Clerk & Councillors

Paul and his wife Chrissie moved to the village from Tunbridge Wells in November 2014. They have three adult children and six grandchildren. Paul retired in October 2015 having worked for 44 years in the UK Water Industry working his way up from a trainee engineer to Company Director and Main Board Member of South East Water in 2003. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of a pension scheme based in London. He is a trustee of the Village Hall Trust and became Chairman in June 2025. Over the years Paul has been involved with Young Enterprise in Brighton, School Governor and Chair of Governors at Longhill School, Brighton, Member and also Chairman of Rottingdean Preservation Society – responsible for maintaining the Windmill at Rottingdean and other historic structures in the village. Paul joined the Parish Council in June 2016 and became Vice chair in 2018 and Chaiman in 2021. He stepped down as Chairman in May 2025 but remains an active Councillor for the village. He plans to ensure that the village remains a tranquil place to live whilst delivering the improvements that residents wish to see.

Phillip has been on the Parish Council since 2011 and was Chairman of the Rights of Way Committee until 2016. Phillip is a committed Christian and sits on the Parochial Church Council of East Dean and Friston. He and his wife Jill have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. One son lives in Cape Town and the other in Zurich so skiing and going on safari come quite naturally! Phillip’s career was in Professional Consulting in the Construction Industry and after years of travelling abroad he and the family left the UK in 1980 to set up a business in Oman. On his return, 10 years later, he continued his consulting career and ultimately became involved in buying and selling companies to deliver strategic growth. Phillip is semi-retired running his own Management Consultancy. He says “This Parish Council is exciting as it is pro-active, has a structured approach to its activities and a plan for the future to deliver benefits to the community” so watch this space.

I was co-opted to East Dean and Friston Parish Council in May 2024 as someone who has taken an interest in Parish affairs since arriving here at three days old in the winter of 1962.

Earlier I was a member of 1st East Dean and Friston Cubs and the Youth Club which met in the old School - building canoes was one of our projects. I joined H.M. Auxiliary Coastguard Birling Gap at 16 and served for ten years in the rocket and cliff rescue team following in my father’s footsteps.

I am a member of the South of England Hedge Laying Society, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the local Laughton and District Agricultural Society. I have a small agricultural interest locally but not in the Parish and have a background in aeronautical and electronic engineering.

I am currently serving as the Parish Tree Warden. I am interested in the local history of our villages and attend Jevington church as well as being keen to support our active Parish Council with a particular support for activities for connecting people, supporting our young people and for assisting business endeavours.

Although originally from London, Gill became familiar with the village and surrounding areas whilst working for an American film licensing company based in Eastbourne. There was a constant flow of overseas colleagues wishing to experience the historical charm of Sussex and the Seven Sisters. Therefore, the Tiger Pub, the odd cricket match and the village green of East Dean became regular pit-stops for corporate entertaining.

Maintaining the village identity is important to Gill after living in East Dean for over 13 years. Of particular interest is the attractive housing with beautiful gardens, shared communal pathways and protected green spaces for all residents and visitors to enjoy.

Gill originally trained as a product buyer with a major high street fashion brand, then switched to building her own business manufacturing goods made to order from across the Far East, South Asia and Europe, supplying factory-to-floor UK retailers such as Tesco, Next and Marks & Spencer. She then spent over 10 years as Vice President of a copyright licensing corporation, rolling out 17 new joint venture businesses across Europe.

Locally, Gill joined the East Dean First Responders prior to their being disbanded, loves walking, meeting local people and is involved in EDFJ Church. A recent addition to the Parish Council, Gill looks forward to listening to residents' views and to learning how best to implement benefits for all.