Cllr Andy Connell
My fellow councillors have entrusted me with the role of Chairman of Cumbria County Council; I hope that I will be worthy of the honour they have done me.
Bradford-born and Halifax-raised, I was a student, a postman and a bus conductor before becoming a teacher. I arrived in Appleby to teach History the year before Westmorland was absorbed into Cumbria and settled here with my Hungarian wife, who followed a legal career.
When our three children had fled the nest, in the past two decades I found time to get drawn into local government, eventually representing the town on three councils; in addition to the usual committee work, it has been my fortune and privilege to serve as Mayor of Appleby, Chair of Eden District Council and Vice-Chair of Cumbria County Council.
In other lives, I acted with local Players, sing in church and other choirs, and pre-Covid took a solo show to retirement homes. I've also written several published historical articles and one book, all with Cumbrian links and based on archive research.
2022-23 will be the final year for Cumbria County Council as a local authority; my aspiration as Chairman is to ensure that the Council steps into history with dignity and pride in its achievements. I am confident that our dedicated team of councillors and professional officers share the objective of promoting Cumbrian communities and preparing them for the future.
My chosen charity this year is The Oaklea Trust which does a wonderful job across our county helping people with learning and physical disabilities discover their potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Contact:
11 Mill Hill
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Cumbria
CA16 6UR
Phone: 07795 224544
Email: Andy.Connell@cumbria.gov.uk