downsmail.co.uk Michael Hedges


MICHAEL Hedges (71), lived locally from 1966, initially in Barming, and then from 1973 to 2013 in Roseacre Lane, Bearsted. He and Elizabeth, his wife of 48 years, then moved to the newly-created Audley Retirement Village in Mote Park. Raised on the borders of London and Kent, Michael worked in the advertising industry, running the Hedges and Hughes agency,


which was based in London and dealt with a range of British and international clients. The agency later relocated to The Old


Forge next to Bearsted and Thurnham Club, where Michael liked to play bridge and snooker. He also liked to fish and took up bowls. Michael was father to Tim and daughter Charlie, who said: “My father could be quiet, shy and reserved, but had a very dry sense of humour and would let his hair down once he knew people. “He was a member of Bearsted Golf


Club for 40 years and knew a lot of people in the area.” Michael leaves his wife, children and grandsons Fred, Archie, Hector and Oscar.


Lilian Cooper


LILIAN Cooper (100) lived locally at various times during a life that took her from growing up in London to living in Canterbury and St Leonards on Sea. Born Lilian Parker, she moved to


Maidstone during WorldWar II with husband Jim, who was serving as an army medic. The couple moved several times and raised children Rick and Merry. During their spells in Maidstone they lived in Bearsted, where they ran a tobacconist shop on the site of the current Page &Wells estate agency on the Ashford Road, and


more than 25 years at Penenden Heath where Jim worked as postmaster and Lilian worked in the aached greengrocery shop. She also lived in Boughton Monchelsea. Daughter Merry said: “My parents


moved a few times and even lived in Spain for 25 years. My mother did shop work during her life, but was also the best cook I’ve ever met. She was very placid with a nice sense of humour and in later years she could tell amazing stories about her life. “One thing she had seen was the soldiers returning from the evacuation of Dunkirk during the war. “My parents began ballroom dancing in


their 50s with the Peter Preedy School. She had received two cards from the Queen, one for her 70th wedding anniversary and one for her 100th birthday.” Lilian, who was widowed, leaves her children and three grandchildren.


Barry Smith


BARRY Smith, from Maidstone was a noted local cricketer who played throughout his life and was instrumental in promoting the interests of older players


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www.camrasswills.co.uk Keith Miles


THE death has been announced of Keith Gasson Miles (79) who founded the Maidstone Glass Company.


Serving the local community since 1985


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of the game. He was a founder of the county championship for players in their 60s and 70s and played as wicket keeper for Kent’s senior side in his 70s. Married for almost 48 years to Jean,


Barry was father to Hayley and Tracey. Tributes have been paid by many, including his fellow cricketers.


Gwyneth Birchall


GWYNETH Birchall (95) died peacefully at The Grove residential home in Maidstone. She was born in 1918 in Horsham, Sussex, later moving to Ashford. When she was about 14, she had an accident while playing on a seesaw and spent many months in traction at The Royal Seabathing Hospital, Margate. She wore a calliper on her leg for some time but still enjoyed school life and went on to work as a typist for Halle & Co


solicitors. Gwyneth met Bob in her father’s office, Gearing and Colyer, in Ashford and they were married in 1942. She was a fire watcher during the war, but when Bob was badly injured demonstrating weapons in his role as an instructor in Canterbury, she became very involved with his recovery. With her support he was eventually able to return to work and to driving. Daughter Angela was born in 1945 and


the family moved to Roseacre Lane, Bearsted in 1958. They were involved with Holy Cross Church, where Gwyneth polished the pews for more than 30 years. She was also a member of two WI groups, the Mothers’ Union and The Friday Club. Widowed in 1987, Gwyneth loved her garden and was a good cook. She drove around the village and to church (at quite a speed, according to son Michael) until she was 92. Gwyneth loved seeing her three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and was very happy and well looked after during her time in residential care. She will be lovingly remembered and


sadly missed by her family. Her daughter Angela would like to


thank all who knew her for their cards, donations and messages.


Obituaries


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