My personal association with Hythe reaches back to 1977 when as a young army cadet I spent many a day on Hythe ranges, an association I maintained as an Army junior leader based at St John Moore Barracks. My families association with the Folkestone & Hythe area stretches back to circa 1901, with the birth of my Grandmother in Folkestone and the contribution my Great grandfather made to the construction of the Folkestone Harbour Arm.

By trade I am an apprenticed aircraft engine fitter, with a career in both aviation, power generation and wastewater industries, enjoying both hands-on roles as well as senior managerial positions.

I have an accredited Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with commendation from Kingston University. Other than my City & Guilds qualifications I also studied lean flow manufacturing at Cranfield University within their fellowship programme.

Since moving back into Kent I have rekindled my love of both the historic Cinque Port town of Hythe and natural splendour presented by Romney Marsh, notwithstanding enjoying myself on the beaches of Hythe – beach fishing. I am also a keen motorcyclist, with very fond memories of the Kent Custom motorcycle shows that were held on Romney Marsh in the late 1980s.

Having recently become a Grandfather myself, I am truly looking forward to seeing my daughters young family develop the same affection and affinity with the Hythe and Romney Marsh areas as I have.