Cllr. Jack Price
Co-opted member for Weycroft Ward

Email:

cllr.jprice@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I am incredibly proud to be serving as Chair of Axminster Town Council and Mayor of Axminster for 2026–2027. 

Born and raised in Axminster, and having worked in the town for the past 10 years, I have always believed that Axminster is the true home of community spirit. Having lived here all my life, it means a great deal to represent the place I have always proudly called home.

I joined Axminster Town Council in 2024, and it has been a real privilege to serve our community. As Axminster’s youngest ever Mayor, I feel deeply honoured to take on this role, and I hope it sends a positive message that, regardless of age or background, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.

I am committed to working closely with fellow councillors, council staff, local organisations, businesses, and residents to deliver the very best for Axminster. I strongly believe that local democracy works best when the community actively engages with it, and I would encourage residents to take an active interest in shaping the future of our town. 

It is a tremendous privilege to represent Axminster a town defined by its pride, resilience, and remarkable community spirit - and I look forward to serving our community over the year ahead. 

Cllr. Mark Dowdeswell
Co-opted member for Weycroft Ward

Email:

cllr.mdowdeswell@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I moved to Axminster in 2009. I own a successful retail business in Axminster which I run with my family.

My background is pretty varied, having served in the Army and as a Special Constable in Herefordshire after leaving the Army. I have degrees in law, forensic science and business studies (specializing in marketing) and previously worked as a solicitor in Bristol, the Isle of Wight and along the south coast.

My goal is to bring a diverse set of valuable skills to the role of Councillor in service to our town and its community.

Email:

cllr.rdunsbury@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

My name is Richard Dunsbury.

I am Axminster born and bred.

I am married to Emma, who runs Furry Friends Care, Axminster, a small pet-sitting business. My daughter Holly attends the Axe Valley Academy. We also have a German Shepherd named Zeus.

My reason for wanting to become a local Councillor was to be able to give something back to the town where I have lived all my life.

The community spirit of the town has inspired me to do all I possibly can for Axminster.

Email: cllr.jfarrow@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I moved to Axminster from London in 2018 with my partner Mary Darlow. We didn’t know a soul, but quickly found our feet in the “Home of Community Spirit”. Mary is half of the voluntary team running Nourish, a charity which provides food for vulnerable people in the area.

I joined the Town Council in 2019 and had the honour of serving as Town Mayor from 2021 to 2026. I’m also a member of the Parochial Church Council, honorary president of the British Legion Women’s Section and For the Love of a Railway, and a trustee of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, and sing with the Axe Valley Community Choir.

Email:

cllr.ahayward@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

 

 I have lived in this area all my life – a local farmer’s daughter who visited the cattle market every Thursday in my younger days. My working life was spent in Accountancy firms and as Finance Officer for Lyme Regis Town Council, and more recently, taking a position at Axminster Property Ltd.

I am a Trustee of Axminster Care Service and a member of the Axminster Chamber of Commerce committee – all of my work and volunteer positions have given me a good understanding of this Town.

I was very pleased to have been co-opted to be a part of helping to shape Axminster further, and I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors at Axminster Town Council.

 

Email:

cllr.whurren@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

I have been living in Axminster since 1993. I moved here from London with my family. I was of school age, and being deaf, I commuted daily to a school in Exeter. In adulthood commuting has continued and I have spent the last 20 years working for the Ministry of Justice, and for the Home Office, spending 4 years with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. 

While working I studied and have a degree in politics, philosophy and economics and post graduate diplomas in Public Sector Studies and Government. In my free time I love reading and films, so you will probably find me with a nose in a book or watching a film somewhere!

This is the first time I have volunteered to be on a council, and I look forward to working with the people I live with, as Axminster really is the home of community spirit.

Email:

cllr.sleat@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is Sara Leat and I have lived and worked in Axminster for over 15 years. I have two children, both still at school so youth matters are very important to me and it is looking at the future for my children that made me stand for Council.

My hobbies include amateur dramatics and I am the secretary of the Axminster Drama Club.

