Sam Dawson

I have lived in Oxfordshire for around 30 years and have built a career in senior sales and marketing roles with leading blue-chip organisations, including Procter & Gamble, Mars Confectionery, BBC Worldwide and Hiscox.

Alongside my professional career, I have always been committed to supporting my local community. My voluntary experience includes many years with Young Enterprise, working with Gosford Hill School and The Marlborough School as an Enterprise Adviser, homing cats for Sunshine Cat Rescue, serving as a Parish Councillor for Hanborough, and setting up and running the Park View Residents Group in Woodstock.

I currently live in Park View, Woodstock, next to the large field where a proposal has been made to build around 500 new homes. This land falls within the parish of Shipton-on-Cherwell & Thrupp, and such a significant development would inevitably bring considerable change to the Parish, presenting both challenges and opportunities for existing and future residents. There is also the potential for significant further development on the quarry site in the future.

I believe my professional experience, previous Parish Council experience and strong track record of community involvement would enable me to make a positive and constructive contribution. I am particularly interested in ensuring that the voices of existing residents are heard while also helping the Parish prepare positively for the opportunities and challenges that future growth may bring.

Importantly, I am keen to look beyond development issues and take the time to understand the wider community — its people, priorities, character and unique challenges. I would like to listen, learn and work collaboratively with residents and fellow Councillors to help ensure that Shipton-on-Cherwell & Thrupp remains a strong, well-connected and welcoming community for everyone who lives here, both now and in the future.