Bideford's new Mayor for 2010 is Councillor Philip Pester  who was born in Bideford at the Grenville Nursing Home in Meddon Street. 

Councillor Pester went to school at Church Infants followed by Church Juniors and then

Geneva secondary modern school.  At the age of 13, Phil took the 13 plus exam (and this was the

last year this exam was used) and subsequently went on to the Technical

College at Barnstaple.  When he left college he joined H Philips &

Son Plumbers of Bear Street in Barnstaple for a 5 year apprenticeship. 

During this time he worked hard and passed his City and Guilds with

distinction.  Phil left Philips to pursue a career in building

management in Somerset.  He returned to Bideford in 1968 and worked

with  Bideford Ship Yard from 1969 to 1979.  He has been in the

building trade until his retirement in 2008.

Phil

played in the Bideford Junior Town Band in the 1950's and then joined

Bideford Reds Rowing Club in the late 50s, winning the under 18s championship and novice championship.  He is a founder member of

Bideford's Male Voice Choir and is currently their Musical Director. 

Both Phil and his wife Pam served on the Bideford Committee of the

Macmillan Nurses for 10 years.  He has also been the Chairman of

Bideford Conservative Club for several years. 

Phil is a family man

with two children, Nik and Sally and also has three grandchildren. 

Phil says "my wife Pam has given me total support during my time as

Deputy Mayor and looks forward to an active role as Mayoress."

Text from Bideford Town Council website