There we were, my wife Jacqueline who hails from Brittany, and I, born in Holland, spending a sabbatical in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
A phone call from much loved relatives on the Isle of Wight; “Pack up your camping gear and visit the Island for a week or so before deciding what next”.
This occurred some 20 years ago and we are still here! We found our Ithaka, more over we found Brading!
I came to England at the age of 17 and prior to my recent retirement, spent some 40 years working with and for disturbed children and young people in various parts of the globe, more recently employed by the Isle of Wight Council in the field of Mental Health.
My interest? People! Particularly the people and town of Brading. I love reading and my wife tells me I have an obsessional interest in Opera.
My aspirations? To serve the people and town of Brading, currently as Mayor.
Some years ago, I was approached by some very determined, ruthlessly persuasive ladies, irresistibly so, to stand for election for our town council. Reluctant agreement on my part followed (no one would vote for me anyway).
Today, I am privileged to be in a position, through and with the town council, to try to help to make our small part of the world a better place,for all of us and our children. And what is more, I enjoy it!