Councillors’ Profiles

Chairman

Chairman

Martin Cooper  – I am an Essex boy born, bred and proud of it supporting that struggling team West Ham United. I have lived mainly in mid Essex until coming to Wickham St Pauls from Writtle in 2001. I retired from IBM / AT&T in 2009 and became a Councillor some 4 years ago. It is a special relaxing village and still feel that we are on holiday here.

Vice-Chairman

Catherine Groom – This is my 24th year of living in Wickham St Pauls. Prior to becoming blind and developing other disabilities, I worked as a nurse for 13 years and I worked in the post office. Latterly I worked with my partner in his building company. I have varied experience of working with community based projects. I joined the Parish Council in 2022 and in 2024 joined the Wickham St Paul Consolidated Trust as a trustee.

Councillors

Janice Barlow – I have lived in Wickham St Pauls for ten years, I used to work at Marconi in Chelmsford for 18 years, then a few other place’s. I am now retired. 

Paul Shipperley – Born and bred in Sible Hedingham, I have now lived in Wickham for 23 years, joining my parents whom were long term residents of the village. By trade I am a carpenter and joiner. For the last 25 years I have run my own building company specializing in traditional oak framed buildings. I have now been retired for 3 years, since becoming a full time carer for my disabled partner. I am a recent addition to the Parish Council having joined last year.

Paul Snazell – I’ve lived in Wickham St Paul for some 28 years, and continue to be enchanted by the surrounding countryside, and the pleasant lifestyle living in this special village enables residents to enjoy. Previously a member of the Parish Council and Chairman for several years. Back in time, I was a board member of Blackwater Housing Association for some 8 years.

Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Diane Jacob – I have been the Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for Wickham St Pauls Parish Council since January 2018. I and my partner have one child and have lived in Greenstead Green for the past 19 years. To contact Parish Councillor’s or to express your views or concerns, if you have anything you would like to report to the Parish Council then please contact me on 07907631172. I passed CiLCA (Certificate in Local Administration) in January 2014 so I am a fully qualified Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, with continued training and development.