Introducing the 2022 Committee
The members of The Bayle Residents’ Association committee are listed below.
The group meets up on the last Friday 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
Dean is a local businessman with his heart in the community.
His passions include MG sports cars, heritage & architecture, having spent a number of years in the construction industry
His family manages the Folkestone Rocks shop at the top of the Old High Street.
Carl Mehta: Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and past Chair
I moved to Folkestone in September 2019 from London where I had lived and worked almost all my life. I was a police officer for over thirty-three years in London and retired at the end of 2015 as a Detective Superintendent and deputy head of New Scotland Yard’s, Homicide and Major Crime Command.
Following retirement, I worked for the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the regulator for charities, as their head of investigations, enforcement and engagement for nearly two years. I left the Commission to take some time out, travel and pursue hobbies as well as spent time in my home in France, trying desperately to improve my French. Having always dreamed of living by the sea, but with no prior connection to Folkestone, I explored a few places along this part of the coast and by chance found a flat near The Bayle, which blew me away! To be in the heart of this most historic part of town, with a strong and vibrant community who have welcomed me, has made it a joy to be here and start my new life. Keen to join the Association to preserve and improve the quality of life and beauty of the area, I was privileged enough to be elected as the Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, perhaps bringing some of my past experience to benefit the community.
Our other committee members:
Ann-Charlotte Jonsson
I realised my dream of returning to live by the seaside after a period of commuting from Surrey, and settled here permanently in November 2016. 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 am now fully dedicated to enjoying life here on The Bayle, with the aim of contributing to making it “a better place to live and work”. The value of living in this unique community soon became apparent: people connect in a very unusual way, so that living here is almost like being part of a family. People look out for their neighbours and help each other without hesitation. How I can personally make a difference is something I always ask myself, when considering how I can best support my friends and our community.
Jon Inglis
Pen portrait and photograph to follow shortly!
Marian Walters
Pen portrait and photograph to follow shortly!