I retired in 2007 after a civil service career in the Ministry of Defence and in the then Department of Communities and Local Government, working in the areas of finance, human resources and policy.

When I arrived in Wivenhoe in 2016 I immediately felt part of a welcoming, vibrant, inclusive community. I enjoy volunteering and working as part of a team for Reaching Out At Christmas, the Wivenhoe Foodbank, Helping Hands and the Monday Club.

As a newly co-opted councillor, I will do my best to contribute constructively to dealing with the issues facing the Wivenhoe community.