DAVE CLARKE, the newly elected Green Party councillor for Thames Ward, is a doctor by profession, working as an A&E consultant at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH). After growing up in the Midlands, he did all his medical training in the northwest. He took a post at the RBH as the family was keen to move further south to be nearer their parents. They have both since followed Dave to the Reading area. After working abroad in his early career, Dave has retained his interest in global health and works for UK Med, a frontline medical aid charity working in disaster areas, including Ukraine in April 2022.
Dave first became a member of the Green Party about seven years ago because he felt environmental issues were underrepresented in politics. A conversation about a year ago led to him being listed as a potential candidate to stand as a councillor in Reading. He was keen to do something different and, with the support of the hospital, he agreed to stand.
He sees many synergies between his work in A&E and as a councillor, with similar skills being valuable. Thames Ward is very diverse, with very different populations in different areas of the ward. Dave particularly enjoys the personal contacts he makes and would like to see more councillors working together.
How long have you lived in RG4?
We moved to Caversham in 2014 soon after I started work at the RBH. We first discovered the area because it was recommended by colleagues when we were house hunting. I also wanted to be able to cycle to work and we have lived off the Henley Road ever since.
Where are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in our area?
I am a big fan of La Bella Café, and our family enjoys a walk out to the Crown at Playhatch for a meal.
How do you think we can be eco-friendlier here?
We do the basics quite well as individuals, but this can only get us so far. It is necessary for institutions to be more proactive – the role of the council in providing services is pivotal in getting us to be as green as possible.
How would you strengthen our sense of community?
More local neighbourhood communities building up, such as the Belltower Community or the residents of Heron’s Island, where volunteers work together to improve their areas.
If you could bring anything here, such as an event, experience or a shop, what would it be?
I would like to see local buildings that have fallen into disuse or disrepair restored, such as Pipers Island or the Pavillion, giving them a new lease of life for the community.
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