THE former boss of Sadler’s Wells Theatre is just one of an illustrious quartet of new members recruited onto Looe Town Council.

The four new councillors are Stephen Remington, Michala Powell, Nicky Shelley and Rod Truan.

“We welcome a former long-standing councillor back to the Council, and three new councillors, who will all be formally co-opted at our full meeting on August 9,” said mayor Martin Gregory.

“They bring with them a huge amount of experience and a true passion for the future of our town. I sincerely look forward to working with them on exciting future plans for Looe.”

Stephen Remington had been a frequent visitor to friends living in Looe since the mid-1970s before moving to the town permanently in 2018. His career included 14 years as CEO of Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and 20 years leading the national charity Action for Blind People.

Stephen says he strongly believes that organisations that cooperate and communicate will always achieve more than those that don’t. All the same, he recognises that every organisation has its own valued heritage and each runs its business differently.

“I am honoured and thrilled to have been co-opted to Looe Town Council,” he said. “The wealth of experience among the existing Councillors is awesome and I only hope that, in time, I can make a useful contribution”.

Michala Powell is a trained IT teacher, mother of three and grandmother of (nearly) two. A great animal lover, she has two dogs and a smallholding where she keeps ponies, goats, pigs and chickens. Michala, who has previously served as a Looe Town Councillor for more than 15 years, says she is passionate about people and the environment.

Meanwhile Nicky Shelley has spent her entire career in the Civil Service, undertaking various roles, both in London and latterly her hometown of Southend-on-Sea.

Since moving to Looe in 2016 she has enjoyed getting involved in events in the community and also volunteers locally for two national charities. Her other interests include boating (and fishing) with her husband, gardening and dining out with friends.

She says she looks forward to familiarising herself with the various Council Committees and becoming involved in decision-making and governance within the town.

Rod Truen was born and brought up in Cornwall, moving away for university and work purposes but returning from Essex to Looe in 2017 to take up a teaching position in a local secondary school.

In Essex, Rod served as a senior councillor within a local authority as Portfolio Holder for Housing. Campaigning for a fairer housing sector remains a passion for Rod, including the right for affordable, secure and decent homes for all. Rod is also keen to ensure that opportunities for learning and employment are maximized for young people.

Rod enjoys running and kayaking, watching sports and exploring the local area.