Village People

people

Our Village Person this issue is long-term resident of Maxey and retired RAF Wing Commander Dick Wilkins. A very active member of the local community, Dick is passionate about where he lives and has been involved in Parish Council activities, Neighbourhood Watch and Speedwatch.

So Dick, what brought you to Maxey? The Royal Air Force. Wanting somewhere to settle the family, while commutable to current and future postings. Where were you born and raised?

Born in Poole, Dorset, finally ending up in Dorchester until joining the Royal Air Force. What did you do as a career? Thirty years in the Royal Air Force travelling around the world; retiring as a Wing Commander and then within the private sector as a Director with Anteon (UK) Ltd based in Peterborough. What makes you angry or sad? Bullying, vandalism, intolerance, liars, unacceptable level of speeding in Maxey and the difficulty in getting the authorities to be proactive regarding mitigation measures and frustration with the Council’s Planning Enforcement, or lack of it. What makes you happy? Spending time with my wife and family, watching my children thrive in whatever they are doing, shooting, walking ‘my’ favourite dog Gus, helping people. Claim to fame?

Probably the only member of Speedwatch ever to be dismissed by the Cambridgeshire Police for asking a persistent speeder living in the village to slow down before they caused an accident or injured somebody. Rather ironic and a somewhat fatuous action by the Police at the time. Hobbies?

DIY, dog walking and shooting. I also enjoy the company of like-minded people, having great conversations and my regular interaction with our ward councillor Peter Hiller – who shares my values and sense of humour! Most famous person you’ve met? During my service within the RAF I was privileged to have been presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II twice and also to Prince Phillip. Most treasured item you’ve owned? To answer the question in a roundabout way, it is not a material item that I treasure most, but the sense of right and wrong that was instilled in me by my parents from an early age. It’s stood me in good stead over the years. Sun seeker or stay-cation? Neither. More fly-drive and exploring places. Most adventurous holiday was our 6500-mile trip in 1985 from our home in Denver (Colorado) to the US East Coast, via Florida and various East Coast destinations, to Niagara Falls and then back to Denver. It’s a big country and I thoroughly enjoyed our time living there.