downsmail.co.uk Les Leonard


LES Leonard (70), who lived in Hunton for 31 years,was known locally from years as a journalist, including work for the Morning Advertiser and the north Kent based Eat Out.


He started his


career on the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Sevenoaks News. He also worked on a number of specific projects, including the annual Pub of the Year awards. Leswas also a member of the


Chequers Racers Cycling Club in Laddingford, which paid tribute to him with a picture on itswebsite. Hewas often seen cycling in the area around his home. He and wife Marion raised children Marcus and Catherine. Marion said: “Les got onwell with everyone; one of his talents was the ability to talk to people and get information from them. He could bring a smile to a room when hewalked in the door and knew lots of people both locally, and as a result of his work. “Hewas active on Hunton parish council


and as editor of the Hunton Herald, the village newsleer.” Les leaves his wife and son. His daughter pre-deceased him. Aservice of thanksgiving for Les's lifewas


due to take place at St Mary's Parish Church, Hunton, at 2pm onWednesday, January 14.


Bert Day


ALBERT “Bert” Day (78) lived locally for 48 years, initially in Yalding and, for the last 15 years, in Glebe Lane, Barming. Originally from London, Bert spent three years in the Army Catering Corps before beginning a career as an electrician. Most of his electrical career was spent working for The Times newspaper, but hewas caught in thewave of redundancies which followed their move


to headquarters inWapping and finished


work in the local area. Bertwas married to Jan for 56 years and


was father to Christopher, Robert, Terry, Kim and Jackie. Jan said: “Bertwas very capable and had lots of hobbies, including deep-sea diving. Hewas really good with his hands and could make all kinds of things. Hewas often able to help others with practical jobs. He could be a larger-than-life character, and loved to be around people.” Bert leaves his wife, children and grandchildren: Paul, Kerry, Ricky, Tim, Megan, Lucy, Daniel, Kirsty and Christopher.


Bill King


LOCAL landlord Bill King (69) ran the King’s Head pub in Suon Valence for many years. Alarger-than-life character, Billwas also known outside the village for dressing up for festivals in Medway as the Dickens character Bill Sikes with his English bull terrier, Bulls Eye, by his side. Bill had served as chairman of the


Medway Licensed Victuallers Association. Hewas landlord of the King’s Head for about six years and leaves his wife, Margaret, sons Terry and Alan, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.


David Millen


DAVID Millen (65) lived in Boughton Monchelsea for the final years of his life and had lived locally for all of his life. Much of this timewas spent inWillington


Street with his wife of 43 years, Rhondda. Hewas the founder and managing director of Flowrite Services, based in Tovil. The company, which he founded more than 20 years ago and sold when he retired, specialises in refrigeration and air conditioning. Prior to establishing his own company David had worked in the brewing industry, rising to become a brewery manager. Aserious car accident after establishing


his own business almost led to the loss of one of David’s arms. His determination helped him to recover, return to work and continue to build his company, which had more than 100 staff when itwas sold. Rhondda said: “David made a success of


everything he did. Itwas a risk leaving his previous job but hewas dedicated to his


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com Dog mess report


PROBLEMS of increased dog foul- ing and flytipping in Headcorn were reported to Maidstone Coun- cil by community warden Stuart Ellesmere. “Dog fouling and broken glass


were found in the children’s play area on Day’s Green,” he said.


Poppy appeal


VOLUNTEERS in Headcorn raised more than £5,000 for the Poppy Appeal in 2014, beating the previous year by £1,000.


26


work. He also loved football and had played for local teams as a young man until a broken leg halted his involvement, although he lovedwatching our son play. He followed Arsenal, a team he had seen many times, and had travelled as far as Russia to watch a game. “Other than his work and football, David


was a private person who enjoyed meals out with his family.” David leaves his wife, children Richard, Jacqueline andWendy and grandchildren Danny, Natalie, Mahew, Samuel, Karla, Chelsea and Chompu.


Ernest Martin


ERNEST Martin (86), who lived for many years at Penenden Heath,was known locally for his life-long service to football. Aformer player who turned out for a number of local teams until 1953, Ernest took up refereeing andwas involved in the organisation of the local game. Hewas also vice-chairman of the Maidstone branch of the Referees’ Association and a member of the commiee on the Maidstone and Mid- Kent Sunday League. His various posts with the local league included the duties of referees’ secretary and league secretary. Ernest’s working life included a spell as housing repairs manager for Maidstone Council. He had also been a member of the PTAat East Borough School, where both his children and grandchildrenwere educated. Ernest, whowas married to Linda,was


father to David and Lynne. His son paid tribute to his father, recalling that among many achievements and memorable events linked to football one particular highlight was the time when Ernest met Sir Stanley Mahews. In addition to his local football


involvement Ernest served as a steward at Wembley for 15 years. Ernest, whowas widowed in 2010, leaves


his children and grandchildren Christopher, Stephen andWilliam.


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 Revised bid for bungalow Farmhouse plan


ANOTHER attempt has been made to gain planning consent for a bun- galow in Headcorn. In July last year, Maidstone Council refused a similar proposal for 20 Kings Road because it was felt its size and position would make for a cramped form of devel- opment.


Applicant William Hennessey


said the revamped application was longer and narrower “to better match the building line to thewest” and was situated 5.6 metres back


Maidstone South January 2015


from the pavement. However, a neighbour was un- convinced, saying: “It doesn't mat- ter how small the building itself is or where it is located within the plot, it will sit in its entirety forward of its neighbours. “The side aspect of the building


will be prominent on the approach both from Lenham and the A274 and the openness of the road will be diminished.” The council will decide the appli-


cation.


THOMAS Sewell has submitted a new plan for a detached house for the manager of Warnhams Farm, Hunt Street,West Farleigh. A previous application was re-


fused because Maidstone Council felt an “essential need” for a rural worker had not been demonstrated. Mr Sewell’s supporting statement


said: “The dwelling has been de- signed to look over the farm access and in close proximity to the exist- ing agricultural buildings.” The council will decide the appli-


cation.


Obituaries


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