I was born and schooled in the village and currently live about 100 yards away from the house I knew affectionately, as home. I’m also within throwing distance of the playing fields that have played such an important part in my life and introduced me to so many people, that I now call friends.
I’m married with 3 children. I’m an insurance underwriter and learned my trade at Cornhill Insurance in Guildford before moving to London. My current role takes me far and wide. My wife, Anna is a Matron in the Early Pregnancy Unit at St Peter’s in Chertsey. The children were all born in the village and attended St Cuthbert Mayne. The eldest is in his final year at Nottingham Uni, the middle on is taking a break from education at the moment and the youngest is studying A levels at George Abbot Sixth Form.
For the last 20+ years, as a family we’ve been lucky to have experienced all the joys this vibrant village has to offer. Whether it’s the Bonfire, football (I’ve played for the village as a youth, senior and vet), hockey, cricket, Remembrance Sunday or the Carnival, we’ve been there, seen it, done it. I do understand however that there’s a serious side to all of this and that so much more goes on behind the scenes.
There’s no doubt that the village and the surrounding area is changing and will continue to change. As a Councillor, it’s my role to play some small part in ensuring that change is as positive as it can be for as many people as possible. I know you can’t please everyone, but with a strong, diverse yet collaborative group of likeminded people, I believe you can create a blueprint for future generations to ensure that the people of Cranleigh get their fair share of any upside.
With regards to what I bring to the table, I think I’m a good communicator and a people person. I’m analytical (it goes with my job as an insurance underwriter) but also creative.
I think it’s fair to say that Cranleigh’s in my blood. For years both my family and I have taken advantage of everything this wonderful village has to offer and now I’m just paying a small part of it back.