Oli Lanestead
Founding member
I’m an engineer working on fusion energy, and a dad to three young children, so much of my life happens between the school run, Blenheim park and the town’s coffee shops. We live in old Woodstock, a part of town that too often feels unrepresented. I helped run the bar and keep the accounts for Woodstock Live for two years, and I started the town’s Wednesday night chess club. At work I’ve built teams from scratch and chaired plenty of working groups. The one thing I’d most like to see is a safe walking route — ideally a footbridge across the Glyme — so people on this side of town can reach the school on foot.
Chris Coe
Founding member
My background is in commercial and not-for-profit leadership. Here in Woodstock I was a Trustee and Treasurer for Plunkett UK, the charity that helps communities run their own businesses — like the White House in Bladon and the reopening of the town’s old Social Club. I volunteer at the John Radcliffe, and Trudy and I support many of the town’s clubs and societies. Before Woodstock we lived in Upper Heyford for 25 years, doing everything from litter picks to organising village parties — if something needs doing, I usually know someone who’ll help. What I’d most like is for our Council to focus on the community itself — services and projects residents can see and benefit from.
Sam Dawson
Founding member
I run a small business development consultancy part-time and spend the rest of my time volunteering and travelling. I live on Park View, where I chair the Residents Group, and I’m a Parish Councillor for neighbouring Shipton-on-Cherwell & Thrupp; through these roles, I’ve built connections with Blenheim, Pye and the district and county councils. I spent my career as a Sales & Marketing Director for big, international businesses, launching new products, running teams and managing budgets and stakeholders. What I care about most is the culture of the Town Council: it should listen, welcome ideas and offers of help from the community, and be open about what it can and can’t do.
Harry Moseley
Founding member
I’m a design engineer by trade, which mostly means solving problems and getting to the root of why something isn’t working. Outside work I chair Woodstock Live and I’m a partner in a local event management company, so organising things — from small gatherings to big music events — is second nature. I live on Oxford Street, and between working at the King’s Arms and running Woodstock Live, I’ve got to know a good chunk of the town. What bothers me most is seeing Woodstock looking tired — the cleanliness, and the water meadows especially. I’d like to help the town take pride in itself again.
