Offices proposal A PLAN has been submitted to replace a group of industrial units with seven starter offices in Hunton. The proposal, for land on the western side of the East Street/ Redwall Lane junction, would cease the manufacturing use on the site. Four detached buildings cur-


rently stand on the land and, historically, these have been used for storage and workshop purposes – most recently, a woodyard to manufacture tim- ber products such as chestnut fencing. The buildings consist of an open-fronted barn, a large as- bestos barn, a timber workshop and a brick shed. A Portakabin, two large fuel tanks and an electricity sub-station also stand on the site. The workshop and storage buildings would be demolished and replaced with a single building housing the offices. A plan to convert the land


into residential usewas refused in May 2010 by Maidstone Council, who will decide on the latest planning application.


Polytunnel changes ANOTHER attempt is being made to erect three polytunnels at Love Lane, Headcorn. Karl Brown recently with-


drew his previous application following advice from Maid- stone Council. But in a re-submission, he


wrote in a letter to a council of- ficer: “The ridge height of the potting shed was first reduced by approximately 1.5m and then again by a further 1m for re-submission. “I have simplified the design


of the building as requested by adding the double doors to the gable end and making the building a rectangular shape with no recesses or protruding characteristics. I hope that with making the changes suggested to me, the application will now be viewed positively so I can make a start in preparation for the 2012 growing season.” The polytunnels, if accepted, would aidMr Brown’s horticul- tural business, which trades as Just So Nurseries.


No double measures A PROPOSAL to more than double the amount of new homes in a Yalding develop- ment has been withdrawn. In July 2003, planning con-


sent was given for five homes (two three-bedroom and three four-bedroom) to be built in Curleys Yard, a former light in- dustrial site at the rear of the Two Brewers pub in Lees Road. Last October, applicant Hy-


field Estates applied for the de- velopment to consist of 12 two-bedroom houses, compris- ing six semi-detached homes and six terraces. This has now been withdrawn.


‘Dick’ Mortimer RICHARD ‘Dick’ Mortimer - fa- ther of Maidstone’s currentmayor Brian - was well known from years as managing director of his own building firm R & B Mor- timer.The company built conser- vatories and extensions and did other work throughout the area. Born in County Durham, Dick moved to Smarden as a child and, after Army service in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, mar- ried Caroline – ‘Carol’ – and set- tled in Folkestone. He trained as a florist before becoming a master carpenter. After children Maureen and


Brian were born, the family moved around the country. Mau- reen said: “My father built a huge caravan andwetravelledwith his job as he worked for companies like McAlpine’s and Costain’s. Eventuallywe settled in Freeman Way, offWillington Street.Myfa- ther worked in East Peckham, then founded his business and went on to build about 80%of the extensions on Vinters Park.” The business was based in


Loose and Dick’s personal credi- bility ensured steady orders. Dick andCarol founded the Maidstone Petanque Club, and enjoyedplay- ing the game in France. Disk was widowed in 1998


after 50 years of marriage. He leaves his children, four grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.


Daniel Wolf STAPLEHURST garage propri- etor Daniel Wolf (48) died of a heart attack at his business. He had run Central Garage in


High Street for the past 16 years. Daniel grew up in Cranbrook,


then lived in Boughton Monchelsea before moving to Langley with wife Jasmine five years ago. After finishing his education


at Cornwallis School, Dan did an apprenticeship with United Carriers in Aylesford. His father AlanWolf said: “He


was his own man and would not bend his knee to anyone.” Eventually he set up on his


own. “He was very popular in the community,” said MrWolf. He added that his son col- lapsed one morning at the


We will remember


garage. “He wanted to die in his garage with his boots on, and that’s exactly what he did.” A memorial service was held


at All Saints’ Church, Staple- hurst.


Trevor Ham TREVOR Ham (77) lived in Loose with wife Eileen from 1956. Trevor did National Service in the RAF and worked, like his father, in signals for the railway before taking a job


with a tobacco firm in London. He met Eileen at a dance in


West Malling. They married and settled near her family, rais- ing children Colin, Susan and Lynda. Trevor worked for Sains-


bury’s on Gabriels Hill and Kib- bys supermarket (now Spar) on Boughton Parade.Hewent on to work for Arkoles, now Booker, a wholesaler to the retail trade. Daughter Lynda said: “My parents had a happy retirement, travelling to Cyprus and going on cruises. My father was a very cheery man who got on with other people, often stopping to talk to people in Loose as he walked his dog. He was very friendly and sociable. When he couldn’t continue his love of gardening he went back to a passion from his younger days and enjoyed his model railway.” Widowed in October 2010,


Trevor leaves his children, and grandchildren Holly and Alex.


Colin Brownlow COLIN Brownlow (79) lived for more than 40 years in Linton and spent the last eight years of his life in Maidstone. He worked on farms, rising to foreman with Alan Firmin. Married to Jean for over 50


years, they raised children David, Angela and Debbie. Angela said: “Somebody de- scribed my dad as not very good around the home but brilliant


Monumental Stonemasons Est. 1973


NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered New Memorials Tablets, Plaques & Vases


Cleaning, Renovation & Restoration Safety Inspections Memorial Insurance Arranged Free Brochures


Telephone 01622 762482 01233 636500 01795 436178 2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH 68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP


The Stone Shop Memori al s . Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Ins cri ptions added to existing memorials Renovations and memorial cleaning


The Stone Shop Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent.


01622 726633 26 South Support YOUR local paper — and we can support YOU - advertise on 01622 630330


with anything with a root on it. He enjoyed being out of doors and his passion was gardening – he could grow anything and grew vegeta- bles for the family. He also loved watching sport on TV.” Colin was one of eight chil-


dren, three of whom are still alive.He also leaves hiswidow, children and grandchildren Keaton, Rebecca and Alex.


TonyWood ANTONY “Tony” Wood (77), who lived for around 40 years in Milton Street, Fant, was known locally from his many years run- ning a specialist motor sports business and, prior to that, in a career as a local wrestler. Born in Loose, Tony did Na-


tional Service and returned to the localareatoworkasaheavy goods mechanic and car sales- man. His local employers in- cluded now defunct firms like Stockers and Dave Stone’s, re- spectively located in Hackney Road and Hartnup Street, Fant. In 1975, Tony established his


ownoperations, going on to head Milton Motors and Milton Race Preparations. Tony’s work in- cluded building cars for oval track racing, and taking part him- self in events at circuits includ- ing ArenaEssex andLyddenHill. The company went on to pro-


duce specialist parts for FordAn- glia, where the Milton name is well respected. Married for 54 years toPauline,


Tony was father to sons Lee and Kevin and daughter Sharon. KevinworkedwithTony inset-


ting up the business and took it over when Tony retired. Kevin’s death in 2010 led to Lee stepping in to run the business and Tony came out of retirement to provide specialist knowledge. Lee said: “Mydadwasdownto


earth and straight with people. He was very creative with a tal- ent for drawing and painting. He wrestled for years locally under the name of ‘The Viking’.” Tony leaves his widow, two surviving children and grand- children Samantha and Lewis.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40