Councillors

Lance Benest (Chairman)

“I moved to Woodgreen from Bournemouth in 2015 and was amazed by the sense of community that existed in this small village. In order to find out more about village life and help support the local community I joined the Parish Council a few years later. Since retiring, I’ve also become a keen cyclist and enjoy finding new routes in and around the New Forest. I am also a keen walker and when not out on my bike or out for a hike can be found in the gym.”

lance.benest@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk
Tel. 01725 511639

Responsibilities:
Planning; New Forest Consultative Panel
Register of Members Interests form

John Clarke (Vice – Chairman)

“I have lived in the village for more than 22 years. I am married to Linda, we have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. I have had a varied career having spent more than 20 years in electrical engineering in the City of London; we then bought and ran a successful hotel in Bournemouth for some years, after which we had a French restaurant and bar in Salisbury before retiring.“

john.clarke@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk
Tel: 01725 512328

Responsibilities: New Forest Consultative Panel and NW Quadrant.
Register of Members Interests form

Stewart Hall

“I was born in Breamore but gained a passport into Woodgreen in 1988, after several years away. My interests include most genres of music, sport and country life generally. I feel fortunate to live here as it’s a friendly village with a good mix of people who really care for their community.”

stewart.hall@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk
Tel: 01725 512315

Responsibilities:
Finance, Cemetery, Downton Link & Dodington Trust
Register of Members Interests form

Pete Skinner

“I was born in Woodgreen in a tied cottage belonging to Hale Nurseries where my dad worked as a stoker.  We moved to the newly built council houses in 1959 and stayed there until I moved to Avondale opposite the old Methodist Chapel.  Then in 1978 I moved to my present address – Chestnut Cottage.

Educated at Breamore and Burgate I complete in sports ranging from darts to Motorcycling!

At the age of 10, I worked in the Woodgreen shop, the Butchers shop and then to the village cabinet maker. After leaving school I trained as a motor mechanic and in 1972 started my own garage business which I ran until I retired in 2018.

I am passionate about the village and over the years I have been associated with many events and organisations including the Parish Council, Village shop, pubs, Woodgreen Cricket Club, Hale School Governances and Woodfalls Quiz league.”

pete.skinner@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk
Tel: 01725 511543

Responsibilities:
General village maintenance and council property; Trees (Planning).
Register of Members Interests form

Helena Datta

I have lived in the New forest for 25 years and moved to Woodgreen with my family in 2006.

I worked in fostering and adoption services for both local authorities, court services and Charities and have run my own care business.  I am now retired and have a keen interest in wildlife, conservation  and protecting the environment.

helena.datta@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk

Responsibilities: Planning, Trees (Planning) and North West Quadrant meetings.

Register of Members Interest Form

Guy Rafferty

I have lived in Woodgreen since 2016 with my wife, Alison, after spending over 30 years in and around Hampshire, with our two daughters, who have now flown the nest.

I have always loved the New Forest, and feel very lucky to have settled in such a friendly village.

I keep sheep and chickens, and my dogs ensure that I am out in the forest on most days. I am a keen cyclist, and am involved in running a charity which raises funds for Cancer Research UK through sponsored continental rides. I have served on the Woodgreen Community Shop Committee since 2022.

guy.rafferty@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk

Responsibilities: Cemetery and IT

Register of Members Interest Form