downsmail.co.uk Avril Mitchell
AVRIL Mitchell (68), who lived in Wateringbury for 22 years,was an accounts clerk and local athlete who completed 24 marathons. BornAvril Heseltine in Halifax, Yorkshire, she grew up there and met and married her accountant husband, Peter. The couple raised children Gareth and Amanda and moved toWateringbury when Peter’s work with an alarms company brought
him to the area. Avrilworked in the area for a number of organisations, including two spells with Kimberly Clark, and joined PaddockWood Athletics Club. Peter said: “Avrilwas an ebullient, amusing and superwoman; there have been lots of tributes saying wonderful and heartfelt things about her. “Shewas a dedicated runner; in addition to her marathons, run from 1987 to 2007,we have around 150 medals, marking all the other races and runs she completed.” Avrilwas dedicated to her family and leaves her husband, children and granddaughters Grace and Olivia.
Barbara Angel
BARBARAAngel (76) lived most of her life in Barming. Born locally as Barbara Savage, she began work at Hobbs printing firm and met her husband of 54 years, Tony, at her workplace. The couple raised daughters Carole and Dawn andwent to live in Johannesburg, South Africa for eight years. When they returned to Barming and the childrenwere older, Barbara returned towork, geing a hospital cleaning job andworking with the residents of Harbledown House, Fant. Tony said: “Barbara loved her family and her kniing. Shewas a great mother and a very caring and loving person. Sadly, in her later years she suffered a debilitating condition that le her immobile and in pain.” Barbara leaves her husband, children and grandchildren Johnny, Sean, Zarah and Ryan.
Money maers
WEST Malling Baptist Church has teamed up with the charity Chris- tians Against Poverty (CAP) to help people manage their money. The CAP courses are free and
available to everyone, whether or not they are churchgoers. Delegates receive a workbook and access to online budgeting software. To book, go to
www.capmoney.org or contact John Gledhill via the West Malling Baptist churchwebsite. The courses at Abbey View
House in Swan Street (next to the Baptist church) each run for three consecutive Monday evenings, from 7.30-9pm, starting on the fol- lowing dates: March 3, June 16, September 8 and November 17.
20 Malling February 2014 Isabella Hustler
ISABELLA Hustler (99), who lived in the Royal British Legion Village for 14 years, had moved to the area to be near members of her family. Originally born in Glasgow, she lived abroad for much of her life, raising her children Dean “Rusty” and Jennie, while her husband Ben pursued a police career in South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Granddaughter Sallie said: “My grandmotherwas an
extremely spiritedwoman, playful in a way that others found endearing, and able to make and keep good friends. Shewas a brilliant and inventive cook who loved entertaining. “She had travelled widely. When she and my grandfather lived in Africa they would come and spend months in Britain. They also travelled all over Europe and to the Far East.” Isabelle, whowould have been 100 years old in April, leaves her husband, her son Rusty (daughter Jennie pre-deceased Isabella), grandchildren Sherene, Sallie, Alison and Deana and five great grandchildren.
Mairead Atkins
MARGARET “Mairead” Atkins (70) lived in Nelestead for 25 years and previously lived inWateringbury and East Peckham. Born Margaret Howell in Mallow, County Cork, Ireland, Mairead adopted the Irish pronunciation of her name. She moved to England at the age of 20 to live with her sister, aer her first choice of a career in nursing had been ruled out on medical grounds. Maireadworked at the Savoy Hotel and in an office role for
London Transport. She met her husband of 46 years, David, at a dance. The couple moved to East Peckham and raised
children Elaine and Graham. Mairead worked as a home help for the elderly and in a care home. She and Davidwere verywell known from their long involvement with Maidstone Historical Vehicles Club and The Riley Register (an organisation for those with an interest in Riley cars). Daughter Elaine said: “My mother really grabbed at life, shewas involved in green bowls, line dancing, theWomen’s Institute and theWateringbury Players amateur dramatic group. “Shewas a real get-up-and-go person who embraced life andwould do anything to help others.With her love of classic cars, she had travelled on rallies to France and Switzerland, and she loved going on cruises. “She touched so many lives andwe’ve been overwhelmed by the help and support her many friends have offered.” Mairead leaves her husband, children and granddaughter Bethany.
Simon Evans
SIMON EVANS (61), who lived inWest Peckham,was known throughout the county as a major figure in the folk music scene. His highest profilework involved decades of presenting radio shows featuring local talent and trawling every corner of the folk scene for new and different sounds. Havingworked for Radio Medway in the 1970s and 1980s, Simon moved to the BBC where he also
presented programmes for national radio, covering subjects such as folk music in the Romany community. Atraditional dancer, who had belonged to Morris troupes, Simonwas also an accomplished accordion player. He had baled ill health for a while and stopped broadcasting last year. On November 14 he told his Facebook followers: “I am now bowing out officially, it just remains to thank all those who have supported me, the programme and the music over the years.” Simon leaves his children Jim, Nancy and Robin.
Café plan in store approved APLAN for a café in part of the former Comet store at QuarryWood retail park, Aylesford, has been approved by Tonbridge and Malling Council. The proposal includes a mezzanine floor within the building and
the sub division of the premises to provide space for a coffee shop with outside seating area. Planning documents namedWren Kitchens, recently rebranded asWren Living, as being interested in moving into part of the vacant unit. The kitchen and furniture retailer has 46 branches across the country.
Rotary quiz night to boost charity funds
THERotaryClub of Malling is holding its annual quiz and grand draw at Ryarsh Village Hall on Saturday, March 1. Tickets for the event at 7.30pm cost £5 per head for tables of six to
eight people. Guests are invited to bring snacks and drinks. Proceeds will go to charities, particularly those involved with chil- dren and old people. For details call James on 01732 842074.
Garden scheme
THE Heart of Kent Hospice, based in Aylesford, is appealing for keen gardeners to take part in its first open garden scheme. The project will run over the
spring and summer and the hos- pice is looking for people with in- teresting gardens who would be prepared to host a garden party for friends and family, or open it to the public or their neighbours for a day. As part of the scheme, you can choose to open your garden on any date that suits you over the spring and summer period. If you are interested in taking
part, call 01622 790195, or email
fundraising@hokh.co.uk.
Obituaries
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