downsmail.co.uk Gurkha thanks


THE retiring Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Thick, led a service in Maidstone to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Gurkha service to the British Crown. The ceremony began in Brench-


ley Gardens with the Mayor giving a short speech thanking the regi- ment for its loyal service and con- cluded with a wreath-laying and short service at the Gurkha statue in the Maidstone Museum fore- court. This is the only Gurkha statue outside London.


Protected trees


EIGHT protected trees may be felled in a garden in Grove Green. Aplanning application for Sand-


hurst, in Grove Green Road, seeks to remove four cypress, two hazel, an ash and a field maple tree to allow the applicant “to make more of garden space”. Maidstone Council will decide.


New coffee shop


ASTARBUCKS coffee shop is set to move in to a vacant shop at 8-9 Col- man Parade, King Street, Maid- stone.


Tony Oxley


TRIBUTES have been paid to Tony Oxley BEM (72), who had lived in Maidstone for the past 10 years, moving to the town to be near his family after suffering a stroke. The former boxer and boxing coach had represented his country at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970. Originally from Bradford, he joined the Navy in 1961, seeing service in the Far East, where he won some local boxing championships. After winning a national Naval title, Tony went on to win the ABA bantamweight title atWembley in 1970, securing his place in the Commonwealth Games. His other awards included a Nato Sportsman of the Year title. On retirement from


boxing in 1975, Tony became a boxing trainer. Those coached by Tony included world champions Terry Marsh and Ricky Haon. Tony later became a security officer in the diplomatic services. Tony Bevel, chairman of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines ex-Boxers Association


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


New mayor’s focus is on helping community


THEnew mayor of Maidstone is Cllr Daniel Moriarty,who represents res- idents in Park Wood. Daniel’s parentswere from Tralee, County Kerry, but he was born in Maidstone and attended St. Francis RC School inWeek Street. Onleaving school, he started work


as an apprentice papermaker for Bal- ston's Springfield Mill – and found himself back in class a week later at Maidstone Technical College study- ing the history and development of paper-making. At the end of a five-year appren- ticeship, Daniel became senior pa- permaking technologist and was with Whatmans for 35 years. Now retired, he enjoys gardening


and spending time with family and friends in America and Ireland, while keeping in close contact with family inAustralia. Daniel has been married to Lana since 1974 and is a proud father and


MaidstoneMayor Daniel Moriarty with his niece ShirleyMoriarty


grandfather to daughter Kelly and grandchildren Jake and Conor. He enjoys playing golf with his grandson and, although he has now stopped playing rugby for Sidcup, remains a keen supporter of London Irish and England. Daniel has lived in Park Wood


since 2002 and has been involved in regeneration programmes, decent homes, play areas and helping the elderly. Daniel’s niece Shirley Mori- arty is acting as mayoress because


described Tony Oxley as “a wonderful friend, a terrific amateur boxer, a hugely talented and gifted coach.” Tony leaves his wifeWenda, son Sean, daughter Lee, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.


Tony Bainbridge


TONY Bainbridge (37) died after suffering from Crohn’s disease. The American footballer had featured for


two years as a defensive linesman for Maidstone Pumas, and won the award for player of the season in 2005. Tony also played and coached across the South East. Tributes praised Tony’s qualities on and


off the pitch, with many in the close-knit Britball community saying they would miss him. Tony’s funeralwas held in Bexley, where his final involvement in the game had seen him working as manager of Kent Exiles. Tony leaves his partnerAmanda and teenage daughter Izzy.


his wife Lana is currently ill. The deputy mayor is Cllr Derek


Butler, who represents Boxley. Born in Lewisham, he moved to


theMedway towns in 1973 and then to Maidstone in 1984. Hebecame a borough councillor in


2002, served on numerous commit- tees and is a former chairman of the audit committee. Derek is married to Mary and they


have one daughter, Georgina. He retired from work last year as


part of the Court Service at Bromley Magistrates Court, having previ- ously worked at The City of London Magistrates Court. For most of his working life, how-


ever, hewas with The National Coal Board – latterly British Coal – work- ing in medical services and the trea- surer’s department. Heenjoys hillwalking, cycling, at- tending the gym, tennis and table tennis and, more recently, bowls.


Sheila Hawkridge


SHEILA Hawkridge (81) who lived in Taylor Road, Snodland from 1963waswell known from many years of working in local shops including Snodland Newsagents, from which she retired. With husband of 56 years Dennis “Den”


she moved locally with son Stephen. Younger son Neilwas born in Snodland. Sheila leaves her husband and two sons.


MichaelNoar


THE funeral has taken place of Hollingbourne’s Michael Noar who lived at Manor Hill for more than 30 years. Michael was director of the Economic League and was involved with the Conservative Party. He stood for election to Maidstone Council as an independent Conservative. Michael moved locally with his wife, Marjorie, in 1989, from St Albans. Michael leaves Marjorie, their children Toby and Charloe and grandchildren.


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


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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www.dovesfunerals.co.uk Maidstone East June 2015 43


Obituaries


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