Edward “Chip” Melly EDWARD “Chip” Melly (89) taught history and served as a year master at Maidstone Gram- mar School from 1960 to 1985. He lived locally, first inWilling- ton Street and (from 1966) in Tower Lane, Bearsted. Born in Canada, he moved to


the UK after his father died when Chip was still a boy. After war serv- ice in the Royal Navy, serving mainly on Russian convoys, he took a history degree at Oxford and travelled in Canada. His teaching qualificationwas earned in Canada before he returned to the UK, living in Dorset before settling locally. With wife of over 55 years,


Ruth, Chip raised sons Paul and Mark. Chip had coached rugby and cricket at Maidstone Gram- mar School. He leaves his wife, sons, and grandsons Matthew, Guy and Charlie.


Peter Graham PETER Graham (85), a former chief superintendent with Kent Police, who was in turn divi- sional commander of both Maid- stone and Medway, died peacefully after a short ill- ness. A native of


Fife, Scotland, Peter began his police career in Fife County Constabulary in 1943 and transferred to Kent in 1952. He then became the youngest holder of every rank in the force, from sergeant to chief superintendent, until retiring at age 50. He went on to become safety officer of Mid Kent Water and Folkestone Water Companies for 10 years. Peter, who lived in Bearsted,


was a keen sportsman and played soccer as a young man.Heplayed golf at various Kent clubs until he joined Bearsted in 1976, where he was club captain in 1987 and chairman of the club committee for five years. Both he and wife Amyweremembers of Mote Park


We will remember


Indoor Bowling Club. He was a dedicated member of Maidstone Rotary Club from 1969 and, for many years, organ- ised a childrens’ day out every Junewhenmore than 50 children with learning needs and carers were taken to Chessington ad- venture park. Peter leaves his wife Amy, son


John, daughter Susan and grand- children Rachel, Alex and Philippa.


Clifford Playford CLIFFORD Playford (83) of The Street,Ulcombe,was involved in local politics for many years, serving one term as mayor of Maidstone in 1981-82. As a Conservative he repre- sented Loose on Maidstone Bor- ough Council for 11 years. He served


as


chairman of planning from 1977 to 1981 and left the council in 1987.


Married for


58 years to Dorothy, who he met at her 21st birthday party, Clifford was father to Valerie, Alyson and Jill.Widowed inOc- tober 2010, Clifford leaves his daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.


Iris Groves IRIS Groves (69) had lived in Park Wood since 1976. She moved to the area with husband of 40 years, Ian, after the couple had previously lived in St Luke’s Avenue and Brishing Lane. Born in Maidstone as Iris King,


she was the seventh of eight chil- dren.After school sheworked for Reeds Corrugated Cases in Tovil, continuing until she became mother to Robert and Emma. Ian Groves said: “When the children were older, Iris worked again on local farms, including Chart Court [Boughton Monchelsea] where she worked in the fields and did winter work in the packing house. “Her family were her life and she loved socialising with them.


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For a long time she loved meet- ing her younger sister in The Brenchley pub in Stone Street. Iris was strong willed, knew her own mind and had a wicked sense of humour. She faced her final illness with real courage.” Iris leaves herhusband, six sur-


viving siblings, her children and grandchildren Maria, Nathaniel, Jason and Natalia.


Dr Nigel Minett STAPLEHURST resident and local GP Dr Nigel Minett was ho- noured with a turn out of 465 people at his funeral atAll Saints Church, Staplehurst. Dr Minett had been working part-time at the Orchard Surgery, Langley, and concentrating on other pas- sions, includ- ing his work for the Staple- hurst Free Church. He hadpreviously spent 21 years at Marden Medical Centre. Father of four, Dr Minett’s fu-


neral service was marked by music including the song “Com- fortably Numb” from his favourite band Pink Floyd, and the involvement of his children. The popular and well-known characterwill be remembered for his involvement with, and sup- port of charities including Heart of Kent Hospice, Maidstone Day Centre, Oasis and Smile. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end of last year. Friends and family have praised his pos- itive spirit in the face of his final illness. Dr Minett leaves his wife Kate,


and children Daniel, Rebecca, Laura and Charlotte.


Julie Pilbeam JULIE Pilbeam (58) lived for most of her 38 years of married life in Bearsted, with over 30 of those on the Ashford Road. Locally born


and raised, she met husband David when she was 14 and he was 15.


Julie qualified as a teacher,work- ing locally at Thurnham Infants


and Madginford Infants before joiningEylesden CourtSchool on Bearsted Green in 1988, staying until its closure in 1997. Most re- cently, she worked at Sutton Va- lence Preparatory School. Julie was mother to Natasha


and Amanda. Husband David said: “Julie lived life to the full and was the life and soul of everything. She was an active member of a book club and a bridge club and the Tudor Park, where she swam. “She was proud of getting her


name on the winners board at Bearsted Tennis Club and well known in and around Bearsted. “Julie was blessed with natural beauty, always looked youthful, andwas always smiling or laugh- ing.She adored jewellery and en- joyed shopping for the latest fashions, particularly shoes. Julie loved entertaining but above everything else she loved danc- ing, especially to rock music. “She litupevery room with her warmth and vivacity. She was amazing, bubbly, beautiful and courageous.” Julie leavesher hus- band, children and four grand- children, the second of whom she helped to deliver.


Geoffrey Fletcher THURNHAM’S


Geoffrey


Fletcher (91) devoted his career to continuing the high-profile business founded by his grandfa- ther in 1898. Drake and Fletcher’s car deal- ership was well known locally. Apart from a break for war serv- ice, the dealer- ship was Geoffrey’s ca- reer until he retired as man-


aging director in 1985 and be- came chairman of the company. He continued to work for the company until 2008. Geoffrey was father to Lynette,


Ros, John and Geoffrey and in- volved in local life as chairman of Cobtree CharityTrust for 20 years and as a local independent coun- cillor for nine years, starting in 1950. Healso served as a JP, chairman


of theMagistrates Selection Com- mittee, county chairman of the Tax Commission and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. Geoffrey played golf until the age of 90 and was an international standard bridge player. Son John said: “Our father


lived a great life; he was a soldier, sportsman, and brilliant busi- nessman who gave a great deal back to his community. “Above all he was a devoted family man and a generous friend, one of the last of a re- markable generation who risked their lives for our future.” In recent years his striking


home at Thurnham Friars, Thurnham, opened its garden for charity. Geoffrey lost his wife, Judy, in 1985. He leaves his children and 10 grandchil- dren.


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