In the run up to the General, Borough and Parish Council elections on May 7th we will be publishing brief interviews with each of the candidates that respond to our request (before the end of the month).
To read the interviews with other candidates click on the tags at the bottom of the article. For example, pieces on the other candidates for the Alderley Edge Parish Council election will all be tagged 'Alderley Edge Parish Council Election'. Candidates representing the same party or group will also be connected via the tags.
Rachael Grantham is an AlderleyEdgeFIRST candidate for Alderley Edge Parish Council.
Rachael is a fifth generation Grantham to be born and brought up in Alderley Edge. She was educated at the local primary school, followed by Wilmslow High School and then attended the University of Chester.
She told me "Other than my university years and one year teaching at a school in Zurich, I have always lived in the village. I am currently using the knowledge I was brought up with, working in the family business, where I wake up every day and do the job I love.
"I have a keen interest in food and wine, not just the selling of, but also the science behind it, which I studied during my first degree at university. I meet the general public every day, sharing my knowledge, but also learning from the many different people I meet. I have taken part in a couple of televised cookery competitions - because food and cookery are a genuine interest, not just a job.
"Winning one of these taught me an important lesson I try to live by and that is: if you want something enough, you don't stop until you achieve it. I enjoy tennis and charity work - and the teacher in me makes me an organiser, someone who attempts to get everyone involved and enthusiastic.
"At the age of 26, I may lack experience in years, but I make up for that in determination and enthusiasm."
Speaking about why she has decided to stand for election as a Parish Councillor, Rachael said "Every day I hear people who visit our family business discussing the positive and negative aspects of the village. This gives me an interesting insight into what they wish we had, and changes they would like to see within the village. I felt it was time, instead of agreeing or (on occasion) disagreeing with them, to try to represent as many views as possible and make them count.
"As one of the younger members of AlderleyEdgeFIRST, I would like to create a link with the younger communities within the village, and allow them to have their say, but also encourage them to ask questions and engage with their local community. Having attended Parish Council meetings in the past, as one of the youngest there, I felt very out of place and this would be something I would hope to change as a Parish Councillor."
She added "I can proudly say I have been a follower of alderleyedge.com since the very beginning and view the website a few times a week. The articles and various comments on local issues fascinate me. I am not one to get involved in online debates and this will not change; however, becoming Parish Councillor will allow me to air my views in what I hope to be a more constructive manner.
"To me, anyone who gets involved in the Parish Council, here or anywhere else, does it because they want to do their best for their village - and that is exactly why I have decided to stand for election as a Parish Councillor. Alderley Edge is a great place for us to live and work - and I see no reason why, as a group, AlderleyEdgeFIRST can't make it even better!"
I asked Rachael's opinion on what she considered the important issues facing Alderley Edge. Rachael said "It is no secret that parking in the village is a problem for both local businesses and residents, and something that is at the forefront of many people's minds when local issues are discussed. For me, it is essential that careful and accurate research is done to find the most appropriate solution; this needs to be carried out and solved as quickly as possible.
"I personally believe to do the best for the village, we have to hear what the people of Alderley Edge want. Therefore, as I mentioned in a previous question, I feel it is essential to make Parish Council meetings events that everyone, whoever they are, whatever age group, feel they are welcome to attend. By attending, they will be able to join the discussions and then see favourable results.
"I love Alderley Edge, it's a beautiful village and as Parish Councillor, I would hope to only improve on this by looking after our green spaces, the park, local allotments and roads. By forming a close link with Cheshire East Council, there is no reason why we cannot continue to improve and encourage investment within these areas.
"It is essential that we continue to build a special community within the village. To me, this means encouraging events, activities and new ventures within Alderley Edge and involving as many members of the public as possible in the decision-making, the planning and execution of such events."
Rachael added "We don't live in an ideal world, and we will never please all the people all of the time - but without the determination of a committed Parish Council, we will never achieve anything. I want to be part of a team of people that make a difference to the village, so we can look back and say that we made progress, our village continued to grow and evolve for the better."
When asked why should Alderley Edge residents should vote for her, Rachael replied "I believe I will bring a fresh youthful enthusiasm to the Parish Council. I am committed, well-organised, approachable and enjoy being part of a team. I am happy to talk to the residents of Alderley Edge and have no problem raising their issues and ideas to be discussed.
"I am determined, and as some say.... stubborn! But I believe without these attributes, nothing can be achieved. I believe AlderleyEdgeFIRST, with your support, will bring positive change to the village, putting PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS and creating a village we can all be very proud of!"
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
If you are able to muster a fraction of the enthusiasm you display in the day job in a future role as a a parish councillor the electorate will be very well served.