School heads second wave of applications for academy status Continued from page one
the cost of converting to an academy. Other primaries in the area, including Roseacre Junior School, Bearsted, are also exploring the options of academy status. Parents have been informed but head Elaine Watson said: “We are looking into what it’s all about, that’s it at the moment. There is no timescale.” Meanwhile, East Borough has held talks
with the trust responsible for Valley Park and Invicta, about legal issues. Mr Palmby said: “We need to discuss empowerment, delegation and who is responsible for what.” But as the Downs Mail went to press, the governors were hoping to have made suffi- cient progress to apply for academy status
‘Ricky’ Hodge ANDRIANNA (Ricky) En- richetta Hodge (75) lived in The Almonds, Bearsted, for more than 40 years. She, with baby Stephen and husband Derek, moved from London in 1970 to be nearer his work. Born in
Malta, she came to England with her family in 1939. On leaving school she started work at Barclays Bank, meeting her future husband at a Christ- mas social; they married in 1957. She continued with the bank
until retiring in 1970 after 21 years’ service. This then en- abled her to be at home full- time for their two children, Stephen and Sarah. In 1985 she helped to start St
Peter’s Playgroup and eventu- ally took over the running of it until she retired in 1996. So many children knew her
as “Auntie Ricky”. She would still recognise them (and they her) when they were in their teens.
When her children left school
she took up painting with pas- tels and this artistic talent led her into clay sculpture, pottery and enamelling. She was an active member of
the Bearsted Art Group and was always delighted when the Maidstone Art Society for its annual exhibition accepted
by mid-July. “It will be the first primary school in the area. Most who have con- verted have been secondary schools. Now there is a second wave. I think you will see a number of other primary schools that will apply for it.” Mr Palmby outlined potential benefits: More freedom on elements of the cur- riculum and managing resources. Can make decisions on building devel- opment, not KCC Land in the trust’s possession, not KCC’s. He added: “Working with Invicta and Val-
ley Park means there is scope to share equipment, facilities and staff; plus maintenance, cleaning, catering, finances and human resources.
We will remember
any of her work. Her interest in always trying something new led her to pho- tography and she joined her husband as a member of Maid- stone Camera Club. For many years she worked
as a volunteer in the Heart of Kent Hospice shop in Maid- stone. Ricky leaves her widower
plus their son and daughter and four grandchildren.
John H Day JOHN Hanks Day (88) achieved prominence after many years as a chartered surveyor and a var- ied portfolio of public service and charitable activities. Born into a
prominent local family, he lived at Somerfield, Maidstone. After school he joined the Fleet Air Arm, marrying wife
Jean during the war. He returned to follow his fa-
ther into surveying work, tak- ing a position in the family firm. His father had been a founder member of the Maid- stone Rotary Club in 1922. John joined in 1954 and went on to serve as president. His death ends almost 90 years of family involvement with the branch. John was father to Rosemary
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“Romey,” Sheila and John. Over the years the family had lived in Hunton, Loose and Pheasant Lane, Maidstone. John and Jean moved to Yalding about 15 years ago. A Rotary colleague said:
“John was quiet and serious, a very good man. He served as a JP and his public service work included over 40 years with the Cobtree Charity Trust and membership and chairmanship of the local Round Table. He was a life member and past president of the Maidstone Club, spending over 50 years in total in the club.” Via his grandfather, John was
also related to the family firm of chartered accountants Day, Smith and Hunter. John leaves his widow, chil- dren and grandchildren.
Peter Craven PETER Craven (78), of Loose, was a major figure in local busi- ness life. A former banker, he served as chief executive of the Maidston e and Mid-Kent Chamber of Commerce in the early ’90s when the post was part- time. With his
wife Elaine, he founded the Earl Street em- ployment consultancy. His personal touch included deliv- ering post to other businesses by hand, allowing him to get to know many people with whom the firm worked. Alan Reading, a former cham-
ber president, said: “Peter held the chamber together very well, he was a well-respected man.” Peter, who served as a local councillor in East Farleigh, had lived in Maidstone since 1939 and could recall GIs billeted lo- cally during the war. He represented Maidstone Grammar School in swimming and cricket. Employers during his career
in international banking in- cluded Thomas Cook bureau de
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“We would expect to get better, joined-up discussions during the transitional years [when pupils move up from primary].” Head of Invicta, Julie Derrick, has wel- comed the proposal. “It will strengthen links between us and East Borough. It will enable us to make savings in economies of scale but, more importantly, it will provide all three schools with an understanding of cross-phase education.” East Borough’s change in status may be granted by October 1 or November 1. Mr Palmby said: “In terms of the class-
room, you would not notice any difference. But the finance changes mean the money will come direct from the DfE, rather than going through the LEA as now.
change and Barclays Bank property and international af- fairs. Retiring from banking in 1987 Peter established the ex- ecutive sales department within Earl Street Consultants, returning as a working director after his spell with the Chamber of Commerce. In a statement, Earl Street
Consultants said Peter was a “true gentleman – respected and liked by all who knew him, both socially or through busi- ness. A lovely, kind, upbeat, cheerful, boyishly cheeky and spritely gentlemen”. Peter leaves his wife of 45 years and sons Alex and Hugo.
Kate Saunders KATE Saunders (90), who lived in the Boxley Road area, was dedicated to the Royal British Legion, and had served as chair of its local women’s branch since 1985. A renowned organiser, she
had overseen coach trips, meals and other social events. Her own time in the services was spent in the WRNS during the war.
Born locally, Kate worked as
a medical receptionist for Dr Brown’s London Road sur- gery. She was involved with Box-
ley Church throughout her life and was always at church by 8am on Sundays. In her younger days she ran the church youth club. Gwen Corman, treasurer of
the RBL women’s branch, said: “Kate was a really good organ- iser who got on well with everyone. The branch and all her friends will miss her terri- bly.”
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