So who is Nigel Hobbins? Well, firstly, he has a partner and two sons and has spent almost the last 30 years living in Whitstable, Kent. He was born in 1956 and was brought up in the village of Challock on the north downs in Kent. A rural upbringing that has had an enduring influence on him. He works mainly as a wood carver and adds to his income by turning his hand to gardening, general outside work, tutoring and music. Music has always had a big influence on him, right back to when his Grandad sang at family occasions.
His Grandparents moved to Challock in the late 1890’s ; his Grandad worked most of his life for the local council, looking after a stretch of road between Challock and Boughton Aluph. He was a part time gardener and cobbler, he grew and cured his own tobacco and he is remembered for his singing in the two pubs in the village. His Grandmother earned money as a charlady and at weekends she sold posies of flowers (garden & wild) to the growing traffic of people who stopped off at the Halfway Ho