After taking pole position to become Sevenoaks District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Alan Layland has got off to a flying start with his sights set on supporting a local charity that’s close to his heart.
Alan, who represents the Edenbridge South & West ward, was elected as the new Chairman at the District Council’s Annual Council meeting (23 May 2023).
Alan moved from East Dulwich to Edenbridge 56 years ago and worked as a health and safety co-ordinator for Eaton-Williams, an air conditioning company based in Edenbridge.
Alan says: “I was passionate about health and safety and proud to work for a business that exported to virtually every country you could think of. With manufacturing sites across the UK, I’d travel far and wide doing my bit to ensure my colleagues had a safe workplace.”
But work wasn’t Alan’s only passion, as he explains: “I’ve always loved living in Edenbridge. It has given me so much over the years so I’ve always wanted to give something back.
“As well as being an Edenbridge Town Councillor and a Sevenoaks District Councillor for the past eight years, I’m an honorary member of the Edenbridge Chamber of Commerce.
“In 2014, we organised a fabulous event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Surtees winning the F1 World Championship. John, who was also passionate about the town, drove his original 1964 race winning car through Edenbridge High Street followed by 36 classic Ferraris.
“Naturally, with my professional background, I was in the lead safety car! It was an honour to take part in such a fun event.
Over the next year, Alan is planning to raise the profile of the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community. Alan says: “Like so many others, I’ve been touched by dementia as both of my parents had the disorder. I know from personal experience it often has a profound impact on the loved ones of those living with the condition.
“I’ve worked with Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community for some time and I’ve seen their amazing work first hand. I want to do everything possible to support this amazing cause during my year as Chairman.
“In addition, I’m keen to continue supporting the Town Council’s work to make Edenbridge a dementia friendly town.
Alan, who has been married to Lyn for the past 46 years, adds: “It’s both humbling and a privilege to be elected as the Chairman of Sevenoaks District Council. Lyn and I are really looking forward to meeting residents, volunteers, businesses and community groups across the District in the coming year to hear about their amazing work and stories.”
Alan welcomes invitations to community events as the Chairman of Sevenoaks District. To invite Alan, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/chairman or call 01732 227247.
You can also follow Alan on Twitter at @sdc_chairman.
