GARETH Jones is president of Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held for two and a half years. He is a director of the Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership and a director of marketing and communications consultancy Glennie McIntosh.
Born in Manchester of proud Welsh heritage, the 37-year-old is married to Helen and lives in Bradford on Avon. They moved to Wiltshire in 2005 having briefly lived in Somerset after moving to the area from Manchester. Mr Jones previously lived and worked in Devizes between 1992 and 1996. In his role as president of Chippenham Chamber of Commerce he has been instrumental in establishing the Chippenham 2020 Vision project, as well as representing the town's business interests in many areas of local government and community partnership.
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked him the question but you couldn't print the response!
Where would you recommend for a great day or evening out?
That would have to be the Barge Inn, Bradford on Avon. It's not the grandest of pubs but has a fantastic friendly atmosphere that we very much appreciated on first moving to the town, and still do. Besides Aussie landlord Alan makes the best cheeseburgers this side of the Great Dividing Range.
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What do you do for fun?
I'm an avid music fan and can happily sit for hours listening to my iPod on shuffle - my collection is pretty eclectic. I also love going to gigs and festivals. I'm often happiest under canvas.
Describe your most vivid dream.
Manchester City win the Premiership, FA Cup and European Cup in a single season, and retain them all the next, thereby surpassing the efforts of that bunch down the road.
Who in the public eye do you most respect and why?
Locally, the volunteers at VINE for PAT, Stepping Stones and the Amber Foundation - three charities that mine and other businesses are supporting through Business in the Community. These people are incredibly giving, truly inspirational and very much deserving of everyone's support.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I'd gone backpacking earlier in life. I travelled round China and Australia aged 29/30, and ever since I've craved the opportunity to take time out again and see more of the world. On Christmas Day I got an email from a friend who is currently in Bolivia having just travelled Peru - that nearly spoilt the turkey.
What is your favourite film or TV programme and why?
Have I Got News for You for satirical current affairs, Never Mind the Buzzcocks for music and laughter, and Tribe to satisfy my interest in different people, places and cultures.
What makes you sad?
I was shocked and saddened by a report from the World Heath Organisation, which stated that being overweight and obesity are now so common amongst the world's population that they are beginning to replace malnutrition and infectious disease as the most significant contributors to ill health. For me it really highlighted the huge gulf between the haves and have nots in the world.
Describe your perfect day.
Being woken by the sunrise in a tent by the lakeshore, then hanging-out in the warmth, chatting with friends, dancing to music, drinking cold beer - and hearing the football results say that Man City have beaten their red neighbours to secure the first of the above treble.
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