The Local Councils Podcast

A Lifetime of Service

This episode features Councillor George McCaffrey, the chair of the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) and a member of the Corsham Town Council. George’s journey to local leadership is rooted in a lifetime of service, beginning when he joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15. Over a 32-year naval career, he served as a Sea Harrier engineer, maintaining "jump jets" through major global events, including the Falklands War and operations in the Gulf. After moving to Corsham 34 years ago for a posting at Yeovilton, George transitioned into community life, eventually joining the town council after volunteering during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Beyond his council duties, George is deeply involved in two other passions: he has spent 50 years as a football referee—now serving as the vice chairman of the Western League—and is currently training his 28th guide dog puppy. In this interview, George discusses how his military background taught him the importance of listening, how training puppies changed his view on inclusivity and accessibility, and how he applies the role of an "arbiter" to help navigate the challenges facing local parishes today. Please join us for a fascinating conversation with a man whose life has spanned from the decks of aircraft carriers to the heart of Wiltshire’s local government.

830 Miles and 20 Years: Lance Allen’s Journey Through Local Government

This interview features Lance Allen, former Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Trowbridge Town Council, as he reflects on a career spanning nearly two decades in the sector. Having transitioned from a 20-year career in logistics project management, Allen details his journey from serving as a parish councillor to leading one of the largest town councils in Wiltshire. Lance expresses a deep passion for the local council sector, arguing it is the most effective tier of government for making a tangible difference in communities. He also discusses his role as President of the Society of Local Council Clerks. Looking ahead to his retirement, Lance speaks about becoming a grandfather and his passion for long-distance cycling, as he recounts completing an 830-mile journey to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

Speaking Truth to Power

In this episode of the Local Councils Podcast, Local Councils Advisor, Ian Nockolds, speaks to Perry Holmes, the Director of Legal and Governance and the Monitoring Officer for Wiltshire Council. Perry is part of the Corporate Leadership Team and is also Chair of the Local Resilience Forum for Swindon & Wiltshire. In a wide ranging interview, Perry discusses his role at Wiltshire Council, reflecting on how a positive and more professional culture within local councils, leads to better governance and decision making. Perry describes the evolution of his career, from a criminal solicitor to his current role. Perry also discusses his love of running and Nottingham Forest, as well as the time he’s spent as a school governor, reflecting on the governance structure that exists in schools and how it compares to the Town and Parish Council sector.

De-escalation and Communication

On this episode of the Local Councils Podcast we hear from Alison Robinson is the Director of Council Services at Calne Town Council. Ali discusses her transition from a County Officer role at the Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils to Calne and her efforts to streamline internal structures and prioritise long-term budget planning. Ali considers the challenges of micro-devolution, as well as the importance of community engagement, as well as her personal commitment to continuous professional development. Ali is also preparing for a 130-mile coastal run in August to raise awareness for the Sunflowers Charity, which supports families affected by suicide.

Transformational Inclusion

On this episode of the Local Councils Podcast we hear from Dr Tanvir Bush. Dr Bush is a visually impaired novelist and researcher and in this interview she shares her journey from being a documentary filmmaker in Zambia to a creative writer in the UK. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa as a young woman, she adapted to her condition by focusing on creative writing, earning an MA and PhD. She moved to Corsham in 2012 and became a local councilor in 2020, highlighting the challenges of navigating public life with a visual impairment. Dr Bush discusses her work on Transformational Inclusion which aims to bridge the gaps between disabled communities, local government, and higher education, emphasizing mutual support and inclusive design.