Our Patrons
We delighted to introduce the patrons for our 800th celebration year. We are grateful for their support of St Peter's Church.
Caryl Billingham
Caryl is a lifelong resident of Brackley. She served on local councils for 46 years and has been Town Mayor of Brackley five times. A career in business was combined with involvement in many local charities and organisations which culminated in her being awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2016.
Dame Andrea Leadsom
Andrea is the Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire, a seat she has held since 2010. She has served as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 2016 to 2017, Leader of the House of Commons from 2017 to 2019 and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from 2019 to 2020. Andrea currently serves as the government's Early Years Adviser.
John Townsend Esq.
John, with his wife, The late Lady Juliet Townsend, converted the former private house, The Old Hall in the centre of the Market Place, into a bookshop in 1977. In 2006 they bought Brackley Butchers, now run under the name Smith and Clay by John’s daughter Margaret. He served on the Bench in the old Brackley Court for 10 years and on South Northants Council for 35 years. He was High Sheriff of the County 2012/13.
David Laing Esq.
David is a former Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and, prior to that, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. He lives in the county and is trustee of several charities including the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and The Laing Family Trusts. He is Pro Chancellor of the University of Northampton. As an architect, he has specialized in listed buildings and conservation area work.
We are saddened to hear of David's death and remember with gratitude the role he played in our 800 anniverdary celebrations.
The Mayor of Brackley
Paul Wiltshire
Mayor 2022-23
Paul came to Brackley 27 years ago and quickly became aware of St Peter’s and its history. As a resident of the town and worshipper at the church he is pleased to be involved in the celebration of the 800 years of the parish existence and the part that St Peter’s has played in in community since 1223.
Sue Sharps
Mayor 2023-24
Sue is a local to Brackley, growing up here. Training in London, she later enjoyed a career in the Chilterns before returning to Brackley with her young family. She retrained in youth work and became a Brackley Town Councillor eight years ago. She used her youth knowledge to set up a much-needed SNYE youth charity for Brackley with fellow Trustees. A proud moment was fighting – and winning – against the decision to close Brackley’s library. Later she became one of the first three Councillors for Brackley at West Northamptonshire Unitary Council.
