Val grew up and went to school in Hendon, and later moved to Mill Hill where she married and brought up her son and daughter. After many years spent teaching, Val finally found the time to get more involved in politics and joined the Hendon Conservative Association officer team spending four years as chairman and now serves as Association President. Val was elected as a Mill Hill councillor in 2014, 2018 and again in 2022.  She very much enjoys being part of the Mill Hill community and is a member of the Mill Hill Community Group, the Mill Hill Preservation Society, the Friends of Mill Hill Park, the Mill Hill Historical Society, the Copthall Community Sports Group and is a Trustee of the Darlands Charity.