Introducing the 2024 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
Christine Andrews: Secretary
I was born in Folkestone and I went away to university to obtain a teaching degree. I joined South Yorkshire Police and within a short span of time I was injured on duty and unfortunately due to complex injuries I was medically discharged. The injuries I sustained enabled me to have a greater understanding of hidden disabilities. I have taught in key stages 1-5 inclusive teaching a variety of subjects for over twenty years mainly teaching Complex Special Needs students. I am now semi-retired working part-time in a local school. I have also been an instructor/ officer with Kent Army Cadet Force where I spent most of my time on the adventure training team. I moved back to Kent a couple of years ago and decided I wanted to reside in the Bayle as it has its own uniqueness and close-knit community. I recently joined the Bayle Resident Association and I am the committee secretary.
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.
Mark Andrews: Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
I was born in Guyana and moved to England when I left school. I joined the Met police, and due to injuries I received in a motorcycle accident, I retired early in my career. I then joined my brother’s fledgling photographic business – between us, we built a very successful company which we ran together for over forty years. During this time, I was also a retained fireman for seven years with the Kent Fire Brigade. I also joined the Kent Army Cadet Force and the T.A., in which I was active for over 30 years. My enthusiasm for motorcycling never waned, and consequently, I trained to be an Advanced Motorcycle Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists. I was then able to pass on my skills, knowledge, and understanding to others who wanted to improve their motorcycling skills, enabling them to pass the advanced motorcycling test. I also did this with car and minibus driving. I am now retired and enjoy an active lifestyle with walking and cycling. I am the neighbourhood watch coordinator for the Bayle Resident Association.
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.
Marian Walters
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!!
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.