Youth charities to benefit from new Chairman’s year in office

Two good causes supporting young people are set for a boost after the new Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council pledged to support them during her year in office.

Cllr Fiona Baker will help raise funds for both Springs Family Centre and New Leaf Learning in the coming year, after receiving the chains of office from the outgoing Chairman Cllr Alison Eastwood at last night’s (Thursday 21 May) Full Council meeting.

Cllr Anthony Lock, who represents Daventry South, will serve as Vice Chairman.

Based in Spring Boroughs in Northampton, The Springs Family Centre offers a range of activities to support young people, including youth groups, a jobs club, music recording studio, cookery courses and much more.

New Leaf Learning, meanwhile, offers outdoor learning opportunities at the Courteenhall Estate for children who are not engaging in learning at mainstream schools.

The choice of charities reflects Cllr Baker’s long-standing passion for supporting children and young people, having previously held that portfolio on both the former Northamptonshire County Council and later at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

She also serves as Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Thematic Partnership at the Northamptonshire VCSE Assembly, helping to advise voluntary and community sector organisations across the county.

A former photographer and leisure services manager at Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Baker was elected to Brackley Town Council in 2011, and later the former South Northamptonshire Council, where she served a year as Chairman. Having also served on the County Council, she was elected to WNC in 2021 as a ward member for Brackley.

Outside of her council work, Cllr Baker volunteers at Brackley Community Larder every Friday and has a passion for horses, volunteering as an assistant judge at dressage competitions. It’s something she admits she may have to drop now so many of her weekends will be taken up with her duties as Chairman of the Council.

“I’m really proud to serve as a councillor for West Northamptonshire, so I’m really looking forward to representing this area in a positive manner at functions and events across the county and beyond.

“Being a councillor can be very challenging, but it’s rewarding to feel you have made a difference. I’ve always been passionate about supporting children and young people in particular, so I’m hoping to shine a spotlight on these two charities during my year in office.”
Cllr Fiona Baker

The role of the Chairman is a non-political, civic role, which involves representing the Council and West Northamptonshire at events and functions, as well as chairing Council meetings to ensure they are properly run in accordance with the Constitution.

As part of the role, the Chairman is keen to meet and engage with local businesses, schools, community and voluntary groups and other organisations to help raise their profile.

Groups organising events, activities or functions who would like the Chairman to attend are asked to please contact the Chairman's Secretary at [email protected].