Donna Christobel Barker Donna originally joined the Town Council in 1995, where she became Chairman of the Millennium Committee, instrumental in the updating of the public library. She lost her seat in 1999 but regained it in 2002 and was returned again in May 2006 and served as Mayor in 2007/08 Cllr Barker was born in Worcester Park, Surrey in 1941. She married Gerry in 1966 and their first child, Sarah was born a year later. Within eight months they moved to Hertfordshire where their son, Nicholas was born. They are now the proud grandparents of Shoshana. Donna moved to Stratford-upon-Avon over thirty years ago and has been involved in local projects ever since. Career History: Donna focused her life on being a wife and mother, whilst combining her work in the voluntary sector. She joined the WRVS in 1979 and helped at the Luncheon Club at Holtom Street for many years. She also ran a luncheon club for elderly people in sheltered accommodation at Melville House for over ten years.

Liberal Democrat for Avenue and Newton since 2002 Photo courtesy of Stratford Herald

In 1986 they moved to Holland when Gerry was on assignment with his company. They lived there for over three years and Donna became very active in the British Women’s Club.

On returning to Stratford-upon-Avon, Cllr Barker changed her allegiance from the Conservative Party and joined the Liberal Democrats.

She served on the Committee of the Clopton Community Association and also took part in the district “Friendship” project.

Community Interests:
Cllr Barker was elected Mayor at Mayor Making on 17 May 2007 and is Chairman of Council. She is also Chairman of both the Mayoral and Protocol Committee and the General Purposes Committee. She also serves on two Sub-Committees; the Cemetery Working Party and the Town Hall Commercial Management Sub-Committee and is committed to seeing the Town Hall as a venue for excellence for all townspeople.

Donna is a Trustee of the Town Trust serving on both the Grants and the General Management Committees. Cllr Barker has also been an active and committed member of the Christmas Lights Committee for many years.

As Mayor, Donna now sits on so many committees of outside bodies that they are too numerous to mention!

Leisure Activities
Donna very much enjoys the theatre and arts in general. She also enjoys walking and travelling and is a devoted grandmother as well as a committed animal and cat lover.