Tessa Mary Bates Tessa’s mother, originally from Ireland came over to England to nurse. Tessa was born in London shortly before the family returned to her homeland but with literally no work available in Ireland at that time, the family moved back to England and settled in Stratford-upon-Avon when Tessa was still a baby. Councillor Tessa Bates has been married to her husband, Charles for over forty years. As a newly married couple, they moved to Kenilworth to be slightly closer to Charles’ work in Coventry. However, Tessa was soon homesick for Stratford-upon-Avon and they returned when their two children were very small. They have lived in Holbrook Road ever since. Career History: Tessa started her career in the Life Department of NFUMIS Limited. Whilst bringing up the children, Tessa worked part time at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and at Marks & Spencer. The majority of her career was spent with the Post Office, and Tessa became a well known and popular counter clerk until her retirement from the main Post Office in Stratford-upon-Avon, a few years ago.

Liberal Democrat for Guild & Hathway since 2010

Community Interests:

The Town Council has always been of interest to Tessa, having supported her husband during his twenty three years on the Town Council.  Tessa’s support was never more in evidence than during her time as Mayoress, which occurred on two occasions in 1987/8 and 1996/7.

Council appears to be very much ‘in the blood’ for Tessa’s younger brother, Bill Dowling recently became Deputy Mayor and has served on the Town Council since 2000.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, so Tessa Bates fought and won a very successful and highly contested election in 2010 to become a Councillor in her own right.  She may follow in various footsteps, but there is no doubt that Councillor Tessa Bates will be representing her electorate entirely as she sees fit.

Tessa was appointed to the Town Council’s General Purposes Committee and the Mayoral & Protocol Committee and also serves on the Christmas Lights Switch-On Working Party.

Leisure Activities

The past saw Tessa running the Stratford Netball League for many years, also Shottery Youth Theatre.  Sport and theatre still remain of great interest.

Tessa and her husband owned a canal narrow boat for a number of years and spent many happy hours on board, relaxing or entertaining friends and family.  Boats proved restrictive in how far they could travel, so Tessa and Charles eventually swapped the boat for a motor home and when time allows, will explore more of the countryside.

Proud grandparents, much pleasure is derived from their two grandchildren and they both cherish every precious and often hugely entertaining moment.