Long Wittenham Parish Council has recruited a new member – but has lost a councillor. The new recruit is Sally Duff who replaces Annie Eccles who has left the council after two years because of increasing family demands.
Sally, who lives in the High Street, is married to Mike Duff. She spent eight years as secretary at the village primary school and worked for a local authority before joining the school. She has since retired.
Sally was a co-founder of Wittenham Warriors and entered the first team from Long Wittenham into Dragon Boat racing on the Thames at Abingdon. She is also closely involved with the annual bonfire night and the new Apple Day which was held on 8th October.
She was part of the now defunct Wittenham Vision group which laid the foundations for the Neighbourhood Plan which the parish council is pursuing. She helps with the administration of the Wittenham Events messaging service.
Her other pastimes include pilates, upholstery, Nordic walking and badminton. Sally is also co-ordinator for the monthly cake and sandwich collection for the Gatehouse homeless centre in Oxford.
She said: “I love bringing people together to enjoy themselves and raise funds for worthwhile ventures, usually within the village. I am extremely lucky to live in such a friendly, enthusiastic community and look forward to helping it thrive through being part of the team on the parish council.”
Parish council chairman Steve Brown said: “We welcome Sally to the council. I am sure her drive and enthusiasm will be of great value to the community. We are sorry to say farewell to Annie Eccles and thank her for her contribution to the council.”
“We have gained a councillor and lost one so we are back to six councillors, one short of our maximum. We would welcome someone who wants to help shape the future of the village and in particular someone who lives in the Saxons Heath/Westfield Road area.”
