Meet The Conservators

David Devons - Chairman (Elected)

A Parkside resident for 33 years and Commons Conservator since 1994, David walks his dog on the Common every day. David developed his love of the countryside walking in the Lake District and in the Alps. Founder member and Secretary of the Victoria Drive Conservation Area Residents' Association. Member of the Putney Society, the National Trust and a Wandsworth Tree Warden. A keen cyclist and member of the London Cycling Campaign. Now retired, David's previous life as a Patent Agent and his scientific and legal training has enabled him to provide a valuable contribution to the vital issues affecting the Commons.

Diana De Coverly Veale (Elected)

I have lived by Putney Common since 1989 and for the last two years have been Hon Secretary for the Putney Society. Every day I walk my dog on the Common and cycle everywhere locally. I value the Commons highly. How increasingly precious these green spaces are in the midst of our stressful lives - such a contrast between their calming ambience and the busy, vibrant town. In the past, having attained a National Diploma at agricultural college, my husband and I farmed in Wiltshire for 25 years. We raised four children, I became a Parish Councillor and helped organise the Wilton Branch of the Pony Club. Since I last stood for Conservator three years ago (missing the opportunity by a narrow margin) I have attended each of the Conservators' monthly meetings to keep abreast of events. The pressures on our Commons are numerous and I should like to help preserve them for the future.

John Horrocks (Elected)

A Putney resident since 1953, John now lives in Roehampton Village and has been a Conservator since 1982 and was Chairman from 1997 to 2000. A graduate in Estate Management, John recently retired after a long career as a Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Town Planner. John has been an executive member of the Putney Society since 1968 and is also a member of Wandsworth Council's Conservation Areas Advisory Committee as well as being trained as a Tree Warden.

Norman Plastow (Elected)

Having been born and educated in Wimbledon, Norman has now retired from his architectural practice and spends a large part of his time running the Windmill Museum on Wimbledon Common. He is president of the Wimbledon Society and local representative of the Surrey Archaeological Society and has been a Commons Conservator since 1979 during which time he has gained knowledge of management and conservation.

Andrew Simon (Elected)

Retired Solicitor living in Wimbledon and previously in Putney for 30 years. I have walked, run and watched birds on the Commons in all seasons and weathers. The Commons face more challenges now than for many years past. My legal experience and background with charities and in business would assist in confronting these issues. I am a trustee of several charities, a member of the Putney Society's Executive Committee and of many other bodies in Wimbledon and Putney and elsewhere in London. I am also a steward at the Windmill Museum. I want the Commons kept independent, free of party political control, and open to the widest balance of recreational uses. We must safeguard the abundant flora and wildlife for future generations to enjoy, as we and earlier generations have done.

 

Ms Pauline Brueseke (Appointed by the Office of the Lord Chancellor)

Pauline Brueseke has lived in the levy area of Roehampton for over 25 years and was appointed a Conservator by the Home Secretary in April 1999. She was an elected Member of Wandsworth COuncil from 1994 to 1998 and has served on the Technical Services, Planning and Housing Committees; Pauline also works with the Putney Partnership, Wandsworth Volunteer Bureau and Wandsworth Women's Aid. Pauline was for many years a local authority school governor and is currently secretary of her residents' association, on the Board of the Roehampton Forum and a member of the Bank of England Sports Cub.

 

Sir Robert Andrew (Appointed by the Secretary of State for Defence)

Sir Robert has lived on or near Wimbledon Common for most of his life and has been a Conservator since 1973. He had a distinguished career in the Civil Service, rising to be a Permanent Secretary, and his experience of financial and personnel management, together with his knowledge of Whitehall, have proved valuable to the Board. Since retiring from the Civil Service he has been active in the charity world and in education.

Mrs Una Sutcliffe (Appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment)

Una Sutcliffe has lived within the levy area of the Commons for 37 years and was appointed a Conservator by the Secretary of State for the Environment in 1998. She studied Ecology and Conservation at Birkbeck College, University of London, as a mature student and obtained a Diploma and later a MSc in Natural Environments and Plant Growth. Her thesis was a study of plant assemblages in relation to the hydrology of Farm Bog on Wimbledon Common. Over the years she has worked as a part-time tutor in Ecology for Birkbeck College and has organised many field visits. She co-edited with Tony Drakeford a book entitled Wimbledon Common & Putney Heath - A Natural History, published by WPCC in 2000. Her interest is particularly in matters of nature conservation.