Councillor Mrs Reyna Knight   Central Ward            Conservative

Councillor Mrs Reyna Knight (also NSC District Councillor)

Central Ward              Conservative  

 Born in Bethnal Green, London in the days when you could leave your doors open at any time,  my business background started in catering as an Apprentice Chef for Trust House Forte. When I married I went back to college for secretarial skills and after a variety of posts ended up as PA to a Director of General Motors.

On moving this part of the world I decided to get `educated` and took a Diploma in Personnel Administration at what is now called the East of England University specialising in Personnel and Industrial Relations.  I worked for F W Woolworths covering thirty-odd of their stores and from there went to the Industrial Training Board (Retail).  When the Government disbanded these Boards I set up on my own specialising in retail – I even at one time had three shops called “Sugar and Ice”. 

I founded the first YTS programme in Portishead and our house was originally bought to run this programme – plus live in.  This business developed into Bristol.

A lot of my activities locally started with the Cabstand lights when we formed the Residents Action Group of which I am Chairman.  I am also proud to be a Committee member of Portishead in Bloom, Secretary of the Bristol Branch of the Federation of Small Business and Chairman of the Local Action Team.

As a hobby I breed dogs, Bergamascos, which are a rare breed of Italian Sheepdog of which there are only 50 in this country.  I am also a Championship Show Dog Judge specialising in Briards and Finnish Lapphunds.

Councillor Michael Parker  Central Ward  Independent

Born in Durham in 1963, my first school was in Nigeria’s then second city Ibadan; full-time education continued in Northumberland concluding with a Degree in Mathematics from the University of Hull.  Continued study throughout twenty years in software development has resulted in a Masters in Information Technology Management ad a PGCE to teach Secondary Mathematics.  A career developing software for Local Government, the NHS, Sky Television, Kvaerner Engineering, Hiscox Insurance and Quality in the Dairy Industry has taken me to London, Newcastle and West Cork.

However in 2002 my wife, Geraldine, and I decided rather than allow our careers dictate where we lived, we would choose where we wanted to live and then find work.  We chose to settle in the West Country and when one of Geraldine’s work colleagues said they’re building some nice houses in Portishead we came to look and knew we had found the place we wanted to settle for good.

Recently elected to represent Central Ward, wherever we have lived I have taken a keen interest in local issues, which is why I sought election to the Town Council.  I care passionately about what happens to Portishead and will work hard to ensure the ongoing changes our town is experiencing are for the benefit of all residents of Portishead.  I particularly want to see the rail link to Bristol reopened.  I serve on the Planning and Communication Committees.  In my spare time I like to sail, play golf and follow Newcastle United F.C.

Councillor Andy Wright  Central Ward  Lib Dem

 Born in 1962 in London, Andy spent the first 14 years of his life travelling the word as his father was in the RAF.  Various postings saw Andy in Germany, France, Kenya and locations through the UK on average moving every eighteen months.  The family moved to Bristol once Andy’s father completed 22 years service.

 Andy left Grange School for Boys in Warmley at sixteen with various apprenticeship options.  He chose to join Avon County Council serving a four year apprenticeship in book binding.  After seven years he moved into commercial printing, working for various companies whilst pursuing a career in middle and long distance running.  In 1989 he moved to Weston-super-Mare and worked for a local printing company.

 In 1998 Andy made a career change and joined Safeway.  He moved to Waitrose in March 2003 and now works in Portishead.

 Andy first became involved in local politics in 2001 when he was elected to the largest town council in the country – Weston-super-Mare.  In 2003 he was elected to North Somerset Council standing for South Worle.

 A people person, Andy believes that the views of the individual matter, as do quality and value for money services for the local community.

 Amongst his outside interests are athletics, football, cricket and he is actively involved in the local bowls club.

 Married with children, Andy now lives in Portishead.