downsmail.co.uk Eric Snowball
ERIC Snowball (77), who lived on the Tonbridge Road for over 40 years,was a well-known figure in the local music community, with a life-long involvement in performing and supporting the performance of music. As lead guitarist
with local band The Zephyrs, he had come close to having a massive hit record when producer Joe Meek offered them
the chance to perform an instrumental for release as a single. However, the band turned him down, because it would have meant dropping their female vocalist. The Tornadoes subsequently took up the option and enjoyed a number one with Telstar. Eric began work as an apprentice with
the Haynes Ford dealership, but his membership of the Sharp’s Creamy Toffee Skiffle Group was the start of a career in the world he loved. He branched out into running a music shop – ESE Music on Upper Fant Road – in 1968 andwas insightful enough to see the business opportunities available in hiring out sound systems for live performances. His firmwent on to supply systems for
artists as diverse as AC/DC, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Bay City Rollers and Vera Lynn. Ericwas married to Margaret for more
than 45 years andwas father to Ma and Katie. Ma has followed his father into the business and runs a specialised operation offering a range of support to touring musicians. He said: “My father was a strong character dedicated to hiswork and connected to many people in the industry. For many years hewas the leading importer of pedal steel guitars, work that brought him into contact with the leading players of that instrument across the United Kingdom.” Eric leaves his wife and children.
Nora Tolhurst
BEARSTED’S Nora Tolhurstwas born in 1921. Raised in Langley, she began working locally before training as a nursery nurse at the age of 14 in Baersea. She funded her training through earnings from sewing and kniing, establishing a life-long paern of disciplinedworking. DuringWorldWar II she looked aer 100
evacuated children in Sussex before returning to London and becoming involved in paediatric nursing. She lacked the academic qualifications to train for state registered nurse (SRN) validation, but was able to gain a place on condition she didn’t fall behind academically. She succeeded and enjoyed a demanding
career, including posts at King’s College Hospital, and as a district midwife. At one point her duties included caring for former prisoners ofwar who had been held by the Japanese. In 1959 Nora moved to Bearsted to care
for her parents and an uncle, aer her mother had suffered a stroke. She moved to a house with no electricity and also worked at St Faith’s home for unmarried
30 Maidstone Town August 2014
mothers. Aer the death of her parents, Nora finished her career at theWest Kent Hospital, where she became a nursing sister andwas noted for the standards of discipline and aention to detail she brought to herwork.
JohnWilliams
JOHNWilliams (87) lived in Mallings Drive, Bearsted, from 1969 until he moved into a care home a few years ago. Originally from NorthWales, John pursued a career in tax inspection that took him to London and TunbridgeWells before his move to Bearsted. Johnwas married to Maisie for 50 years
andwas known locally from many years of competitive bowling. Nephew DavidWilliams said: “My uncle
had that typicalWelsh quality of appearing reserved, but once you got to know him he had a great sense of humour andwas capable of being the life and soul of the party. “He had lots of bowling trophies and bowled at the Bearsted and Thurnham club for many years. “He also spokeWelsh, whichwas his
first language, throughout his life andwas the last survivor of five siblings. Hewasn’t very tall but he had a big personality and was extremely close to Maisie during their years of marriage. “It is only in recent years, since her
death, that he has reconnected strongly with the rest of his family.
Trevor Gallavin
TREVOR Gallavin (71) lived locally his whole life, and lived in Loose for the last 30 years. Hewas born in Maidstone and aended Maidstone Grammar School. Hewent on to an apprenticeship and career in architecture, much of it with Maidstone Council. His hobbies includedworking on his
own home and hewas known as a willing helper when others undertook similar projects. He will be long remembered in Loose,
where his lengthy involvement with the Loose Swiss Scout Group included 11 years as group scout leader, followed by a period as headquarterswarden, where his skills in the upkeep of the building were greatly valued. Trevorwas married to Helen and father
to Nick and Jackie. Amongst the many tributes paid to
Trevor and hisworkwas one from Loose Swiss Scout Group chairman David Priestley – who regularly accompanied Trevor on annual trips to see the winter tours of rock band Status Quo. David said: “Trevor’s death leaves an enormous void… he could always be relied upon to assist at many of the commitments where adult helpwas required.” Trevor leaves his wife, son and two grandchildren.
Enid Hargraves
ENID Hargraves (77) lived for more than 40 years in Maidstone, aer moving from Dartford in the mid-seventies.
Born Enid Bell in Gateshead, she grew up
in the North East and married Alan Hargraves. Alan served Maidstone Council as chief executive and Enidworked for many years as a maths teacher at Rochester Girls’Grammar School. Enid and Alanwere known for their long-term involvement with Maidstone Rotary Club. Enid continued to be involved with the club aer Alan’s death in 2003. She was a member of the club’s Inner Wheel and had twice been club president. Son Philip said: “My motherwas loving
and caring, the kind of person who maintained long-term and loyal friendships and loved socialising. Shewas devoted to her family, fun to be with and liked travelling. She maintained a keen interest in tennis, golf and cricket, and also followed Newcastle United.” Enid leaves her sons, Richard and Philip, and grandchildren Daniel and Loie.
Edward Sergison EDWARD T. “Ted” Sergison (67) lived in Staplehurst his whole life. Heworked as a trafficwarden, in security and also for the prison service. Tedwas married to second wife Jeanee “Jean” for 33 years andwas father to Wayne, Georgenia, Karen, Tarasa & Mahew. Ted campaigned
about the Bale of Britain, managing to get memorials placed for a young British pilot killed in Grave
Lane and a Belgian pilot who died in September 1940. For the laer he managed to get television coverage and a flypast by Belgian aircra. He campaigned to mark the Staplehurst Emergency Landing Ground and in the resulting ceremony a P51-D Mustang aircra overflew the proceedings. Ted’s work also allowed him to make contact with veteran pilots and gather memorabilia including their signatures. Anature lover who enjoyed going out
with wife andwalking his dogs, Ted leaves his wife, children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Frank Kerr
THE funeral of Frank Kerr (64) saw funeral directors and pall bearers (including Frank’s sons-in-law) donning Elvis costumes.. Frank, a retired landscape gardener,was known to customers and friends as “Frank the fence”. He lived in Five Oak Green, near
Tonbridge, but was from Staplehurst and hadworked in the local area.
The Stone Shop
Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere.
Inscriptions added to existing memorials
Renovations and memorial cleaning
The Stone Shop Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent.
01622 726633
Obituaries
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