Meet The Council

Bruton Town Council consists of 13 elected councillors, chosen every four years. The next elections are due in May 2027, because of the change to unitary authority altering the dates.

You can find a list of which councillors sit on which committees at https://brutontowncouncil.gov.uk/what-we-do/council-comittees/

The current councillors (in alphabetical order) are:

Stuart Anderton

I’ve lived in Somerset for over 40 years and Bruton for the last 15. I run my own IT/ecommerce consultancy on a part-time basis. Most of my spare time is spent going to live music with my wife, Eve, and finding excuses to visit Scotland.

I’m particularly keen to encourage participation in decision making by residents, and to ensure that we have a long-term plan for the future of Bruton which we can all get behind.

stuart.anderton@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Katie Anderton

 To Come

katie.anderton@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Grahame Baker

Originally from Gillingham in Kent I spent fifteen years working as a civilian in Chatham Naval Dockyard primarily on submarines as a navigation and targeting engineer. Then moving onto explosives testing and approval in Essex. I moved to Bruton Somerset in 1985 to work at what was Plessey in Templecombe on Sonar systems including Trident submarines meaning many weeks at sea. From there I joined a high level secure communications company and became their lead Designer, Accreditor and installation manager for secure data and communication systems throughout the UK. I have been involved in setting up and managing the local football club for the benefit of children and adults within the Town and surrounding areas increasing participation since 1999. During my time in Bruton I have helped raise funds for charities and recently increased the number of defibrillators for the Town. Now retired and still living locally, I understand the people and the Town. I can also put in more effort to help the Town and its residents to improve the area and its environment.

grahame.baker@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Russell Bateman

 To Come

russell.bateman@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

James Buckland – Chair

I have lived in Bruton all my life and in this time have witnessed many changes to our little town. Our community is constantly growing and peopleʼs needs along with it. I currently work as a landscape gardener and have always been in manual work including 9 and a half years at Bruton school for girls working within the maintenance team. In my line of work I am constantly meeting people and really enjoy interacting with them as people have such great tales to tell.

I decided to stand for the town council as I feel there is still so much good to be done. I hope to bring new fresh ideas to the town and with support of my fellow councillors will further benefit people from all ages and backgrounds as well as be a great representative for our local community. Iʼm interested to learn all I can to grow as a councillor and thank the people of Bruton for giving me such a great opportunity and will do the best of my ability for you all.

james.buckland@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Emma Coulter

I have lived in many places before settling in Bruton which I find a wonderful place to live. I enjoy walking around Bruton and the surrounding areas spotting wildlife and talking with people.

I work in IT, and outside work I enjoy reading, listening to music and various crafts such as knitting and sewing. I am also involved in several environmental groups and hope to continue the good work the council is doing with it’s Green projects.

emma.coulter@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Jocelyn Crawford

I came to Bruton in the year 2000 from across the border in Dorset. My son attended King’s and the journey to and from the school took about three hours out of his day.  Rather than paying for him to board, I bought a house in Bruton.  So here I am, via Buckinghamshire, Hong Kong and London.  I live with my cat and a tortoise. I like to know what is going on and, if possible, do something about it so I joined the Town Council.  At the moment my particular concern is the Durslade allotments,

jocelyn.crawford@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Karen Dunn

I moved to Bruton as a teenager attending King Arthurs’s School followed by Sexey’s.  On leaving school I became a Post Lady in Castle Cary for 2 years.  I left Bruton when I was 19 to join the RAF Police.  After 9 years service I joined the Metropolitan Police serving London.  In 2021 I retired and moved back to Bruton to be closer to my family and enjoy retirement.  I enjoy Bell Ringing, I drive the CAT bus and I am a volunteer at Stourhead doing walks and talks.  My career experience has been serving the public which I enjoyed immensely and I am looking forward to continuing this service as a Bruton Councillor.

karen.dunn@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

James Hood – Vice Chair

I am originally from Scotland but have lived in England for most of my life. I have visited Bruton regularly since about 1970 and lived here for four years in the 80’s. I and my wife Christine eventually moved here permanently in 2011.

I retired from full time work in May 2015, having worked as a senior manager in the health services and in local authorities (most recently for Somerset County Council). I joined the Town Council in late 2015. Being retired means I have been able to put a lot of work in. In 2016 and 2017 I led the development of Bruton’s Town Plan. I am also a director of Good Company Bruton CIC,

When not busy doing Council work I walk the dog, tend our Durslade allotment, sing with Bruton Choral Society and cook.

james.hood@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Carol Fradley

I joined Bruton town council because I love Bruton. Having spent most of my life here I have a good perspective on the town. I have seen the many positive changes that make Bruton such a vibrant place and I look forward to being involved in the continuation of this approach while being mindful of the qualities that make Bruton such a special place to live.

Whilst working for the Civil Service and then teaching for more than 20 years at Upton Noble Primary school I have experience of working with and for the community. I and my children were educated at Bruton schools and I have had links with all the schools through my teaching career, my children and various clubs I have been associated with such as coordinator of Bruton Boredom Busters ( a children’s summer play scheme ) and as an active member of Bruton Players.

My other interests include daily walks with my husband roaming around our local footpaths and enjoying our spectacular views and wildlife. I enjoy crafts such as dress making and knitting, I’m a keen gardener and love cooking fresh produce straight from the garden. I enjoy looking after my two granddaughters one day a week.

I have had some wonderful support from Bruton people on joining the council and hope I can live up to their expectations.

carol.fradley@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Ewan Jones

I was lucky to grow up in South Somerset, in West Camel, attending Queen Camel Primary School, Ansford Comprehensive (as it was then), then Yeovil College. Like many of our young people, I had to leave the area for university and then work. I returned in 2006 to Shepton Montague, just outside Bruton.

Professionally, I advise businesses and NGOs on sustainability strategy and policy. I am also active in ‘Green’ issues regionally and nationally, especially those related to energy, economy and our South West countryside. Bruton is a vibrant town today, with some unique history. I look forward to working with the Council and community to help the town continue to thrive.

ewan.jones@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

David Taylor

 To Come

david.taylor@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Richard Wright

Richard.wright@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Council Staff

Deputy Clerk, Patrick Pender-Cudlip

The Community Office, Dovecote Building, 26 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AA

01749 813014

deputyclerk@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk

Assistant Clerk, Sam Mainstone

The Community Office, Dovecote Building, 26 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AA

01749 813014

clerk@brutontowncouncil.gov.uk