Preston Parish Council
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Chris Challans
Made the short move into Preston in January 2003 with her husband Bob.  Both appreciate the rural character of the village and regard it as a small oasis in a densely populated county.  As well as raising two boys Christine worked in education as a teacher for many years, specialising in Environmental Studies and latterly Special Needs, finally retiring in 2005. She is interested in and happy to be involved in village organisations and activities.  Her role on the Parish Council includes investigating fund raising opportunities and available grants to enhance the village environment and facilities for villagers.

David Drew
David was born and grew up in Bath and arrived at Hitchwood in 1975, finding it the almost perfect rural retreat.  He married Frances in 1978 and, with roughly the same interests in life (cricket may be one exception), they have together enjoyed the Preston experience for the last 30 years or more.  David admits to being very lucky that his career has enabled him to stay within such a rural setting.  He strongly believes that rural village life can be the most rewarding for those with a strong interest in the countryside and for those who want to play their part in preserving a rich community spirit, without which there is little personal satisfaction.

John Healey
Has lived in School Lane since the 1980s and became a parish councillor in 2003, with responsibilities that have included local rights of way.  The attractiveness and relative peace of the area draws in many walkers, cyclists and other welcome visitors.  With a lot of support from the villagers, the Parish Council has had some good successes in protecting the paths and bridleways whilst continuing its efforts to limit the damage and misuse of our fragile green lanes by off-road vehicles.  Although the beautiful environment of Preston sometimes attracts the unwelcome interest of developers, the determination of local people and various organisations has succeeded over many decades in keeping it a delightful and unspoilt village set in glorious countryside.  Through the work of the Parish Council and with the huge support and resolve demonstrated by villagers, John wants to hold on to this rural character and prevent it being eroded and lost.   (jhealey333@aol.com )

Alison Jeffers
Alison moved to Preston in 2002 from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.  She moved into the village with her partner Jeremy, a pack of 20 hunting basset hounds, 5 sheep and a flock of chickens.  She has since joined the Parish Council and for the last three years has served as Chairman.  Her interest in the village has always been to support the predominantly rural character of the village and to keep a small, friendly and vibrant community in a rural environment.  She is very supportive of all village clubs and societies and since becoming Chairman has been particularly involved in supporting the development and continued growth of the Cricket Club.  Alison is also a Director of The Red Lion and enjoys regular trips down to this crucial hub of the village. 

David Keast
David moved to Preston with wife Sue and daughter Amy in June 2006.  However his connections to the village and to PHC go back some 25 years.  Amy is a pupil at PHC and moved into the sixth form in September 2009.  David is a former chairman of the PHC Fund Raising Committee and therefore is very committed to the continued development of the school, including the expansion of the playing fields, the creation of a pavilion and the sharing of those facilities with Preston Cricket Club.  Joined the Parish Council in May 2009 and has recently taken on the Parish Council’s relationship with Herts Highways.  Very keen to ensure local facilities are maintained and developed for the benefit of a vibrant community.   (david.keast@tesco.net )

Pam Stark
Pam has lived in Preston since 1979, and her two sons attended Preston Primary School and then moved to Hitchin Boys School. She became a Parish Councillor in 1997, and served as Clerk to the council for 10 years, until Margaret Trinder took over that role. She has always had a very active role in many village activities and is currently secretary to St Martin’s Church committee and the Preston Village Society. She is very keen to keep Preston as the delightful rural village that it is and would not like to see it spoilt.  (pamstark@hotmail.co.uk )

Margaret Trinder
Margaret moved to the Parish of Preston from Hitchin in 2006 and became a parish councillor and Clerk to the Parish Council in July 2007.  Margaret supports village activities and events as much as possible and is also a member of the Friends of St Martin’s fund raising committee.
She is an advocate of rural life and as a Parish Councillor would like to ensure that the village maintains its beautiful environment and its unique character.   (trinderm@btinternet.com )

Robert Young (Treasurer)
Robert came to Preston in 1972 with his wife Mary.  Their two sons and daughter were brought up in the village.  Robert has been involved in various village activities and ventures over the years.  He has been Treasurer of the Parish Council since the late 1990s.  He is very keen that Preston should remain a small village and that the countryside around should be preserved, not only for the enjoyment of villagers but also for visitors.
Robert believes the Parish Council has an important role to play not only in looking after the interests of the village but as a communication link with our District and County councillors.