Pip Ridout
Welcome to my new website!
This is the website of Philippa (PIP) Jane RIDOUT, Town and Unitary Councillor for Warminster West and currently Mayor of Warminster 2011-2012.
Born in Dorset, educated in Bristol, I have lived in Wiltshire for nearly 50 years the last 40 in the lovely market town of Warminster.
I began my working life as a librarian for Bristol Corporation, then moved to Wiltshire and worked in the Finance Dept at County Hall before having my 2 sons then as a Librarian at Matravers School in Westbury whilst they were growing up. During these years I did my bit on various committees connected with my childrens lives and activities like Cubs/Scouts,Sports Clubs and P.T.A’s (as not eligible to be a governor).
As soon as I left Matravers I was accepted as a Governor of the Minster Scool in Warminster on which I have now served for over 20 years. By then I was working as a Payroll Manager and Credit Manager for Unigate at Wincanton Bodyworks and St Ivel later ULN at Westbury.
In 1991 I joined the Shaw Trust firstly as Credit Manager then as UK Projects Manager finishing up as deputy Finance Director by the time I retired in 2004. This was a very exciting and fulfilling job as I travelled the UK getting the funding and setting up projects for the disabled and disadvantaged and organising training and employment opportunities.
During this time I was also heavily involved with many local groups and organisations like the Christmas Lights and Youth Club
In 2005 after 6 months of retirement I successfully stood for the District council for Warminster West and in 2007 retained that seat and also was elected to the Town Council.
I was a board member of Selwood Housing also I was vice chair of the District Council serving on many committees but this was
disbanded in 2009 when the new Unitary council was formed but again was able to take that seat as well to represent Warminster West. I moved my elderly parents here in 2002 and cared for them until their deaths in 2006 and 2009.
I have 2 sons, Richard who is 42 and a graduate working in the food industry and a younger son who is 40 who has mental health problems as a result of abusing cannabis in his teens.
My husband works as a relief driver for the library service.