Chairman re-elected

Councillor John Collins has begun his second year as Chairman of Cramlington Town Council.
The years of public service that John has given reflect his ambition to help and support his fellow residents in Cramlington, a town he is immensely proud of.
John was born during World War II in Newcastle and says he has been fighting ever since! .
He credits his working life as a telecommunications engineer for showing him how to work as part of a team and also how to develop leadership skills – both of these come in very useful with his council work.
He says “I have always tried to be honest and fair in my dealings with people and these principles have been with me my whole life”
John’s work took him to the Middle East, Far East and war torn Africa as well as throughout the UK – he retired and has lived in Cramlington since 1993.
“I was asked by Wayne Daley if I would consider standing as a Councillor in a by-election in 2011, I agreed and went on to win with a large majority. Being a councillor can be a thankless task at times – the complexities and restraints we face are not always obvious and being a councillor has challenged my patience at times too but I would not swap it because when you get it right the feeling is amazing. Being in a position where I can bring about change that benefits our marvellous town and the wonderful people that live here really is a privilege. It makes all the hard work worth it”.
“I really enjoy chairing meetings and feel very proud being asked to be Chairman for a second year. Away from the council my family is very important to me – having two five year old grandsons keeps me occupied!”
John also serves on his church parish council and other interests include opera and pantomime.