About me: Councillor John Garvican
I was first elected councillor for Alfriston, East Hoathly and Hellingly in 2001, having moved here in 1979.
The key problems in this division are matters of transport and communication. The public transport system is inadequate and we need to improve road safety. Not all sectors of the community have sufficient access to services.
But how did I get here?
As the politician and philosopher Edmund Burke (1727–79) said: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for a good man to do nothing.’
I flirted with the idea of a political career in the mid-1970s but only seriously became involved in 1998 when I was asked to put my name forward for Hailsham Town Council.
My community
I love the East Sussex countryside, and the warmth and generosity of the people. They have an innate sense of honour and fair play.
One of the most satisfying aspects of being a councillor is you are able to right the wrongs and not just chunter about them or resign yourself to living with them. One such occasion happened in 2002 when there was a ‘suggestion’ that Team Challenge, a Canadian church-based group, had been banned from taking their message of abstinence into East Sussex schools.
I succeeded in getting this clarified and established that no such ban existed and that it was up to the local head teacher to decide whether or not to invite them in.
My home life
I married in 1970. We have three children, a boy and two girls all of whom were educated locally.
Our son is now a registrar working in a hospital in Leeds, our eldest daughter is a veterinary surgeon specialising in horses and our younger daughter is about to start her PhD after gaining a first at Birmingham University.
I have a degree in biochemistry and a PhD in biophysics. I am the director of a company that supplies veterinary diagnostic test kits.
As far as being a councillor, I think you need:
- An understanding wife
- The ability to prioritise
- An understanding wife (I list it twice because it’s so important.)
My spare time
My spare time is divided between the church, travel, wine, good food, theatre and opera.
Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Alfriston, East Hoathly & Hellingly
