My name is Jeremy (Jerry) Walden, and I am currently Axminster Town Mayor. I have lived in the town for 35 years, and have been a councillor for about 20 years. I am also Chairman of the Amenities and Pippins committees on the Town Council.
I was born in North London, but grew up in Leicestershire, where my parents were public house managers. I went to school in Loughborough and then on to the University of Surrey to study Hotel & Catering Administration. After university, I worked for Trusthouse Forte Hotels Ltd, eventually managing hotels in Royal Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Shaftesbury.
In 1982, my family and I came to Axminster and ran The New Commercial Inn for 17 years (where River Cottage Canteen now is). I now run my own small food manufacturing business in town, and live in Shand Park with my nuclear powered Jack Russell 'Frodo'. My daughter, Charlotte lives with her partner Marc in Ipswich.
I am also Chair of the Local Governance Committee at Axe Valley Academy, and am on the steering groups for the Neighbourhood Plan and the new Skate Park. Until recently I also volunteered at the Axminster Job Club.
Having spent more than half my life here, Axminster is definitely my 'home' and I love its people and the strong sense of community that runs through the entire town. My only aim in my council work is to make the town better for its current and future residents.
As you can see from the above, I live a fairly full life and have little spare time, but I do enjoy going out on a Saturday night, having a few drinks and chatting to people to listen to what they have to say.
If you want to get in touch with me, please do so. Contact details are on this website.