Who we are

Cllr Catherine Fileman-Wright

Chairman of the Council

I have lived in Moretonhampstead for 30 years. You might know me better as Catherine Back.

I joined Moretonhampstead Parish Council in November 2021. My professional background is in environment, flood risk management, climate change and sustainability. I am a Director of Operations for the Environment Agency (EA), where I have worked for over 30 years.

My interests include music, walking and cycling. I have been a parent governor at Moretonhampstead Primary School and organised community music events – Moreton Music Day for 6 years, and Mini Music Day, Dartmoor’s music festival for young people; and Turning of the Year with Greenhill Arts.

Contact me: cllrfileman-wright@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 440155

Cllr Mike Warner

Vice Chairman of the Council

I am a retired chartered surveyor, who having been born in Moreton returned to live here full time in 2004. Following retirement from an international firm of property advisers, I taught at the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment at Plymouth University.

My hobbies include looking after an old house, an old car and some old motorbikes!

Contact me: cllrwarner@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 441378

Cllr Richard Short

Chairman of Planning Committee

I am a retired town planner. I worked for local councils for most of my career, for the last fourteen years as Head of Planning and Building Control at Exeter City Council. 

My wife Anne and I moved to Moretonhampstead in 2003 and we ran a  bed and breakfast until 2016.

I am a keen chess player, football fan, a member of Dartmoor Ramblers and walk on Dartmoor most days.

Contact me: cllrshort@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 441353

Cllr Janette Evans

Chairman of Finance and Policy and Staffing Committees

I am 72 years old and I have lived in Moretonhampstead with my husband Roger since 1978. I was employed by London and Manchester Assurance Company for 25 years and Exeter University for 8 years. I have a good grasp of financial matters, studied for an AAT financial qualification successfully and care passionately about Moretonhampstead. I do believe that we should be considering Homes for young Moretonhampstead residents and trying to increase employment opportunities for families to grow and remain in Moretonhampstead. I believe Tourism plays a big part in our future combined with respect for the environment.

My interests are horses, travelling, baking and singing – although not all together.

Contact me: cllrevans@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Gordon Keep

Chairman of Open Spaces Committee

I was born in Moretonhampstead and attended the local Primary School. After leaving Secondary School I carried on the family tradition of cattle farming. I lived and farmed in South West France for 16 years, what an adventure!

I joined the Council in May 2019 because I want to see more local employment for Moretonians. I have an open minded to peoples points of view and ideas and am keen to learn from more experienced Councillors.

Contact me: cllrkeep@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Vivienne Hodges

I qualified as a Medical Practitioner 1968, and worked in Family Planning and Child Health. In 1984, I joined Moretonhampsted Health Centre as a GP partner, using my maiden name Dr. Vivienne Beddoe. After retirement, I became a Parish Councillor and School Governor. I live on a small-holding on the edge of Moretonhampstead, surrounded by cats, poultry and a large garden.

Contact me: cllrhodges@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 440481

Cllr Mike Jeffery

I joined the parish council in 1976 and was voted on to the rural aid committee of Teignbridge district council I built the town swimming pool alongside my father and Brian Walton. Also in 1978 I was voted on to the school governors.

I was voted on as district councillor in 1999, I served 37 years as a retained fireman. I was a on the planning committee of Dartmoor National Park for 20 years.

I married Brenda in 1966 and we have 2 daughters and six grandchildren. I am also a woodturner and model engineer and lead walking groups on to the moor.

Contact me: cllrjeffery@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 440755

Cllr John Farrand-Rogers

I moved to Moreton in 2007, when I retired from one of Mexico´s top universities. There I spent 20 years training people in how to teach students and how to organise research.   My own research projects involved appraisal of institutions and their improvement.  I also organised professional examinations in Territorial Planning.

This explains why I have two surnames, a system Mexico inherited from the Spaniards.   Everybody in Mexico does, and the Mexican Government  insisted that I should  too.

In the first part of  my professional career I taught in several grammar and comprehensive schools in different parts of this country.

Contact me: jfarrandr@icloud.com

01647 440182

Sam Parkin

I have lived in Moretonhampstead all my life and both my children were born here. I love our community which is why I decided to become Clerk! I started with the Council in 2019 having worked in the retail industry for 16 years. I look forward to getting involved with the community and helping residents.

Contact me: clerk20@moretonhampstead-pc.gov.uk

01647 440041