downsmail.co.uk Geoffrey Sidaway


ARCHDEACON Geoffrey Sidaway (71) spent a career in holy orders, becoming Archdeacon of Gloucester in 2000, but never lost his passion for working as a parish priest. His contribution to


local life was immense, serving at St Martin’s Church, Shepway, from 1977 to 1986, and, until 2000 at Holy Cross Church in Bearsted. He was central to forging links between local


churches of every denomination and finding ways to reach out into the local community. The visit of the then Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, to Bearsted was one notable event organised by Geoffrey. He was made an Honorary Canon of Canterbury in 1994. Born in Barrow-in-Furness, he followed


his calling into the church from school and served in Derbyshire before coming to Kent. Married for 44 years to Margaret, Geoffrey was father to Mark, Clare and Paul.


Clare said: “My father remained a


parish priest at heart and when he retired as archdeacon in 2012, he went back to serving local parishes. He loved people, whether it was preaching to thousands or chatting with parents at a toddler group. “His legacy in Bearsted continues in the coming together of different denominational churches and in the many memories people hold. His fundraising for the Holy Cross Church extension included an infamous hot air balloon ride from the village green that landed in a travellers’ field in Medway, where he had a cheerful talk with the locals. “That kind of event is typical of his


ability to mix with anyone, anywhere. Away from the church, he and my mother also bred Labrador dogs. He had a lifelong love of football, going to games or watching on TV with a large glass of Merlot.” Geoffrey leaves his wife, children and


his granddaughters. To donate in Geoffrey’s memory, go to www.justgiving.com/teams/geoffsidaway


John Hodges


JOHN Hodges (88) lived locally during and aerWorldWar II before embarking on a career in high-end engineering. Hewas extremely lucky during the war,


returning home one day to get an aircra identification book, which meant he arrived later than usual forwork as a li boy at GH Leavey department store in Mill Street, Maidstone. The shop had been bombed and Johnwould have been inside had he arrived, as usual, before 9am. Born in Canada, John and his family returned to Kent and, for a time, lived in Church Street, Tovil. John’s warwork included serving in the Air Training Corps and running messages for the civil defence section. He returned to Canada and joined the


Royal Canadian Air Force, but the war ended before he could see active service. Johnworked for Tilling-Stevens in Maidstone, where he served an apprenticeship, and got involved in racing motorcycles and cars. He moved to Birmingham where he


worked on the Austin Healy 100S, a car which broke theworld speed record. John later moved into engine testing for rockets.


Mahew Lewis


THE sudden death of Matthew Lewis (42), who served as head of religious education at St Simon Stock School, Maidstone, shocked his colleagues and students. Mr Lewis has been praised for his exceptional abilities in doing his job and his dedication to teaching his subject well. Married to Kerry and with two daughters, Mr Lewis was also noted for his sense of fun and willingness to get involved in wider activities such as fundraising events for charity. He came to St Simon Stock from Faversham and was the school’s union rep for the National Union of Teachers. Mr Lewis has been honoured with a


series of assemblies and commemorative events, and the school has had a massive response from former pupils who remember him with fondness. Astatement on the website says: “All of


the comments we have received have been very touching, about a great professional colleague, an inspirational teacher and leader, a marvellous family man, an ambassador for St Simon Stock Catholic School. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.” AFacebook tribute page has received


many messages of sympathy. Lorna Feltham described Mr Lewis as “a wonderful caring and devoted teacher”. He leaves his wife and daughters.


Donald Newick


TESTON’S Donald “Don” Newick (81) lived locally his whole life, apart from a spell of national service in the RAF when he travelled to Malta. He lived most of his life in Teston, having previously lived inWateringbury, and was a bowler for Teston Cricket Club, for whom he played for decades. Donald spent his working life as a seamer in the village cricket ball factory, Readers, where his


brotherMaurice also worked. Donald wasmarried for 58 years to Kathleen. She said: “Donald enjoyed his work making cricket balls, the factory was like a family with lovely people. He was dedicated to his cricketing and played for Teston for many years.When there was a fundraising campaign including lottery money to get the club a pavilion he got involved. Donald also loved to watch horse racing.” Donald leaves his wife and brother.


Pam Earl


OTHAM’S Pam Earl had lived in the village since 1938, when she was three, and could remember the village before the war, riding on shire horses and Sunday rides in an old Rolls Royce that belonged to Mrs Cooper, the rector’s wife. Pam was evacuated toWales during the


war. She married Patrick at Otham Church in 1961 and the pair raised children Tim and Rachel. Tributes to Pam have praised her wicked sense of humour and selfless work in making soft toys for sale to help charities including The Heart of Kent Hospice. Pam, who was widowed, leaves her children and grandchildren Laura, Bethany and Emily.


Gay Chaplin


GAY Chaplin (70) lived in Maidstone for 46 years, having moved toWeavering Street in 1968.


Born Gay Lloyd in Oxford, she grew up


in St Albans, where she met her husband Mike. They married in 1967, having studied art together in Brighton. Gay became an art teacher at


Serving the local community since 1985


The Doves Funerals team are proud to have served Kent for over 25 years. Our customer promise “Here for You” recognises your needs through our values: Trustworthy: delivering on our promises Respectful: in our treatment of you


Responsive: to your needs Accessible: to the local community Progressive: in our attitude to change For expert advice please contact a member of our team. We are here for you 24 hours a day, for whenever you need us.


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Southborough Girls School in Loose Road, Maidstone, and later taught graphics, design and English at Maidstone Grammar School. In 1976, Gay and


Mike moved to Orchard Drive, off Weavering Street. Their son Nick was born in 1977 and daughter Briony in 1980. Gay leaves husband Mike, children Nick


and Briony, sister Glyn, nephew and niece John and Jenny, daughter-in-law Kirsten, son-in-law Keith and great-nephew Cathal.


Donations, if desired, may be made


online for the Heart of Kent Hospice at www.justgiving.com/GayChaplin.


Obituaries


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