I have lots of experience in the financial sector having worked in finance and banking for over 20 years and knowledge and experience has been proved beneficial to the various committees I belong to

Email:
(to be arranged)

I have spent most of my life in Axminster and have worked mainly in agriculture and care, with a period serving with St John Ambulance. Although I am now retired, I remain passionate about supporting the farming community however I can. I enjoy growing things at home and on my allotment plot and am an active member of the allotment association.

I volunteer with a range of local community and charitable organisations, including Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, which has supported me personally and is very dear to my heart. I believe in being there for people when they need help, and I am always happy to listen over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

I joined the council because I want to help make Axminster an even better place to live, where everyone feels safe, supported and able to contribute to community life in their own way.

Email:

cllr.rosborn@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

I arrived in Axminster in May 2018 from Birmingham in the West Midlands, having started life in a rural part of Staffordshire. 

I served as governor of an infant school in Longbridge, Birmingham, and chaired the school's finance committee.

My career has predominantly been in the retail, car and motorcycle industries, although I also owned and ran my own cycle store for 10 years.

I am still a very keen e-bike user, motorcyclist, and motorist with a particular interest in classic cars.

I currently operate a school minibus for a company called 24-7, which is contracted by Devon County Council during term time. I am also the treasurer of the Axminster Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association.  

 

Email:

cllr.epaice@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is Elizabeth. I have lived in Axminster for three years. I have two teenage daughters.

When the opportunity arose to join the council came up, I wanted to offer the voice of a young mum with teenagers to the Council's decisions and discussions.

I would like Axminster to change and grow for the better

Email:

TBA

My name is Shannon Vickery, and I was born and raised in Axminster. I am proud to be actively involved in the community as a committee member of Axminster Carnival & Events CIC.

As a mother of three wonderful children, I am passionate about supporting young people and families within our town. This commitment inspired me to become a Town Councillor, giving me the opportunity to contribute positively to the community and help ensure Axminster remains a great place for future generations.

I am honoured to have been elected as an Axminster Town Councillor and look forward to working alongside fellow councillors, local organisations, and residents to support the town and help shape a positive future for Axminster.

Email:

TBA

I grew up in Axminster, and I am raising my family here. I was a local taxi driver for several years and have come to know my community well. I am the Chair of the newly formed Carnival Committee, and I joined the Town Council to be a voice for our community and to support those who may need a little extra support.

I’m particularly passionate about our young people. We need to do more for them by creating more opportunities, activities and places where they can feel welcome, supported and involved.

I am confident we can create a community where young people are celebrated for their achievements and recognised for the positive contribution they make to Axminster.

I want to listen, get involved and do what I can to make a positive difference to our town and the people who live here.

Email:

cllr.jwalden@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

 

I moved with my family to Axminster in 1982, and we ran The New Commercial in Trinity Square until 2000. I then ran a food manufacturing business until I retired in 2022.

I was born in London but raised in Leicestershire. I went to The University of Surrey and then worked in hotels and managed three in Leamington, Stratford and Shaftesbury before moving here.

I have been a town Councillor for 26 years, twice having the honour of serving as your Town Mayor. I currently chair our operations committee, which oversees the amenities we offer residents and visitors alike, including the allotments, Jubilee Field, Chard Road Cemetery, and the Community Orchard and Wildflower Meadow.

I am the Chair of the trustees of Arc, our local mental health counselling charity and was also a Governor at Axe Valley Academy for many years before retiring in 2026.

 

Email:

 

Email:

cllr.dwilley@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk

My name is David Willey. I moved to Axminster with my partner, our two sons and our dogs, attracted by the strong sense of community and the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life in the countryside.

Outside of work and council duties, I enjoy spending time with my family, metal detecting, fishing, and exploring local and county history. I also have a keen interest in the unexplained and can often be found investigating Devon’s folklore and legendary tales.

I was elected to Axminster Town Council in 2023 and am passionate about representing the residents of Axminster and Weycroft. I am committed to supporting our community, protecting local services, and helping to ensure a strong and prosperous future for the town.

Professionally, I work within the NHS and have over 20 years of experience across facilities management, security, and operational leadership roles. I bring this experience to the council and look forward to continuing to work with local organisations, residents, businesses, and community groups to make Axminster an even better place to live, work and raise a family.