Eric Friend

For the past 49 years Curridge village has been my home, apart for 8-years, where with my family we were residents in Dubai, UAE.

My career background has been electro-mechanical.  Starting with a 5-year Admiralty apprenticeship, followed with a period of Merchant Navy service as a ship’s Senior Electrical Officer. Moving from Kent to Oxfordshire I obtained a post at Rutherford High Energy Laboratory, then on to Newbury College of F.E., as a College Lecturer, teaching electro-mechanical subjects. With my family I then took up residence in Dubai for an 8-year period, having been offered a post by the UAE Government as a Course Supervisor in the UAE technical-schools. On our return to UK until retirement, I worked as an MOD technical-Officer, serving on numerous USAF/MOD Bases. Principal tasks were ensuring compliance with safe-systems of work, contractual evaluation, financial controls & serving as a duty on-call officer for high-voltage & pressurised systems.

I served as a Chieveley Parish Councilor for a 10-year period up to June 2011, during which time I was able to provide input to the CPC regarding the non-compliance of contractor’s obligations working the sand-extraction around Curridge. I was able to initiate the provision of a footpath between the WI Hall to Crabtree Lane. This footpath has allowed a much higher degree of safety for families walking too & from Curridge School. Due to the speed of traffic, further footpaths are required.

Aims
Sand extraction areas surrounding Curridge, to ensure contractors carrying out remedial work to the sand extraction areas complete their tasks in compliance with their contractual agreements. Continued quest will be for enhancement of safety for walkers in the village. Ongoing support for Curridge School & the Curridge WI Hall, which is a main focal point for activities in the village.