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David Tipping is a Conservative Member and a Cobham and Downside Ward Councillor.

I was born in Painswick, Gloucestershire in 1940, and following my early education moved with my parents to the Midlands. My first job was in engineering, but at the age of 21 I decided on a career change and took a job with the YMCA, working in Derby, Worcester, Bolton, where I met my future wife. Following our marriage we moved to Neath in South Wales to take charge of the YMCA there. After eleven years of working with young people I decided on another career change and moved my family to Nottinghamshire where I became the General Secretary of Age Concern Nottinghamshire. Then in 1975 we moved to Elmbridge where I took up the post of Head of Community Services. My main task during my time with Elmbridge was to develop the Meals on Wheels service, Day Centres, Community Transport, Visiting Services, Community Alarms, and Relief Care. This period of time as an Officer was very rewarding as it was a period of growth and development, and gave us much of what we have today as part of the services provided to the elderly of the Borough. After 20 years with the Council I decided to take early retirement in 1995.

I didn't entirely give up work as I took a part-time job with the RHS working in the Plant Centre at Wisley Gardens, which I did for 5 years. At present I work part-time at the Walton Health Centre - not as a GP! - but what can best be described as a "Man Friday", doing the jobs that no-one else wants! I meet a lot of people and as always listen to their concerns about the weather, Council Tax, rubbish collections, the traffic, the family and many other topics, and in between I try to do the job I am paid for, giving support to key staff.

Being a Councillor means listening, and when necessary taking action on matters of concern.