Gary Birch has lived in the Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Benenden ward for 15 years. He is a retired Director of social services, and previously was also chairman of the planning committee for one of England’s most historic cities. He now chairs the Hawkhurst NDP Steering Group. 

Gary is a father and a grandfather,  with extended  family living locally. He is a keen dog walker in Hawkhurst’s countryside. 

I have lived in Hawkhurst for 27 years and I love living in this village. I retired as a local primary school Headteacher in 2019 and since then I have trained as a Debt Coach supporting people to get out of debt.  

I work for Christians Against Poverty one day each week.

I am also a governor of Hawkhurst CE Primary School and a Trustee of Benenden Pre-School. I am a member of Hawkhurst Baptist Church and sometimes work in the Food Bank held there each week.
I am thrilled to be part of the NDP committee and will work hard to keep Hawkhurst a safe, happy and thriving place to live.

I have lived in Hawkhurst since 2013, moving from Bromley to enjoy retirement in the village. 
I retired in 2016 after a career in the NHS and now enjoy spending time walking, running (slowly) and horse riding in this beautiful area of the Weald.
My interest in the environment and concerns about development in the village led me to stand as Parish Councillor and it is as a Councillor representative that I have joined the NPD Steering Group. 
I hope that the group can develop a plan that, while acknowledging the challenges that we face, will help to protect the unique character of Hawkhurst for the future.

Born at home in Bodiam (the midwife was from Hawkhurst Cottage Hospital), my family has farmed land in Sandhurst for over forty years. My “day job” is in geoscience and publishing which uses my skills in science and creativity. My other job is as a Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor for the Hawkhurst Sandhurst and Benenden ward. 

I am committed to the community; having held the role of Chair to Hawkhurst Scout Group and Trustee of HCT 2018 which led to the launch and running of another job; the pioneering Hawkhurst Community Fridge. You may have seen me on stalls at the fetes and Christmas Fairs or flipping pancakes in a race with the local children (and adults), making scarecrows or, running behind the scenes of the highly successful PlayDay held at the Moor. I really do love to get stuck in.

Village connection is so important to me and that my two children are raised in an environment where they are known in the community and that they feel they belong to it just like I did when I was growing up.

Hello, I am Clare Escombe, one of the Parish Council representatives on the NDP Steering Group. I have lived in Hawkhurst for 10 years, having moved to the village from Flimwell.

We chose to move to Hawkhurst because it offered a variety of shops, pubs etc. whilst still retaining its village character, as well as being surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. This balance is what I want to see protected through our NDP.

I developed an interest in planning because our move to Hawkhurst coincided with several highly contentious applications for major development in the village, and I realised just how easily the character of the village could be lost. In time, this prompted me to join the Parish Council.

Of course, the village will change as time passes, but I feel passionately that residents of Hawkhurst should have a say in how this happens and be able to set priorities for what the village needs. After all, we live here and know what does and doesn't work.

My wife grew up in Hawkhurst and we were married at St Laurence Church, where both my daughters were baptised. We subsequently moved to Hawkhurst in 2012. 
I am a solicitor specialising in planning law and work with a variety of developers and landowners bringing forward development proposals as well as individuals and organisations affected by development.  

I hope to help the Steering Group and the Parish Council bring forward a Neighbourhood Plan that seeks to address the challenges facing the village and which also reflects the needs of the whole community.