Alan Stephen Wood C.Eng M.Sc. M.I.Mech.E. born 4 August 1942
Education & Career
I had the benefit of a grammar school education, followed by a 5-year apprenticeship at Portsmouth Royal Dockyard and a sponsored 3-year degree course.
This was an ideal grounding for the career of a professional Civil Service project manager working on engineering and construction projects for the Ministry of Defence until 1991.
I was awarded a masters degree at Loughborough University for work on behalf of HM Treasury.
My Wife
Jane and I married in 1966, the year England won the World Cup. So, it was a double win.
Sadly, we did not conceive any children but we have had a happy marriage nonetheless, playing a lot of championship golf together, and showing our dogs.
When Jane was injured in a fall and could no longer play golf ( which was a pity as she played off 7-handicap) we already had bought our first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and decided that we would try dog showing as our joint hobby. 'Katie' came from a top breeder so we mated her to the son of the Crufts Best in Show. It was an awful litter because we did not know enough about our chosen hobby. They were all too big!
Over the years we learned how to train, prepare and show a pedigree dog. We have been fairly successful, breeding a Champion Japanese Chin and winning hundreds of awards up to Challenge Certificate standard, and a Best in Show.
Along the way we have had so much love and affection from our dogs, including Murphy the King Charles Spaniel who sadly had to be put to sleep at only 7 years of age because of fits.
Over 20 are buried in our garden. Its so hard to say goodbye as anyone who has owned a dog will know.
Hobbies
With my love of dogs I became Secretary of a national Canine Society running Dog Shows whilst breeding the occasional litter of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and an exotic breed called Japanese Chin. My wife and I still have 5 dogs as companions, recently having had to give sleep to our dear Cavalier 'Tommy' who was a lovely dog and a successful show dog. As a Championship Judge I find myself travelling across Britain to judge at dog shows.
Latterly, my local canine society in Wiltshire needed help so I have taken on the responsibility of Secretary & Chairman, running shows and training dog handlers.
For nearly 50 years I have enjoyed playing golf – a good walk spoiled according to some – achieving a 4-handicap and becoming captain of Dorking Golf Club. I play the occasional game nowadays.
Charity work
One of my friends was diagnosed with Lymphoma so I started an Appeal Fund to help pay for his anti-cancer drugs. As Secretary I am delighted with the response to date which has raised over £4,500 now.
I collect for Remembrance Day in Fittleton Parish.
Parish Council
As a Parish Councillor for Fittleton I have a close relationship with the local rural community, also the neighbouring parishes through my work as a District Councillor.
Currently I have resumed as Chairman of the Parish Council.
We have new allotments, a Christmas street party, dog shows, Barn Dances & Feasts to help raise funds for charities and the village church.
District Council
First elected to the District Council in 1999. As the first United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) Councillor elected to Kennet DC I feel that I have a particular responsibility to report to the public on matters affecting our relationship with the European Union.
I discovered that our Council Tax was being sought by the South West Regional Assembly to pay for a staffed office in Brussels. By bringing a MOTION to council this was highlighted and stopped by the members.
However, I have been unable to stop your Council Tax being used to pay for the Secretariat staff of the Regional Assembly because the biggest political group at Kennet DC will not support me.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
UKIP have been holding interviews for a short list to attend 4 hustings meetings in Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset & Gloucestershire so that members can see and hear the 10 candidates. I have been chosen as one of the 10.
The members will vote on the 10 candidates to reduce the number to 6 who will appear of the Party List on 4 June 2009 when elections take place.
As far as we know our party is the only one to employ a democratic vote by the members.
