Steve is a notable figure in Bognor Regis, known for his long-standing involvement in local politics and community initiatives.
Steve is happily retired after careers in commerce and local politics.
Interests include art, culture and community engagement.
Steve is also a member of the BRAIN Steering Group.
He has served as a town councillor for Bognor Regis Town Council since at least 2015 and was the Mayor of Bognor Regis from 2021 to 2022. During his tenure as mayor, he focused on supporting local charities like Rox Music and Arts, which he co-founded, and HFT, an organization aiding people with learning disabilities. His time as mayor was delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he served as deputy mayor before officially taking the role.
Beyond politics, Steve is a passionate advocate for the arts and community regeneration. He co-founded the Rox Music and Arts Festival in 1990 with Terry Slade, turning a spontaneous seafront concert into a major free festival that’s become a cornerstone of Bognor’s cultural scene. His efforts have also extended to environmental projects, like helping launch a digital “green map” for Arun District, and supporting the revitalization of the local fishing community alongside the Bognor Fishermen’s Association.
A cancer survivor, having overcome throat cancer, Steve’s personal resilience mirrors his commitment to his town. He’s been vocal about improving Bognor Regis, from pushing for visually exciting seafront developments to inspiring others—like his late friend, Councillor Jim Brooks—to join local governance. His influence is felt across the town’s music, environmental, and civic landscapes, making him a well-recognized and respected local personality.
In his own words...
In the 1980s I started a community pressure group ‘BEAM’ - Bognor’s Environmental & Amenities Movement, with Laurie Barnes and other like-minded neighbours and friends.
I joined the Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce in 1980 and served as chairman & then president of the chamber.
During the past 30 years, I have attended council meetings purely as an interested resident. Then, finally, in May 2015, after standing for election on four occasions, I was elected as an independent town councillor for the Hotham ward. A very proud moment.
In 1990 a friend, Terry Slade, and I began the fledgling Rox on the Prom free music festival. Incredibly, this means that 2017 will see the 27th Rox festival - a fact that I find hard to believe!
The festival has grown enormously over the years under my direction and with the co-operation of a core group of regular volunteers supplemented by extra ones every year.
In 1999, we gained charity status which has enabled us to apply for more funding to help grow the event. Apart from creating a large, professional venue on which local acts can perform every year, our ultimate goal has always been to create a permanent venue of quality and capacity so that Bognor Regis can host national and even international acts.
There is still much work to be done to achieve this which is one of the reasons I began thinking about the regeneration of Bognor. More about that later.
The possibility of National Lottery funding for a millennium project for Bognor Regis instigated a joint effort between myself and the local cartoonist, Mike Jupp.
I came up with the idea for a completely new pier for Bognor, Mike drew up some impressive plans and we gained a huge amount of support only to fail in the penultimate round of funding.
Another early attempt to jumpstart Bognor’s regeneration.
2013 was the year when I began to think more deeply about the regeneration of Bognor. I began to sketch out ideas to rejuvenate the seafront along with another friend, Sean Maginnis, a successful local businessman. Using contacts, we met up with Paul Newman of Juice Architects who became fired up with our enthusiasm and turned our fantastic ideas into stunning yet realistic plans.
We are still currently working with many partners including ADC and potential funders who are willing to back our 4BR Bognor regeneration project at a cost of £80 million.