Deputy Mayor's Biography

Brian Axcell: Biographical Details

Background
Born and brought up in Chelmsford, Essex
Has lived in the Northwest of England since 1969 (Chester 1969 – 1975, Appleton since 1975)

Education
Attended state schools in Chelmsford
Studied Engineering at Lincoln College, Oxford 1966 - 1969
Carried out research for an MSc and a PhD at Manchester University 1971 – 1975
Qualifications: MA, MSc, PhD, CEng, MINucE, MEI.

Profession and Employment
Profession: Chartered Engineer, Member of the Institution of Nuclear Engineers and the Energy Institute and registered as a European Engineer (Eur. Ing.)
Employment: (i) British Nuclear Fuels Limited, Capenhurst 1969 – 1971
(ii) United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Risley and Culcheth 1975 – 1984
(iii) Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Manchester University from 1985 until taking early retirement in 2007

Political Life
Joined Liberal Party in 1983
Parish Councillor in Appleton since 1990 (twice Chairman and currently Vice-Chairman)
Borough Councillor for Appleton since 1991
Member of Executive Board 2006 – 2008
Council representative on Cheshire Community Council, Bridgewater Canal Trust, Warrington Youth Orchestra

Other activities
Boys’ Brigade Leader for 15 years
Currently organist and treasurer at Latchford Baptist Church, Loushers Lane

Family
Two grown up children, Catherine (Maths teacher), Stephen (Chartered Accountant), who both attended local schools before going to Oxford, and who both were members of the Warrington Youth Orchestra.
Married to Irina, a retired research scientist in the field of Agricultural Meteorology, who also holds a PhD (obtained from the Leningrad Technical University).
Irina is a volunteer at a charity shop in Stockton Heath and she also helps to organise a gardening club for retired people.

Interests
Music, walking in the countryside, swimming, travel

BPA
19th May 2008