Meet The Team
Sharon Smith - Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer
Sharon brings years of experience working for local Parish Councils. Prior to this, she worked in finance as a Compliance and Risk Officer both onshore and offshore. Sharon read BA (Hons) Commerce at university, is a Member of the Securities and Investment Institute, and is a Chartered Company Secretary. Sharon joined the Town Council in 2022, and is responsible for corporate governance and finance. She resides in the IP17 postcode district and is Clerk to the Town Council, Resources Committee and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.
Lisa Hamon - Deputy Town Clerk
Lisa joined the team in 2024 and lives locally in Framlingham. She obtained a BA Hons in Languages and International Business before going on to work in private sector commercial roles. Following this, she set up her own business helping companies in the private and public sector with business development, finance and operations.
Within her role for the Council, Lisa is responsible for administering our two Charitable Trusts and supporting the Community Officer with event planning. She is also Clerk to the Amenities and Services Committee.
Michelle Allen - Assistant Town Clerk
Michelle is a Saxmundham resident and joined the team in 2023, with a background in science, finance and work in the charity sector. She has spent a large part of her career in educational settings working as a Science Technician and was Treasurer of a local charity for 12 years.
Michelle takes care of health and safety matters, finance administration and manages bookings for the Market Hall. She is also Clerk to the Planning and Development Control Committee.
Colin Hathway -
Caretaker
Colin joined the Town Council in 2022 and lives in Woodbridge. His works includes maintaining Council buildings, including the Gannon Institute, Market Hall and the Town House. He also carries out emergency repairs of Council property and maintains safety of Council assets within the town. Colin has a background of maintenance, estates and facilities work, including working with NHS Trusts and Leisure Centres and various commercial properties.
Email: caretaker@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk
Amy Rayner -
Environment Co-ordinator
Amy is a Saxmundham resident and joined the Town Council in 2021 and brings a wealth of horticultural expertise after working at RHS Wisley. Amy has a passion for improving environmental sustainability and biodiversity and is advising the Council on improving their land management within the Town. Amy organises the Saxmundham Green Team who undertake fortnightly conservation and gardening projects in the Town.
Jess Palmer - Community Officer
Jess is a Saxmundham resident joined the Town Council in 2022 and takes care of communications, promotions and events. After working as a lead English Teacher, she moved into copywriting and now runs her own communications business when not working at the Council. Jess’ focus is to promote Saxmundham, local events and businesses as well as maintaining good communication between the Council and local residents. She is also Clerk to the Events and Communications Committee.
