Published: Monday, 19th May 2025
Cllr Lynda Harrison, a local Scout leader for more than three decades, is Sevenoaks District Council’s new Chairman.
Lynda has previously been a leader at the 1st Kingsdown Scouts in her home village with generations of young people passing through the group.
In 2023, Lynda attended the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea after she was selected as one of 12 leaders to represent Kent and UK Scouting.
Lynda says: “Representing Kent and UK scouting at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea was my greatest honour. I took more than one hundred Scouts and we joined around 43,000 participants from 158 countries. It was an event that made headlines for monsoons, a Typhoon, and an extreme heatwave. But the 'be prepared' Scout motto meant we were ready for every eventuality! We made sure we still had fun and enjoyed the trip of a lifetime."
Lynda has spent her entire life living in Bromley and Kent, including the past 28 years in West Kingsdown.
She first qualified as a nursery nurse, working in a special baby care unit before supporting deaf and hearing-impaired children, then working at a GP surgery.
Later she became the Clerk for West Kingsdown Parish Council, a job she held for 18 years while bringing up her family.
Lynda now works for The Community Cupboard, a food bank and support hub based in West Kingsdown, which she thoroughly enjoys.
Lynda says: “I am so excited to be the new Chairman. Along with my daughter, Cllr Emily Bulford as my consort, we cannot wait to meet many more residents and be part of their communities, representing and promoting our amazing District.”
Lynda has chosen to support two Chairman’s charities this year, ‘Head in the Game’ and ‘Friends for families’.
“Head in the Game is a Kent-based charity that improves mental health and suicide prevention through sport,” says Lynda. “My sons all play Rugby and I know how sport and support not only physical fitness but mental wellbeing too.”
“Friends for families is small charity run entirely by volunteers, supporting local families facing financial hardship. They make sure children have access to essential items, like food, beds and bedding, clothing, and transport.”
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many, amazing families, but I know anyone can fall on hard times,” adds Lynda. “During my year as the Chairman, I want to raise the profile and support these two remarkable charities that do so much for families and individuals who need a helping-hand.”
Lynda has four grown-up children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, Lynda is a member of the Royal British Legion, enjoys gardening and belongs to ‘Show of hands’, a British sign language choir, performing at local concerts and fetes. Living on the doorstep of Brands Hatch, she is also a fan of motorsport.
Lynda welcomes invitations to community events. To invite her, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/chairman or call 01732 227247.
You can also follow Lynda on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sdcchairman.
Cllr Lynda Harrison became Chairman on Thursday 15 May 2025.
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