Councillor David Watkins
Councillor Watkins was born in Egham, Surrey, the eldest of three children. He left school at 15 with no qualifications and became an apprentice electrician for two years.
At 18 he travelled to Southern Rhodesia as a member of the British South African Mounted Police. Invalided home after serious a horse-riding accident, he went into the menswear industry, first as a shop assistant and then as a sales representative for Wolsey. He worked for other menswear manufacturers and then in the early 70’s took a change of career. He became a publican in Northamptonshire and then an hotelier in Nantwich, Cheshire.
In 1977 he returned south to the menswear industry, working for several companies, first as sales manager and then finally as Sales Director of a large international company. In 1993 he was elected to Hertfordshire County Council. During this time he chaired numerous committees and was Vice-Chair of the Hertfordshire Police Authority for 3 years. He was Chair and founder member of Herts Aid, a charity and voluntary organisation funded by Herts County Council and the Health Authority to provide emotional and practical support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Councillor Watkins has a son and daughter from his first marriage and two teenage grandchildren. In 1994 he married Sheila Levenson after 13 years together. He moved to Hove in 1997 and became involved with local groups, including Brighton & Hove CAB (Vice-Chair). He was elected to Brighton & Hove Council in 1999, representing the Brunswick and Adelaide ward for the Liberal Democrats. In addition to his current committee responsibilities he sits on the management committees of Brunswick Older People’s Project, Cornerstone Community Centre, the Bluebird Society and Age Concern. He is an accredited member to sit on panels concerning sensitive issues.
Councillor Watkins enjoys sea-fishing from the beach or sea-wall, but reports little success. He is also keen on jazz and has played bongos in Silver Sounds, the famous local over-60s drumming group.