Councillor Owen Ditch

Owen Ditch

Chairman

Owen has served as a Ruskington Parish Councillor since September 2020 and was appointed Chairman in February 2023. Hailing from a South Yorkshire mining village, Owen joined the RAF as an apprentice cook and later graduated as a catering officer from RAF College Cranwell in 1989. His RAF service, including postings at Cranwell and Waddington, brought him to Ruskington in 1998. After retiring from the RAF in 2009, he worked as Head of Catering for NHS hospitals before retiring in 2015. Married to Vee, with four children and eight grandchildren, Owen joined the council to put his skills to better use in serving the community.

A photo of Councillor Graham Cox

Graham Cox

Vice Chairman

Graham, Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, is a semi-retired Sales Director in the food industry, with experience across Europe exploring food trends. A village resident for 40 years, he became a councillor to enhance the village, especially for its younger members. As Chairman of the Recreational and Environment Committee, he played a key role in upgrading the Parkfield playing facilities and is now focused on transforming the Pavilion into a Community Café. A passionate football fan and former semi-professional player, Graham represents England Over 60's. He encourages residents to unite in improving village facilities for all.

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Dr Sheena Cotter

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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Luke Tomlinson

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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Mike Trolley

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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Anne Jennings

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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Chris Bain

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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David Conway

Councillor

Bio coming soon.

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Kathryn Locke

Proper Officer and Clerk to the Council

Kathryn joined Ruskington Parish Council in January 2019 and earned her Certificate in Local Council Adminstration in April 2021. Her role goes beyond drafting minutes and agendas; she manages the parish office, oversees council services, handles cemetery operations, supervises staff, and ensures compliance with local government regulations. Kathryn has a rich background in local government, having served as a Billinghay Parish Council councillor from 2011 to 2023, including roles as chairman and steering committee leader for a neighbourhood plan. Passionate about rural community development, she is also involved in charity work and patient advocacy.

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Kirsty Sinclair

Deputy Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer

Kirsty has been Ruskington Parish Council's Deputy Clerk and RFO since October 2018. She holds a Certificate in Local Council Administration, a Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Accounting, and a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. With previous experience as a Clerk and internal auditor, Kirsty manages financial functions, provides financial advice, and oversees transactions, including securing over £98,000 in grants for Parkfield Play Area. She ensures continuity in the Clerk’s absence and has been a Ruskington resident since 2008, now living in Metheringham while running a local business. A dog lover, she enjoys summer exploration.

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Andrew Doughty

Caretaker (Environment & Grounds) 

Andrew joined Ruskington Parish Council in 2021 as the Caretaker for Environment and Grounds, bringing over 20 years of experience in grounds maintenance and woodland management, including 15 years running his own business. He is currently in his third year studying for a BSc in Environmental Science. Andrew is instrumental in managing the village’s green spaces, including Horseshoe Hollow, the churchyard, and the community garden, which he designed and developed. His responsibilities include grass cutting, tree work, hedge and tree planting, and litter picking, ensuring the village remains clean and welcoming. As a member of the Environment and Recreation Committee and Environmental Lead for the Emergency Plan group, Andrew has contributed valuable research into recent flooding events. A passionate advocate for nature, Andrew is also a published poet who enjoys writing, reading, and spending time outdoors. His dedication to the environment inspires his work and hobbies alike.

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Steve Collett

Caretaker (Buildings & Play Equipment)

Bio coming soon.

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Scott Johnstone

Administration Assistant

Scott served in the Royal Air Force from 1988-2023 as a logistics supplier, IT and recruitment specialist. Following this, he worked as a Digital Hub Support Officer at North Kesteven District Council before joining Ruskington Parish Council. In his current role, Scott handles general administration, manages the website and social media channels, oversees communications, edits the Signpost newsletter, and addresses resident queries through various channels. Since settling in the village with his family in 2015, Scott has been passionate about family life, rugby, and enjoying good food and beer.

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Claire Raynor

Office Cleaner

Claire maintains the parish office and meeting room. With an arts background, she has volunteered at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Passionate about gardening and nature, Claire has also volunteered in the gardens of Belton House. Dedicated to her community, she often picks up litter around the village.