Council Members

Cllr Laura Cobb, Councillor

Cllr Laura Cobb

Councillor

You will no doubt recognise this friendly face as she is one half of the dynamic duo that runs our community shop, Miserden Stores and Post Office.
Originally from Reading, Laura and her family moved to the parish in 2007.
Besides fielding questions from locals and tourists alike in her shop, Laura is an integral part of St Andrew’s church, organising services, training, socials and being a warm, welcoming face of the congregation.
Laura joined the council in 2022, and has eagerly learned local government legislation, the ins and outs of planning permission, and has brought a positive and well-valued voice to the council.
When she’s not at work or volunteering in the community, you’ll find her planting in her garden, spending time with her family and friends, or behind the needle of her sewing machine!

Email Cllr Laura Cobb
Gwen Durland, Clerk & RFO

Gwen Durland

Clerk & RFO

Gwen became the clerk for the Parish Council in 2020.
Originally from Colorado in the US, Gwen has lived in the UK since 2005 and has been a resident of Miserden village with her children since 2018.
Besides her work for the parish, she also works for Stroud Town Council as a Projects Assistant.
She is an avid animal lover (living with 2 cats, 2 giant rabbits, her son’s prodigal tortoise, and her daughter’s cheeky cockatiel) and in her spare time (assuming she has any!), she’ll be found drawing, painting, and print-making.

Email Gwen Durland
Cllr Richard Dangerfield, Councillor

Cllr Richard Dangerfield

Councillor

Richard lives in The Camp with his wife Vicky, whose family are also long-term residents of the community. Between them they have six children and an assortment of horses and dogs! His parents also live in The Camp, and Richard is keen to support all members of the local community by being a parish councillor.
Richard has a well-established connection with the Miserden area, having lived and worked here for over 20 years both the Miserden Estate and in The Camp since the 1980s.
Richard has a farming, equestrian and countryside background. He works locally at St Rose’s School in Stroud, running their hydrotherapy pool and as a site technician.
In his spare time, you’ll find Richard behind the bass guitar of his band!

Email Cllr Richard Dangerfield
Cllr Gideon Duberley, Councillor

Cllr Gideon Duberley

Councillor

Gideon has lived in Miserden village since 2002 and has been on the Parish Council since 2014.
A keen forester and plantsman, he has been the head of forestry for the Miserden Estate, and now has a thriving gardening business of his own (and is in very high demand!)
When not at work, you’ll find Gideon spending time with his lovely wife Alison, their children or playing with their grandson.

Tel: 01285 821753
Email Cllr Gideon Duberley
Cllr Kevin Allin, Vice-Chair

Cllr Kevin Allin

Vice-Chair

Kevin has been with the Parish Council since 2020 and currently serves as Vice-Chair.
Kevin left his home in Wales at the age of 16 to join the Royal Air Force, where he stayed until 1998.
In 2001, Kevin and his lovely wife Debbie came to Miserden where they have been warmly welcoming visitors and locals alike at the Carpenter’s Arms ever since.
Their extended family includes six children, 28 grandchildren and two great grandchildren!
In the rare instance of having time to himself, Kevin enjoys sport, especially rugby and horse racing, as well as gardening and cider making.

Email Cllr Kevin Allin
Cllr Martin Ractliffe, Chair

Cllr Martin Ractliffe

Chair

Martin is the longest-serving member of the Parish Council and is the current Chair. Martin, along with his wife Carol, operate a self-catering holiday cottage business in Sudgrove and has many friends worldwide as a result. He enjoys his role with the Council and is keen to see more community involvement.

Tel: 01285 821322
Email Cllr Martin Ractliffe