Water meters Town’s tribute to Charlie


on their way SOUTH East Water’s pro- gramme, which is installing water meters across the sup- ply area, will reach Snodland from January, 2013. In the space of eightweeks, nearly 2,000 meters will be fitted for customers who do not already have one. The company says the


South East has been classed as an area of serious water stress and the customer metering programme is an important part of its plan to manage the future of supplies. The programme began in Sevenoaks during 2011 and has been progressing on a street by street basis. The companywill install 375,000 water meters in total so that at least 90% of customers will have a meter by 2020. South EastWater’s research


has found that customers on a water meter use 10% less water than those who are un- metered. A spokesman said: “In- stalling meters will give us the tools to manage demand for water, by helping us de- tect leaks. They will encour- age customers to think about their water use and behav- iour, and are a fairer way of paying for water.”


TRIBUTES have been paid fol- lowing the death of CharlieGray- hurst (61), a former chairman of Snodland Town Council. Mr Grayhurst, who died sud-


denly at his home, was founder and chairman of the Snodland Partnership, which was formed to facilitate links between the Snodland community and local businesses. A former pupil of Clare Park School, nowThe Malling School, he was a governor there and at Holmesdale Technology College. The chairman of governors, Richard Sams, said: “Charlie served on the governing body since 2001. His loyalty and ded- icated service to both schools has been very much appreciated by staff, pupils and parents. “Many of us will remember Charlie’s frank and honest ap- proach to his role as a school governor. He took his responsi- bility very seriously and rarely missed a school function. “His prime concern was for the welfare and education of young people at both schools. Charlie will be remembered with great affection and will be missed by all who knew him.” Mr Grayhurst worked for many


years for Morrison Utility Serv- ices. A spokesman for the com- pany said: "Charlie was a valuable work colleague and a


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steering the Snodland Partner- ship over more than 10 years and for making sure all areas of the community received help from this valuable organisation. Only recently, his ambition to see the partnership given full charity sta- tus was reached. “As chairman of Snodland


dear friend to many people. “He will be sorely missed by


all, and our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family at their sad loss." Mr Grayhurst, who died on September 12, served on Snod- land Council for 16 years and was chairman from 2001 to 2007. He joined to help and support his disabled wife Karen, who wanted to be a councillor. Charlie was a member of the executive committee of Snod- land Town Football Club and a minute’s silence was observed before the Kent County League Premier Division home game against Stansfeld O & B Club. Snodland TownCouncil chair-


man Anne Moloney said: “Char- liewas highly respected and well liked. He was responsible for


Town Council he worked tire- lessly for the good of Snodland, setting up the Cricket Meadow cafe and the police office, steer- ing the Brooklands Lake Fishing Club, and cafe to success, work- ing for all residents to make Snodland a better place. “Charlie was involved in all as-


pects of community life and his contributions are too numerous to list. His passing will leave a huge gap, and we will all miss his lively presence.” Pupils stood outside Holmes-


dale Technology College as the funeral party walked along Malling Road and Holborough Road, before travelling to Med- way Crematorium, where hun- dreds of mourners waited to pay their respects. Eulogies were given by Snod-


land’s former Labour MP Jonathan Shaw, Ray Brown on behalf of the Kent and Isthmian football leagues and Charlie’s son, also Charlie. A reception was held at Snod- landWorkingmen’s Club.


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Jim Hall JIM Hall (67), who has died in Portugal, was a jazz drummer who lived and worked in the UK, Paris and Portugal. He left Maidstone Grammar School and began a ca- reer at Reed’s Paper Mill, Tovil, where he was being groomed for management, but his love of jazz led to him forg- ing a new career. Jim’s friend Bennie Symonds


said: “Jim was an articulate, ele- gant and intelligentman; a natu- ral musician and a real bohemian.” Jim got married and was fa-


ther to Elizabeth, Alison and Roman. His talents also in- cluded photography (in which he had a degree from Maidstone College of Art) and cricket. He played as a wicket keeper for Linton Park Cricket Club for many years. Wherever he lived, he contin-


ued to return to Maidstone and stay with his mother near the cricket ground. Jim leaves his mother, sister, children and grandchildren.


Jim Saxby JAMES “Jim” Saxby (78) lived locally his whole life, and spent his final six years in Cumber- land Avenue, Shepway. His previous homes included Barming. Jim spent much of his work-


ing life at Tilling Stevens and Aylesford Paper Mill, doing production work, before taking a part-time job after retirement, cleaning at Maidstone Market. In his younger days he had worked in London, cutting the grass at Clarence House for the Queen Mother. Married for 52 years to Shirley, Jim was father to Sonia, Anita, Linda, Helen and Peter. Anita said: “He was a quiet man who liked his own company and loved going out to the coast. “He enjoyed pottering in his


shed making things, although not all of the results were suc- cessful. He once took the wheels of my new barbecue to make a trolley. “He enjoyed playing fruit ma- chines, both in town and when he went to the coast.” Jim leaves his wife, four of his children – daughter Sonia pre- deceased him – eight grand- children and four great-grand children.


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