Following the elections in May 2023, we welcome our new team of councillors and staff and tell you a little about them.

We still have three vacancies remaining and if you are interested in becoming a councillor, please contact us on 01509 416016 or email clerk@barrowpc.org.uk or via our various social media channels. We welcome anyone with ideas or feedback, however small. Being part of the parish council is a fascinating and rewarding role, particularly at this time of massive change. We can work together to bring about improvements to the village as it expands with new major housing developments.

Anne Beckett I have lived in Barrow upon Soar for almost 25 years and I have been a parish councillor since 2018. When I joined the parish council, I was keen to ensure that the village remains a friendly and safe place to live as it grows. This is particularly important today as the village faces a large number of developments and associated growth in population. I enjoy keeping fit and I am a regular walk leader with the Barrow Wellbeing Walks group.			Eric Ellingworth I retired in Barrow over 10 years ago and wanted to play a role in the future of the village. I joined the council over five years ago and am still coming to terms with the complex mechanisms of local and national government. Barrow faces some major changes and we need to ensure the village is adapted to handle these changes while maintaining the quality of life the parishioners expect. My hobbies include living history and communicating with the public. I volunteer at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford and play an active role in 1940s events.
Antonia Goater I have lived in the village since 2004. I am delighted to carry on as a parish councillor, a role that I have done since 2006. I currently sit on the Open Spaces committee and the Community committee. I feel privileged to be able to serve the village, ensuring that we maintain the beautiful place in which we live. I work as a primary school teacher and have three children, all of whom have attended the local schools			Judith Rodgers I’ve lived in Barrow since 1966 and have been a councillor since 2002. A staff member of the Co-op once called me “Mrs Barrow” and I try to use my knowledge to help Barrow cope well with the very considerable changes we are seeing. I also try to help with some joined-up thinking between the council and BUSCA.
Claire Forrest I’ve lived in Barrow almost all my life and currently live on Avon Road. I am the chair of the Open Spaces committee at the moment as well as a member of the Community committee and the Policy & Finance committee. I hope to continue to serve on these committees throughout the next term. In my spare time I am a keen quilter.			Pauline Ranson I am a wife, mother and grandmother, living in Barrow along with other members of my family. I am actively involved in village life including the parish council, Dr Babington’s Almshouse Charity, Tarmac Liaison Committee, the village Churches Together and New Horizons Bereavement group and, previously, the Patient Participation Group for the village Health Centre. I am also a school governor at both Hall Orchard and Rawlins Academy in Quorn
Sharon Gudger I have been a member of the Barrow upon Soar community for nearly 30 years. I have raised my family and helped look after other people’s families in this lovely village. I am strongly active in the community and voluntary sector and have served as a trustee on numerous groups and charities. This is my second term on the parish council and my interests are for the Open Spaces and Community committees. I am an active member of the Baptist church leading services and small groups. I love working for the good of the community and for the next generation.			Rod Billson I’m chair of the Planning committee. I do ask awkward questions but I  also admit when I am wrong.
Sandie Forrest I have lived in Barrow for about 45 years and have been involved in numerous village organisations over the years. I have served as chair of the parish council for the last four years and sit on all the parish council committees. I am a keen armchair gardener and an avid reader in my spare time.			Susan Ellingworth After raising our family abroad, I moved back to Barrow over 10 years ago. The village was associated with my childhood and young adult life. I enjoy the roles I play on the council in the committees for Community and Open Spaces to improve the social aspects of village life. I would always encourage people to speak to us on the council. I also volunteer at Loros, help out at local events and am the current chairwoman of Barrow WI. Barrow is still a lovely village to live in and maintaining that friendliness is a priority.
Ted Rodgers I have lived in Barrow since 1986 and have been a parish councillor since 2001. Barrow has changed considerably over the years and more change is inevitable in the future. As a parish councillor, I will continue to strive to manage that change so that Barrow remains a vibrant and pleasant place for all.