Sam has lived in Lancaster for almost twenty years, and during that period spent more than 15 years living in Bulk ward.
Sam works for the Regional Heritage Centre at Lancaster University, arranging public events focused on the history and culture of the North West as well as getting involved in community heritage projects and working with a range of museums, archives and similar organisations around the region to give students work experience in the heritage sector.
Outside her paid work Sam volunteers as a trustee for Lancaster and District Community and Voluntary Solutions, sits on the committee of Friends of Lancashire Archives and also gives her time as a room steward at the Judges’ Lodgings.
Sam has served in many roles in the Green Party, including Chair of the North West Green Party, and as a member of the Green Party’s national executive committee. She served as the County Councillor for Lancaster East, the division which includes Bulk, from 2009 to 2013. She was elected to represent Bulk Ward on Lancaster City Council in 2023.
Cllr Riches can be contacted at sam_riches@hotmail.co.uk