Meet The Team

Sharon Smith - Acting 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 has been the RFO at the Town Council since August 2022 and, upon the resignation of the Town Clerk, Sharon was appointed the Acting Town Clerk in July 2023.
Email: townclerk@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk and finance@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk.

Jen Morcom - Assistant Town Clerk
Jen joined the Town Council in 2018 after working in local government and the voluntary sector for many years. Her last role was as CEO of a disability charity and prior to this worked in a number of housing roles including managing Ipswich Borough Council’s housing policy and strategy teams. Jen is the Clerk to the Planning Committee and manages the bookings for the Market Hall.

Jess Palmer - Town Centre Coordinator
Jess 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.

Colin Hathway -
Caretaker
Colin joined the Town Council in 2022 as our Caretaker. 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 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.

Michael Light -
Town Centre Co-ordinator
Michael joined the Town Council in 2022 and is a local businessman with a presence on our High Street. Michael organises and operates our successful Saturday markets held in the Market Hall and Fromus Square.
When not at work at the Town Council or his High Street gallery, Michael enjoys playing bowls and walking with his spaniel, George.