A personal message from Councillor Andrew Hodges

In June 1976 I was elected the youngest councillor on Guildford Borough Council. I have been re-elected eight times since then. After 35 years, I shall not be seeking re-election as one of your two councillors in Christchurch Ward.

 I have had a rewarding time as your councillor – and yes, looking back I would do it again. But I have felt that the time is now right for me to move on and do other things. With that in mind last year I stood down as Leader of the Council, after seven years, and Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council after twelve, taking on the role of deputy on both cases.

Over the thirty five years, with the support of the council, I am proud to have achieved many things for the community, and to have been elected Mayor for 1987/88.

 Looking back I have picked out just one achievement from each decade;

 1976 Led the youth celebrations for HM The Queen’s Silver Jubilee

 1985 Introduced emergency communication system for old & vulnerable people

 1990 Saved the Angel Hotel from destruction

 2000 Achieved the introduction of the "Active" card for residents

Nikki Nelson-Smith will be working with Matt Furniss as part of the local conservative team in Christchurch. Together they will make an excellent team to represent the residents of the Christchurch Ward.

 2011 G Live – the new entertainment venue – on time and on budget

 In addition there have been numerous opportunities where I have helped individuals with issues large and small.

 I have enjoyed the team work with fellow ward councillors, first John Twining, then Roger Marjoribanks and currently Matt Furniss, elected in 2007 as youngest councillor. He is now widely respected for his work.