From Yorkshire Ripper protests to breast cancer and localism, new councillor says Lancaster people and politics have brought her new hope
Recently-elected Green Party councillor Sally Maddocks says Lancaster people and politics have ‘saved her’, providing new hope and opportunity after undergoing breast cancer treatment and experiencing upheaval in previous jobs. Coun Maddocks has made her debut speeches at Lancaster City Council meetings over the summer and is relishing this new chapter in her life.
Regarding lighter topics, Sally highlights her ongoing love for the Lancaster district and its people, her belief in local action and solutions, and reveals some of her favourite cafes, bars and music. Student years at Lancaster University Sally first arrived in Lancaster as a student on an English literature and psychology course at Lancaster University.
She said: “During the Yorkshire Ripper era, we were genuinely quite scared. As students, we often drank in the Ring O’ Bells pub in Lancaster city centre. At the time, there were suggestions about curfews for women at night. However, we asked why women should have to stay in at night. Why not men? The campaign was about reclaiming the night.
Working life Sally Maddocks’ first job in Lancaster was in a Penny Street jewellery shop for £52 a week. But she was not a good salesperson, she confessed.One day, she said shop staff heard lots of popping and banging. A fire had broken out and they evacuated the building. Thankfully, nobody was injured and her wages were paid by a body called the Workers’ Education Association while the bookshop was rebuilt.
Then she worked for Ncompass North West. It is a charity which provides services to support vulnerable adults and young people, carers and organisations. It works with bodies including local councils and with projects such as social prescribing. “I was bit lost for a while, to be honest. I don’t have any children of my own but I looked after my step-grandson and I did a few other things. But I did feel a bit lost about my own direction.
“I tried being a medical secretary in a hospital but there was too much hierarchy in that world. I was perplexed because I couldn’t say certain things because I was not at the ‘right grade’. It didn’t suit me. However, doing work with the council did suit me.” ‘Community focus and local solutions’ On political party loyalties, Sally said: “I joined the Green Party a few years ago, mainly because of their community focus. But I also read about climate change. It seemed so overwhelming. But then I thought we could do things, bit by bit. The Greens have a good mix of big, strategic thinkers and other community-based people. It’s a really good group at Lancaster City Council and I’ve learned a lot.
Sally added: “What sort of world is it where we have got to choose between the basics of eating, being healthy, having shelter and meeting other needs? The only way to deal with the issues is to live in a more co-operative way locally.”
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