Parish Councillor profiles

Councillor Chris Brice (Chair)

Chris Brice - CHAIRPERSON (Register of Interests)

I began my working life in the Merchant Navy as an Engineer Officer Cadet and was sent to Hiroshima, Japan, to assist in new building projects. With a short intermediate spell in Human Resources I have worked for 40 years at sea and ashore in both technical and advisory roles with various companies in the Middle East and Europe, retiring in 2012 after 30 years as a Chief Engineer Officer. I joined Yarnscombe Parish Council in May 2010 and have served as Chairman since May 2014. In my spare time I serve as a director of a management company, I assist my wife running a B&B, I enjoy boating as a member of North Devon Yacht Club and driving my TVR sports car, although I gave up my motorcycle last year as too hazardous because of the poor state of the roads.

Councillor Denys Cooke

Fraser Bishop - COUNCILLOR  (Register of Interests)

I grew up on a rural farm in Herefordshire and attended the Welsh Agricultural College at Aberystwyth. Rather than pursue a farming life I joined the NHS in a Decontamination role. While at Brighton General Hospital in 1988 I met my now wife of 34 years! In 1989 we moved to Plymouth, starting our Devon life. Yarnscombe became our home in 1999.

From 2010 I worked at North Devon District Hospital in the Facilities Directorate, managing decontamination, medical equipment maintenance, clinical and domestic waste and medical equipment capital planning. Having retired in 2023, I now spend my time gardening, golfing, walking Betty, our Cocker Spaniel, recording potholes (road warden role) and enjoying life in Yarnscombe. I am a good listener and happy to help anyone.

Councillor Richard Ellison

Richard Ellison - COUNCILLOR  (Register of Interests)

I  lived in Warwickshire until 2021 when I retired and we moved to Yarnscombe; I joined the Parish Council in 2023. Pre-retirement I was a solicitor including partnership in two major UK law firms. I was also a councillor in the parish where we then lived. My interests include exploring North Devon, especially the beaches and other places where we can walk our dog.

Councillor Peter Jeffery

Peter Jeffery - COUNCILLOR  (Register of Interests)

I have lived in Yarnscombe all my life. An ex-farmer, I joined the Parish Council in September 2020 and now offer my services to the community as a gardener, handyman and builder. My outside interests include bowls/skittles, making things with wood and collecting old tractors.

David Kane - COUNCILLOR  (Register of Interests) 

I moved from Yorkshire over 10 years ago and established a new home in the parish. I live with my partner of 23 years where I run my own consultancy business. I have spent over 40 years in sales, working in the tobacco and food industries. In my spare time, my partner and I spend time with our grandchildren, visiting local beaches where we actively participate in water sports (swimming, kayaking and body boarding). I was co-opted onto the Parish Council in August 2026.

 

Councillor Ian Newberry (Vice-Chair)

Ian Newberry - VICE-CHAIR  (Register of Interests)

Being Plymouth born and bred, I have a background in electrical and electronic engineering and am currently working as a freelance consultant in defence textiles. 

My family and I moved to Yarnscombe in 2014 following a job opportunity in Barnstaple. Since then I have served on the Board of Governors at the local secondary school where I have been the Chair since 2018 and on the Parish Council since October 2020 also acting as the co-ordinator of the Yarnscombe Community Response Team during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Councillor Richard Pengilley

Richard Pengilley - COUNCILLOR  (Register of Interests)

I moved to Yarnscombe from Wiltshire in 2006 following retirement from a sequence of scientific, technical and managerial roles in Information Technology. I was invited to join the Parish Council in 2007 after volunteering to set up the initial village website. I also write and update several of the documents that are necessary for the Council’s annual audit. My outside interests include the village church and the Barum Probus Club in Barnstaple, for both of which I am currently treasurer (although I am gradually handing over that role in the church), and in 2018 I qualified as a RoSPA advanced driving tutor.