Parish Councillors

David Griffin: Chair

David retired from the Police in 2015, after serving 30 years. He has planted a vineyard and set up a winery with a local farmer friend. He is a passionate advocate for local people and is keen to get the best possible local services for our rural community. In a first for our Parish Council, he championed a Parish Poll in 2022 on the proposed Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status for the Yorkshire Wolds. A large majority of residents opposed the inclusion of Thixendale, and this will be the Council’s position on the matter when formal consultation commences. David has been a co-opted governor at nearby Leavening Primary School since 2019, where he is the mathematics link governor. He is a keen motorcyclist & skier (having skied the valleys around Thixendale!) and enjoys walking and cycling in the area with his wife Lisa.

Charles Brader: Vice-Chair

Charles has lived all his life so far in Thixendale. He went to Thixendale primary school (now the Village Hall) and then attended Bridlington and Malton Grammar schools, followed by agricultural college. His family have farmed here since 1953, and Charles is passionate about the local landscape and environment. Formerly a Chairman of BATA. Charles is married with twin grown up daughters. Charles stands for old-fashioned values and respect.

Gerald Bainbridge: Clerk to the Parish

Previously a York resident but now living in the village since 2013. A retired Engineer and project manager who acts as secretary to the Parish Council. Gerald is also a Churchwarden for St Mary’s Thixendale. Gerald can be contacted on ~gbainbri2017~

Eileen Birrell

Eileen has lived in the area since 1993, about a mile out of Thixendale village on the Huggate side. Eileen worked for the NHS for over 30 years before moving into the area of complementary health 10 years ago. She was part of the group responsible for the restoration of the village hall to the excellent facility we have now. Eileen has helped, for many years, with the village hall teas on Sundays. She is newly responsible for the Parish Council’s finances.

Gordon McIlroy

Gordon has lived in the village since 1978. He worked as an engineer in the food industry, initially at Terrys in York but then travelling all over Europe. He took early retirement in 2006 and has since built his own house, Toad Hall. He was Clerk to the Parish council during the 1980’s and after retirement returned to the Council, serving as Chairman until 2022. Gordon is also a member of the Village Hall committee looking after the maintenance of the hall.

Carol Dixon

Carol has lived in the village since 2015. Prior to early retirement she worked as an executive in Higher Education for nearly 30 years and was an AUT (Association of University Teachers) union branch secretary and stand in chair. She feels privileged to live in Thixendale and believes strongly in local democracy and the involvement of all parish residents regardless of status or longevity.

Charlotte Brader

Born and brought up in Thixendale, I couldn’t resist the lure of moving “home” after getting married. Having had such a happy and free childhood, I wanted to be able to replicate that for my family and we had our two children here. I work in marketing in the horse racing industry as well as several years in the agricultural industry. I am passionate about the area in which we live, the unspoilt beauty of it but recognise the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. It is a privilege to sit on the Parish Council where my focus will be on maintaining everything that we love about the village, along with the needs of parishioners.