1 September 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

The latest in our series of biographies introducing the council members elected last May features Cllr Jackie Beckford.

JACKIE has lived in East Grinstead for more than eight years having moved here from Canada.

Originally from London, Jackie is a post-graduate of the city’s South Bank University and a qualified sports practitioner. She has played and coached netball at a very high standard and is an ex-athlete and very keen sportswoman.

She has many years’ experience as a volunteer at the Queen Victoria Hospital, the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group, the East Grinstead & District Credit Union and various other local organisations.

Previously, Jackie worked for the Civil Service and then moved into the legal profession for 17 years, covering all aspects of law.

Renowned for being very active in her local community, Jackie has a passion for seeing lives transformed. She always has a positive outlook on life, has led many motivational seminars and is a trained personal coach.

Jackie has sound knowledge and expertise within the voluntary sector having worked for West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service, during which time she successfully organised three youth events. She also led a hugely successful young people’s event at Chequer Mead theatre.

Jackie strongly believes that we all have a responsibility to create an environment conducive to integration, respect and friendship within our communities.