Martin joined WADRA in 2003 and was an active member prior to becoming a committee member from 2014 until 2023. He fought the first attempt to relocate Caversham Primary school to MPF in 2006 and in 2014 became chairman of MPFAG, an action group set up to protect Mapledurham Playing Field from inappropriate development. In 2018, Martin launched a judicial review at The Courts of Justice in London, in an effort to stop the free school from being built on Mapledurham Playing Fields, which is held in trust for the people of Reading and Mapledurham to enjoy specifically for leisure and recreation, not for education.

Martin has always been passionate about the area. He continues to be actively involved with Thames Valley Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Forums to help tackle anti-social behaviour and other criminal activities across Caversham. He represented WADRA on the Mapledurham Playing Field Management Committee and spoke at numerous Council meetings. He also supported WADRA at summer fêtes and other important events.

Born in Earley in 1951, Martin has lived in various parts of Reading for over 60 years, having also lived in Thatcham for 3 years and Cippenham for 10 years with his loving wife Hayley. They moved to Caversham in 2003 and fell in love with the wonderful way of life this peaceful suburb of Reading has to offer. Married with a grown-up family including grandchildren, Martin retired from corporate life as a BT sales director after 45 years-service in 2015. Hayley and Martin were keen ballroom dancers until health problems prevented him from competing, after which Martin took up golf. His other interests include motor racing, air shows, music, water colour painting, pencil sketching, overseas travel, dining out and socialising.