Introducing the 2025 Committee
Introducing the members of The Bayle Residents’ Association committee. The group meets on the last Friday of each month. Our aim is simply to keep everyone posted on local activities, events and developments. Hopefully, we can help to spread a little bit of community spirit and make it even more pleasant to work or live in The Bayle.
Do let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions!
Dean Richardson: Chair
I have recently retired from 40 years of working in the construction industry where I have worked on a variety of projects over those years. Royal Palaces, one off high end houses, west end corporate offices, Marks & Spencer’s and Lidl stores to name but a few.
For 12 years I was employed by a company that was by Royal Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen and have been involved in projects at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St. James’s Palace, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and a couple of Wren Churches.
I think that this is where I found my love of refurbishing and looking after historic buildings. I own an MGB and have belonged to The Ashford & Faversham MGOC since 1990. I am, for my sins, a Chelsea season ticket holder and go to as many home games as I can. My family moved to Folkestone in 2020 from a small village in the depths of Kent but my wife and daughter already had a shop on the old high street for some years so we felt part of the community already.
I’m passionate about our local community and really enjoy working with the Bayle Residents and will do all that I can to make The Bayle a great place to live, work and play
Marian Walters: Secretary
I have lived and been part of The Bayle for nearly 50 years. It’s so great to be part of a caring and vibrant community that are there to support and listen to individual needs. Over the decades, I have seen countless acts of kindness and witnessed the incredible resilience and unity that defines our neighborhood. Whether it’s organizing local events, providing assistance during times of crisis, or simply sharing a friendly chat on a sunny afternoon, the spirit of The Bayle is truly unmatched. I never want to leave!!
Hasu Patel: Treasurer
My family and I moved to Folkestone in 2019 from Prague. I worked for a Retail company in the IT Management for 34 years and retired in 2008.
I am temporarily looking after the community finance until we find a permanent position. I also enjoy helping out with Green Bayle activities.
Ann Hawkins: Neighbourhood Watch
Ann Hawkins, who spent her childhood in Folkestone and Sydney, Australia, returned to attend Harcourt Secondary School. Her career includes positions at Dormobile and Abbey National, where she served as a manager. She also pursued management and human resources studies with the Open University for three years. Since marrying Barry, she has resided locally, moving to Glendale on The Bayle in 2023. She appreciates the strong community spirit and is eager to contribute to the Bayle Residents’ Committee.
Our other committee members:
Ann-Charlotte Jonsson
I originally come from Sweden where I worked in retail and teaching. Here in England I spent 26 years working in the commercial sector of the pharmaceutical industry. I moved to Folkestone in 2016 and I soon realised what a unique place The Bayle is. People connect and look out for their neighbours in a very unusual way, living here is almost like being part of a family.
I am heading up the Bayle in Bloom team and we are responsible for keeping The Bayle in Beautiful Bloom all year around. Together we plant and maintain The Parade Garden and the 2 planters on The Parade Steps, most window boxes in the area, the Bumblebee Bike and a multitude of pots and hanging baskets in a variety of locations on The Bayle – from the Baptist Church to The St Eanswythe School. This is complemented by the pavement planting in front of our house
I share my life with Chris, a key member of the Watering Team, and Rocky, the cheeky Schnauzer that always makes sure he is heard.
Ann Gaston
I was born in Cheriton & have lived between Lydd & Capel-le-Ferne(with a brief 6 years in Brighton) all my life. My parents were Folkestonians & my father insisted that I learn to type ….. which I did. I worked in offices in my younger days, & retail in latter years. Following a Stroke in 2019, I retired, moved into Glendale with my partner, Colin, & am happily involved with the Bayle Residents Committee.