Olwen Gray

My name is Olwen Gray and I was born in 1949 in the prefabs, I then moved to Haswell Plough at the age of one and a half years and went on to attend AJ Dawson Grammar School.  I moved to Haswell in 1972 and feel very passionate about The Haswells, my home.  Throughout my life I have always been an active member of the community including being a school governor and chair and committee member of Haswell Community Centre for 12 years.  I am an ex member of the Labour Party, an active TUC member and the former convenor of Walkers Crisps for 15 years. These roles developed my skills and gave me the courage to speak up for what is right. I am retired now but feel like I still have a lot to give to see our villages restored to what they used to be with a vibrant community spirit.  Over the last 12 weeks I have been surrounded by a small group of very passionate people, all standing to represent the people of The Haswells on May 4th.  The young people are so energised and organised, it is a very exciting time and brings back so many memories of my younger days.