The Mayor of Swindon Cllr Steve Wakefield

Background

Steve was born in Warrington and was educated at Penketh High School; on leaving school he came to live in Wiltshire, where he served his time as an indentured apprentice in boiler construction. he became a quality controller, in heavy structural engineering working abroad constructing large refineries and other structures for oil exploration. He has served in the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police as a Police Officer and has a Post Graduate Diploma from Thames Valley University. He is a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and has been a Chartered Fellow since 2004. He has worked in the public sector since 1988 and has held posts such as Principal Housing Manager, Group Manager, Head of Service of Director.

He has a strong interest in history, politics and religion, he is an avid reader and has recently taken up photography as well as dabbling at writing. He enjoys blogging and cooking. Spends much of his free time when he has some in Dorset.

Mayor's Charities

Swindon Youth Empowerment Project (SYEP) or as it is better known as the Tranquillity Zone.

Inspired by insights from the Bahá’í Faith about learning what it means to be a good human being and how this motivates children to learn, improve behaviour and be of service in society. We have discovered that young people are not "disaffected", but are "dispirited", so SYEP helps develop a healthy human spirit by inspiring youngsters with a vision of their potential as "a mine rich in gems of inestimable value."

Over 800 children and young people from 10 local schools have benefited from SYEP. An external evaluator (Phd) stated: "It has had rapid and lasting results with needy and disengaged children aged nine to thirteen. The processes involved should therefore be taken very seriously by government, schools and youth services as a powerful intervention that has shown it is able to turn youngsters from actual and potential delinquency to becoming committed to contributing to society as good citizens."

The Swindon Youth Brass Bands

“The Swindon School of Brass Youth Band” started about 12 years ago and has been hugely successful. 2 years ago the “Great Western Youth Band” was formed with many of the members. Both bands are active in Swindon and are pleased to be part of the mayor's charity.

Swindon Coalition of Disabled People.

It is a mine of information offering support and advice on practical matters through an extensive network of members.

The Swindon Coalition of Disabled People is a well-established and active organisation campaigning for the rights of disabled people in the Swindon area. The coalition's view is that "disabled people are people first and disabled second". It works tirelessly to remove barriers and empower disabled people by safeguarding their rights to choice and independence. It has formed partnerships with public, voluntary and commercial organisations and participated in high-profile initiatives, which have greatly improved the quality of life for many citizens of Swindon.

Addressed as

'Mr. Mayor'

The Mayoress Deborah Wakefield

Background

Deborah was born in Wiltshire and has family living in Devizes. She has worked in the caring profession and has also been an active foster carer of adolescents. She spends all her free time with her granddaughter and is interested in gardening and recycling!

Addressed as

‘Mayoress’