About me: Councillor Meg Stroude

I was elected councillor for Chailey in 2001, having moved here in 1970. We have been Sussex farmers for 35 years.

Key issues in my division are public transport, road safety, especially outside schools, and improving facilities for young people. We are against the proposed waste disposal site at the old Hamsey brickworks.

But how did I get here?

I originally trained as a teacher and taught in Leicestershire before we moved to Sussex. I have always been actively involved in community work – I am the vice chair of South Of England Agricultural Society – and I was attracted to working in local government.

I was the National Chairman of Women’s Food and Farming Union for five years before I was invited to stand for the County Council and use my knowledge and experience to benefit the community and local agriculture.

I strongly supported the building of a new primary school in Wivelsfield and as head cabinet member for libraries, I have taken an active role in building the new Lewes library.

My community

I get great satisfaction from helping others in the community and having the general friendship, warmth and understanding of residents. It gives me great pleasure to use my skills and experience to help residents in my division.

I love the tranquillity of the beautiful landscape of Sussex, and I believe that protecting the landscape means we must retain the county’s rural and agricultural practices.

My home life

I am married to a farmer and we have three adult children.

Knowing your area and the people who live there is vital to being a good councillor, as is being prepared to commit lots of time and effort to your council work, including all the reading involved.

My spare time

I am very interested in education. I am lead cabinet member for children and young people and chair of the WFU’s School Milk Research Project.

I also enjoy travel, gardening and cooking.