active community. Through my work as a GP I see first-hand the impacts of the affordable housing crisis on people. It is clear we need some development, just not that which will be detrimental to our lovely town. I sometimes join St. John’s Singers and you can often find me jogging the dog around the surrounding countryside. I love spending time in the outdoors and natural spaces. The loss of green belt land and habitats is a significant concern. I’ve previously worked with Henley’s Climate Action to deliver heat loss surveys for homes in Henley, helping residents identify ways to improve energy efficiency.
Geoff
I live with my wife Beatrice in Buckley Green having moved to Henley in 2010 on my first retirement. I have retired a few times since then but I am now definitely retired, or so I am told. I was a partner in EY for 30 years following which I was CEO of EY Pension Trustees for another 12 years. In recent years I have had the time to become more actively engaged in the wonderful community of Henley in Arden. I am a member of the Tennis Club, Chair of the Guild Hall Trust and a Trustee of the Henley Memorial Trust. Doing what I can to help preserve our town’s historical heritage while supporting improvement of facilities, such as the introduction of padel tennis at the sports ground is very important to me. I am not against all development, just development that threatens the heritage and historical character of Henley and would, most likely, add to the burden of daily life.’
Helen
I am a retired local resident who has been in and around Henley in Arden my whole life, although I only moved to live here 2 years ago. I chose to live here because I love the area and the beautiful town, its history, its warm community and its wonderful rural aspect. On discovering the changes that are proposed under SG23 I felt strongly that we should all do whatever possible to challenge a development of such scale and I was honoured to be asked to join the small group of fellow residents determined to make a difference
Jenny
I’m a fairly new Henley resident who believes that people who live and work in Henley should shape how it grows. My work life is focused on arts and cultural development in the West Midlands and beyond. Cultural development is often mixed up with housing or city centre regeneration, so I’ve been involved with planners and local plans, either to try to ensure existing cultural spaces are protected, or to find opportunities to secure new cultural spaces where they’re needed. I’m not an expert in planning, but I know how important good representation is in ensuring sustainable development that improves lives and livelihoods and – ever more urgent – is more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Nicola
I have lived in Henley for 16 years with my children. I love the rural and historical nature of our town. Henley is a special place where people come for miles to enjoy our open spaces and reconnect with nature. I welcome the opportunity to help Henley shape its future, meeting its needs whilst retaining its identity.
Nicole
I’m a resident of Meadow Road. I joined Henley in Arden community in 2025 from nearby Solihull and love how welcome the town has made me feel. I am a proud new member of Henley in Arden Drama Society (HADS) having recently performed in Silk. By trade I am a Quantity Surveyor. I joined Henley’s Future Counts because I want to ensure the heritage and environment of Henley is protected and that any development in the area is in the interest of the community.
Richard
I was born and brought up in Leeds but spent most of the last 25 years in the West Midlands moving to Henley just before lockdown. As a regular dogwalker I got to know the environment around Henley quite well. I think the Warwickshire countryside is very underrated. I had a varied career in housing and regeneration spanning different types of organizations and regions. I have been a member of a number of charitable and partnership boards as well as chairing a national organization. I have long supported greater opportunities and involvement for disadvantaged groups and individuals in both the workplace and the community. I was on the Parish Council for three years and was part of the team which prepared the Neighbourhood Plan which was approved in 2024. I was awarded an OBE in 2003 for services to housing in the West Midlands
We also work closely with the Wootton Wawen and Blackford Mill Action Groups to ensure a cohesive local response to the speculative developments. We would also like to thank all our volunteers and wider members of the team who provide their time and valuable expertise.
