News


downsmail.co.uk Shock death of college head


THE principal of MidKent Col- lege has died – just 10 months after taking up her appointment. Sue McLeod (pictured)was diag- nosed with a brain tumour in June and died suddenly in hos- pital on Wednes- day, July 23. She was 53. Chief executive


Stephen Grix, who Sue succeeded as principal, said: “We have lost a dear friend and a great principal.”


Aformer travel and tourism lec-


turer, Sue joined the college in 1993 before climbing the ranks to be- come the first female principal in its more than 100-year history. Prior to joining the college, Sue


worked across the Caribbean, United States and Europe during her time in the travel industry, in- cluding a stint aboard cruise liners. Appointed in April last year, she


took up her post as principal in September.At the time, she said: “It means a great deal to me and I hope it demonstrates to all our stu-


dents that gender is no barrier to them achieving their goals in life. “I studied at a further education college as a teenager and if itwasn’t for the expertise and encourage- ment of the teachers there I would never have thought that going to universitywas even a possibility.” Sue had a degree in business stud-


ies at the Dorset Institute of Higher Education, now Bournemouth Uni- versity, where she returned to study travel and tourism prior to embark- ing on her teaching career. Ahighlight of her time as princi-


pal came for theMedway mother of one in February, when she visited Buckingham Palace to accept the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for fur- ther and higher education from the Queen on behalf of the college. Mr Grix said: “Suewas an excep-


tional leader who inspired students and staff, and her commitment and passion for teaching was what drove her. Her energy, enthusiasm and ability to motivate others will be sorely missed.” Vice-principal Simon Cook has been appointed acting principal.


Time for tea Walk helps wishes come true Smoke alert


AYLESARA holds its monthly meeting in the Community Centre, Aylesford, at 2pm on Thursday, September 25. There will be a talk by John Mills


on The History of Capital Punish- ment, aswell as time for tea, a chat and a chance to explore any inter- est groups you might wish to try, outside events or trips available. Anyone aged over 55 looking for


new interests and friendships is welcome. There is no obligation to join on your first visit. ContactWayne on 01622 710734.


STAFF, residents and relatives at St Martins residential home in Lark- field held a sponsoredwalk on Sat- urday to raise funds and awareness for TheWish Appeal. The group started their circular


walk at the home and walked through East Malling, past the re- search station and church before stopping for refreshments. They were joined by The Abbey-


field Kent Society’s chief executive, Leon Steer and a staff member brought her dogs along. St Martins resident Anita Gilzean also took


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part and managed to walk half of the route before retiring to her wheelchair for the rest. St Martins activity co-ordinator Caroline Mills said: “We really en- joyed the walk and raised over £150, which will be a huge help for ourWish Appeal.” TheWish Appeal is a fundraising initiative created by The Abbey- field Kent Society to grant wishes for the residents. To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/abbeyfield- kent or text “WISH05” and the amount to 70070, eg “WISH05 £10”.


A RESIDENT used a garden hose to put out a fire at his home in Offham Road, West Malling, after a dishwasher caught light. The blaze was out when fire- fighters arrived at about 7pm, but the man had suffered smoke inhalation. A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesman warned people to consider the effects of breath- ing in smoke when trying to deal with a fire themselves.


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