Julie Pilbeam JULIEPilbeam (58) lived formost 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 In- fants andMadginford Infants be- fore joining Eylesden Court School on Bearsted Green in 1988, staying until its closure in 1997. Most recently, she worked at Sutton Valence 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, and was 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.


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Geoffrey Fletcher Geoffrey Fletcher (91), of Thurn- ham, devoted his career to the high-profile business founded by his grandfather in 1898. Drake and Fletcher’s car dealership was well known locally. Apart from a break for war serv- ice, the dealer- ship was Geoffrey’s ca- reer until he retired as managing director in 1985 and became chairman of the company. He continued to work for the com- pany until 2008. Geoffrey was father to Lynette,


Ros, John and Geoffrey and was involved in local life as chairman of Cobtree Charity Trust for 20 years and as a local independent councillor 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 home at Thurnham Friars, Thurnham, opened its garden for charity. Geoffrey lost his wife, Judy, in 1985. He leaves his children and 10 grandchildren.


Ken Bray KENNETH “Ken” Bray (58), of Willington Street, Maidstone, was described by his niece An- nette as:“Anamazing bloke,who had an effect on all the people he met, a lively, happy and gentle man whowould talk to anyone”. Ken was well-known locally


from his years as resident DJ on the Kentish Lady, providing


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music forparties.He alsoworked in TheLongplayer record shop in the centre of Maidstone. Ken was brought up in Shep-


way and spent some years caring for his mother before she died at her house inGloucester Road.He moved toWillington Street after her death. Ken leaves his brother Robert, sister Sandra, two nieces and one nephew.


Michael Newitt MICHAEL Newitt (63), lived in South Park Road, Maidstone, for 32 years and previously lived in Ringlestone and ParkWood. One of nine children, he worked delivering papers before starting a career in painting and decorating.He finishedhis work- ing life at Maidstone Studios in New Cut Road. Michael was father to Ainsley,


Justin, Kirsty and Hayley and stepfather to Claire, Nicola and Richard. Hispartner,Lesley, said: “Michael wasn’t happyunless he was doing something for some- one else.Everyone loved him and I never heard aword against him. “He lived for the kids, me and


his home life. He loved fishing and often went with Justin, usu- ally to the lakes at Chart Sutton.” Michael leaves Lesley, his chil-


dren and stepchildren, 21 grand- children, his brother and six surviving sisters.


Chris Peacock THE death of Chris Peacock (51), made local headlines when the watch manager collapsed at Thameside fire station, North- fleet, on March 4. Colleagues were unable to revive him. Chris’s fire service career included time as a recruit course instruc- tor at a training centre


in


Maidstone from March to November 1997, and again between January 1999 and May 2000, when he was promoted to watch manager and returned to Thameside. He lived with his wife Tina and two children, Stacey and James (cur-


rently a Maidstone United player), inWalderslade. KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington said: “Our thoughts are with Chris’s family and close colleagues. He served Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the peo- ple of Kent and Medway in his role as a firefighter for many years. Chris was well respected by everyone who knew him.” His colleagues at Thameside


White Watch paid tribute to Chris. Crew manager Lee Mur- phy said: “He was a larger than life character who had a positive influence on many people. He was a joy to work with and be- came a close friend to us all. He will be sorely missed, especially by us as awatch.”


Richard Bridges RICHARD Bridges (88), most re- cently of Loose, lived locally his whole life, apart from six years in the Royal Artillery, including four years in India. Born in Fant, he lived in vari-


ous homes in Maidstone before spending his final 20 years in Loose. Having started work as an apprentice golf professional at the Oakwood Park course before the war, he returned from Army service to a career as a lorry driver and transport manager.He also worked for hisownbusiness delivering paraffin. His final job saw him managing car parks for Maidstone Council. Married for 63 years to Jean, Richard was father to Margaret, who said: “My father had a ter- rific sense of humour, but hewas also a private man, honest, de- cent and hard-working.” Richard leaves hiswife, daugh- ter and granddaughter Kathryn.


Don Hills AIR vice-marshal Don HillsMBE CBE CB (95), who has died in Staffordshire, was born in Wrotham and educated at Maid- stone Grammar School. Don’s contributions to keeping


allied planes supplied was cen- tral to the war effort. He received theMBE, a rarehonour for a serv- iceman in his 20s. His work was mentioned in dispatches. His civil honours included the


CBE and the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). Twice widowed, Don leaves a son, a daughter and a step-daughter.


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