Was born in London but has lived in Hexham half his life. Worked for the Library Service, covering the west of Northumberland. When he first arrived in Hexham he found it difficult to find anyone who spoke the same language and feels that there is a need to make the town more welcoming to all visitors or people coming to live here. He is editor of Hexham Historian and a representative of Tyne Open Media. Is concerned about the number of empty commercial properties – we should be looking at ways of getting the owners to allow use by community groups.

Was a signalman on the West line railway – is interested in transport. As a member of the Hexham Community Partnership, he’s aware that the partnership has been involved in bringing many more people into Hexham, but would still like to see more. Would like to see the Market Place traffic-free and says there is a need to talk more to the traders on this subject.

Has lived in Hexham for 20 years but for much of that time has worked outside the town and the county, in the Education Service of a neighbouring council. He has a real fondness for Hexham but has felt at times that Hexham has been undervalued. Its full potential is not realised, neither in commercial terms nor in terms of its wonderful heritage. He would wish to see Hexham remain a vibrant town, serving its population, the surrounding communities and its many visitors well.

Is a Hexham town councillor and was asked to join the group in that capacity. Runs a marketing consultancy for two breweries in Denmark and Holland. Feels that if CTCF is to succeed we all must understand what we are trying to achieve and pass that on to the people of the community. Rad is the Mayor of Hexham.

Is from the west coast of Scotland and made a point of joining an evening class here, in garden design, as a way in to the community. Has worked for women’s voluntary organisations and now works for NNPA. Is also a Local Access Forum administrator and recruits volunteers to do garden designs for community projects, eg sensory garden and glade garden. Has a particular interest in the older generation and how to keep them interested in and a part of the community. In the same way, Marion is interested in young people, as the future.

Works for HMRC and is currently a town councillor. Feels that the CTCF should be setting out a vision of intent of what it should be doing for Hexham and Acomb, eg business, culture and other opportunities

Is a chartered accountant and has recently taken an interest in Hexham and Tynedale, but has no real experience of working in a group like CTCF. Is interested in many of the areas already covered. Feels that CTCF could be taking on some of the issues coming out of the car park study . Is concerned about the condition of the Sele, Eastgate parking and vehicles unloading in Fore Street outside of prescribed times. Feels that CTCF needs some ground rules as to how it should work – operational framework and procedural method of operation.

Background in history – heritage and culture. Interested in: the arts, especially music; Churches Together, ie anything we have in common rather than differences. Worked on a couple of community campaigns, eg schools reorganisation and as a result noticed that when people in the community feel strongly about issues, their growth rate is noticeable

Has a background in small rural business. Studied furniture design and now trains up young apprentices. Lives and works out of Market Street and consequently is interested in the problems of living in a town centre, eg architecture. Feels that Hexham should be far more family-pleasant and would like to see some of the old buildings which used to be family homes returned to that status. Also feels that new businesses need to be attracted to Hexham.

County Councillor and a Hexham town councillor. Is concerned that with the CC devolving duties to towns and parishes, they are left with problems they cannot deal with. Feels that perhaps there is a basis for a federated group of parishes around Hexham, with one professional clerk looking after a group of parishes.

Is a member of Hexham Community Partnership and Chair of Hexham Civic Society. Has an engineering background. Joined the Civic Society as he has an interest in the built environment and the wider interests of people who live in this community. Hopes that the Forum will go some way to restoring contact, like the Tynedale days. He has experience of engaging with local councils and developers.

County Councillor with a background in education and is also involved with Hexham Youth Initiative. Sees her role as a conduit direct to the CC and would like to see the Forum begin with small things and bring them to a successful conclusion. Thinks the CTCF ought to be a facilitator to look at issues which are important to the town, eg bringing business here, and would love to see more individual, independent shops.

Has strong farming links and links with the Methodist church. Feels that the Forum is a way of communicating with the community and drawing them in, giving the community a voice. Acomb has a strong community spirit but also has an interdependence on Hexham. Feels there is definitely a need to grow together and work together to be able to survive. Thinks that English National Heritage should try to promote other attractions, ie Hexham, which is not reaching its full potential. Need to try to make it a unique place and should be looking at new opportunities to draw people in.

Was a Tynedale district councillor for ten years. Describes herself as an aethiest socialist. Has worked as a careers advisor in the east end of Newcastle and for Newcastle College. Thinks that a good starting point is trying to increase community cohesion.