meet SNGP steering group
We are a small team and some of us cover more than one role. We have an AGM in December when all the posts are up for re-election if anyone would like to stand.
Meetings are normally on the first Wednesday of the month. All members are invited to these ‘plenary’ monthly meetings and are sent an Agenda one week before. The actions of the Steering group are determined by the strategy the group has developed.
Co-ordinator – carol sharp
I have been the South Norfolk Green Party Co-ordinator since November 2023, and am responsible for overseeing the activity of the local party.
The Co-ordinator is the main point of contact with other local and regional parties and the Green Party staff. I ensure that actions and decisions are carried out and good communication is maintained through regular members meetings, events and email. I also help to make sure that the Local Party meets legal and party requirements.
My objective is to help us work together to make a South Norfolk Green Party that local people will respect and support with the aim of improving social and environmental issues at a local level, and be the party to make a difference.See below for my bio
membership & communications – suzanne wateridge
I moved here with my husband and two young children seven years’ ago and joined the South Norfolk Green Party after feeling compelled to do something to address the climate crisis. Coupled with learning more and more about the crisis in biodiversity also, I’ve become increasingly passionate about encouraging as many people as possible to step up and do their bit, however small! As Membership Co-Ordinator I really enjoy meeting new members and bringing people together within the SNGP family. I’m currently working on organising some regular social get-togethers and creating local hubs across this very large county.
In May 2024 I also became a District Councillor in Bunwell (the first ever Green Councillor on South Norfolk Council in fact!) and I’m hoping we can swell our numbers there, and on Norfolk County Council, in the months and years to come. Membership is key to that happening.
secretary & Nominations Officer – claire sparkes
I moved to South Norfolk 15 years ago with my young family, looking for a quiet, rural environment in which we could bring up our children. In my early career I worked with community groups across the Eastern region, helping them with community engagement, action planning and accessing funding for green spaces and rural town based social, economic and environmental projects. When my children were small, I retrained as a Science teacher and have been working in a local high school for the last 10 years. I have joined South Norfolk Green Party to help do what I can to give people who live in South Norfolk the option of voting for the Green Party and getting Green Party representatives on our local councils. Across the country we can see that Green Party representation on local councils can make a tremendous difference to their local communities and the wider environmental challenges that we face. I would like us to have that in South Norfolk too.
Election Agent & Data controller – Joe barrett
My responsibilities include managing our data and digital faculties while ensuring we remain compliant with best practices. I hope to bring ideas to the table that can help us secure election victories in the future, especially those that further the political goals of our membership, as they are the people who make the Green Party.
Now is as important as ever to get Greens elected, and I firmly believe that the Greens will succeed in South Norfolk. It won’t be easy, but politics should be a challenge. It should require commitment, cooperation, and integrity, so it’s a good job that’s what SNGP offers. It is why I am confident we will earn election success in Norfolk.
design & publications – carol sharp
I have a degree in visual communication and more recently I’ve been taking a course on writing. I ran my own business and am experienced in marketing and try to keep up to speed with all the latest ways to communicate. I have designed several leaflets for our campaigns over the last few years, and our banner. I also manage the design of the website and other social media as well as posting when I get time!
I moved to South Norfolk 29 years ago and was sad to find little concern for the environment. I joined the Green party as I’m passionate about all things green and about protecting rather than plundering our planet.
treasurer – paul barrett
I have lived and worked in South Norfolk for nearly 30 years. My wife, 3 children and 2 dogs all love the Norfolk countryside as well as the bustle of Wymondham.
I joined the Green Party as I am passionate about the environment and I am very much aligned to their drive for social change whilst not participating in tribal politics.
My experience in business is utilised as treasurer of the South Norfolk Green Party where I can apply my experience to better support the SNGP in ensuring funds are used efficiently. In my professional life I have been heavily involved in sustainability projects to reduce business energy usage and driving lower energy usage in Logistics.
I believe we can build a greener economy and want to provide a safe and stable environment for my children.
