Dr Chris Adcock
Clare and Shuttern Ward
Chris first came to live in the southwest to study physics at Exeter University in 1970 and stayed until 1977, gaining a PhD. He felt very much at home in the West Country and after just 3 years working 'up country' he returned to live in south Somerset for 37 years. Chris pursued a career in the maritime defence industry and established a busy family life. He retired from paid work in 2014.
Chris and his wife Annie were married in 2005, soon they both became increasingly involved in leading their local community association. This has continued to develop to the point where, in a partnership with the local church and with strong support from Liberal Democrat councillors, a £1M community centre has been completed and is now well used.
Chris and Annie were impressed by the work of their Liberal Democrat led District Council, especially in the field of community safety and in kick-starting residents associations in challenging neighbourhoods. Having supported the Liberal Democrats in elections for many years, both joined the Party in 2009.
In 2017 Chris and Annie moved across the border to Bampton. The village offered many amenities and a great location. When they arrived they were delighted to be welcomed warmly by neighbours and the wider community and feel privileged to be part of such an active community. They were deeply shocked and saddened by Russia's war on Ukraine in 2022. Being keen to do something to help they have sponsored a Ukrainian family who are a very welcome part of their household and the Bampton community.
During their work with their local community, Chris and Annie both became experienced in working with other residents, local government and many other organisations as well as running many events and setting up a youth group. Chris also gains many insights through Annie's past experience as a special needs teacher, her study of psychotherapy and the care of people with learning disabilities.
While working for engineering companies, Chris developed his technical and management skills in sea trials, technical studies and management of teams and projects.
Chris enjoys travel, walking, nature, cycling, DIY, gardening (including a fishpond and chickens) and you may see him on trips out with Annie in their classic Citroen 2cv. He has enjoyed scuba diving around the coasts of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall and in the Red Sea and is still keen to get in the water to snorkel or surf when possible. He is deeply committed to family life and has four sons and a granddaughter, all living in the southwest.
Chris has always cared passionately about the environment and our responsibility towards developing countries. He is a member of the Marine Conservation Society and the Energy Institute and supports Water Aid. Chris is especially interested in the field of energy sustainability and studied that subject with the Open University in 2007. He is a voluntary Director of a Community Energy Society, a non-profit organisation developing rooftop Solar Panel projects to help reduce emissions and energy bills, with any surplus funds being used to help tackle fuel poverty.
