Councillor David Hancock

I grew up in Walsden attending the Walsden Primary School, Cubs and Scouts where I made lifelong friends. At weekends I worked delivering milk and papers around the village.

Having been a pupil at Todmorden High School since when it first opened, I left at 16 to join IJLB (Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion) in Kent as I wanted to serve my country in Her Majesties Forces. Having been promoted to the rank of Corporal I passed out into the regular Army joining 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. During my service I was posted to Berlin in then West Germany where I guarded the infamous Rudolf Hess at Spandau prison.

My time in the forces fulfilled my desire to help others and also developed discipline, responsibility, leadership skills and the ability to prioritise as well as react well under intense pressure.

After leaving the forces I worked in various roles including running my own business, events management, licensee, publisher/editor, offshore wind farm maintenance and Social Housing. I was privileged to develop my hobby as a musician and songwriter recording two albums and touring the UK and Europe. I also utilised my skills by setting up a community group to inspire performance and creativity in South Yorkshire whilst living there.

In 2017 my father became ill and I came back to Walsden to provide his care and reconnected with friends locally. I began to volunteer in community advocacy and this led me to hear of local peoples frustrations with issues in the area.

I intend to utilise all my life experiences, organisation skills creativity and problem-solving skills whilst enjoying the most important part of being a councillor. The people.