Cllr Tommy Hargrave joined Hawkwell Parish Council in January 2023 and has become a valuable asset to the existing team.
Here, Tommy answers some questions about being a Councillor for Hawkwell Parish Council.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do outside of the Parish Council?
I spend a lot of my time working at Potash Garden Centre. I love being in and around nature. I also like to go to the gym and am fascinated with British history.
I love living in Hawkwell; it has always been home. I feel completely safe here and we are blessed to have lots of countryside around us, Hockley Woods etc.
What inspired you to join the Parish Council, and what has the experience been like so far?
I just wanted to do something that could have a positive effect on our area. I’ve always had ideas, so it felt like it was the right thing to do, and it’s been brilliant.
What are some of the projects you’ve been involved with that you’re most proud of?
I’m really happy that we’ve managed to clear the weir of silt and Pennywort in Spencers Park; that was how I actually became a Member because I wanted to help restore it back to the nature oasis I once remember it being. So, for everything to come together and it happen was incredible. It’ll be exciting to continue to restoration.
Being part of the Christmas Parcels Initiative is also brilliant. I get to see some of the more elderly residents and bring some support and joy to them at Christmas.
I put forward an idea to have some planters at the Hawkwell Parade and that became a reality! It’s nice to bring some colour and nature to the area.
How do you balance being a Parish Councillor with your job and your personal life?
Being a councillor is voluntary. We have meetings twice a month on a Monday evening, for a couple of hours. The meetings are planned to fit into busy lives. When we have projects etc, the Members work as a team to get things done.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Parish Council?
Being able to get together with other passionate people who want to improve our area. Being able share the joy of seeing ideas come to life and the community benefit from it. How rewarding it is to see residents enjoy the projects.
What would you say to someone who’s considering joining the Parish Council but isn’t sure if it’s for them?
It’s not political at all. We’re literally a small group of Hawkwell residents trying to improve our Parish. It isn’t overly time-consuming, but it is fun and when we have ideas and projects it can be very creative. Even small contributions make a positive difference. I would encourage anyone to join.
How does the Parish Council make a difference in our community, and how can new members contribute?
Council has a huge involvement with our Parish. We are able to manage three key open spaces – Magnolia Park & Nature Reserve, Spencers Park and Glencroft Open Space, along with the playgrounds of Magnolia Park and Elizabeth Close.
As a team, we get together to try to improve and maintain our area. We are therefore always in need of new ideas and most of the time all ideas are considered.
What’s been one of the most fun or rewarding moments during your time as a Councillor?
Seeing people’s reactions to the projects we’ve carried out; the Magnolia Park Coronation planter was loved by lots of people. In the summertime, it is in full glory. To see the amount of pollinators and birds around it was incredible. The poppy garden on Hawkwell Common was also brilliant; having lots of different people from our community come together to help create it, but also seeing the community’s positive reactions.
What skills or qualities do you think are helpful for someone thinking about joining?
It helps to be community-minded, have enthusiasm, but simply wanting to help is what is needed. There are no special skills required – just a willingness to get involved!
Finally, what’s one thing you’d like people in the community to know about the Parish Council?
As a team, we are trying to make Hawkwell a better place. Council is an open, welcoming group that values everyone’s input. Everyone is welcome. We share our Parish with all different people, from all walks of life.
