downsmail.co.uk Bey Hall


BETTY Hall (93)was born in Ulcombe and lived in the Maidstone area all her life. Born Mabel Elizabeth Durey, her early working lifewas in theWest and East Farleigh area. Beywas married to Albert (Nobby) Hall for 55 years until his death in 2000, and she lived in the same house in Suffolk Road, Shepway for more than 65 years, since itwas first built. Bey and Nobby


raised son Michael and daughter Jackie. Beywas an


accomplished seamstress,well known for her creation ofwedding dresses among her wide range of garments. Shewas a strong and polite lady, and a long-standing member of the Shepway congregation of Jehovah'sWitnesses. Son-in-law Martin Northern said: “Bey


was an avid Downs Mail reader, and regularly sent a copy to her daughter Jackie and me, living in Cornwall, sowe could keep up with mid Kent happenings.” Bey laerly developed Parkinson's but


was able to remain at home with carer help until her last month in the Heart of Kent Hospice, where her family say shewas nursed with exemplary sensitivity. Bey leaves her son, daughter, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and Annabelle and Harry her two great- great-grandchildren.


Enid Swan


ENID Gwendoline Swan (83) lived locally from the late 1950s, in Dion aswell as Penenden Street and Blue Street, Maidstone. Born Enid Nichols, and of Anglo-Indian parentage, she married Leonard Swan, raising children Alison, Martin, Jennifer and Rachael. Enidwas a regular worshipper at her local Catholic church and worked at Preston Hall Hospital, the old Maidstone


General Hospital, Granada bingo and cinema hall and also as a childminder. Her final employmentwas as a cleaner and catering assistant. Daughter Alison Couchman said: “My mother loved her family dearly and liked nothing beer than a party and family gatherings. Shewas a great fan of modern


pop music and her favourite song of all timewas Kingston Town by UB40. Shewas well known at Maidstone Market and in the town centre. She will be missed by her many friends locally.” Enid, whowas widowed, leaves her children, grandchildren Natasha, Kayleigh, Michael, Ashley, Miles, George, Brandan, Jake and Isabella and great-grandchildren Max, Reece, Ella and Zak.


Maurice Fenner


FORMER Kent cricketer Maurice Fenner (86)was born in Linton and aended Maidstone Grammar School. Hewas coached by his father George,


head coach for the MCC from 1928 to 1934, andwas prominent in Linton Park CC. Maurice, a left-handed batsman and talented wicketkeeper, played 14 times for Kent between 1947 and 1954. Hewas secretary of Kent County Cricket Club from 1977 to 1982. Later hewas closely involved with the Association of Kent Cricket Clubs in the Maidstone and Medway areas. He had a long and successful career in the Royal Air Force, rising to group captain.


Rodger Bent


RODGER Bent (51) of Maidstonewaswell known in the Downswood area from his 15 years working at the Orchard Spot pub in Spot Lane. The pub owner during this period, Nigel Simmins, described him as “very reliable, a loyal and valued employee whowas very popular locally.” Born in Luton, Bedfordshire, Rodger


never lost his love for his home town football team. His partner of more


than 21 years, Brenda, said: “Rodger spent his working life in the catering trade. He had a personality for dealing with customers but underneath could be quiet and reserved.


“He had a very unique sense of humour,


which his closest friends will fondly remember.” Moving on from the Orchard Spot, Brenda and Rodger shared enjoyable times managing the Black Rabbit pub near Ashford before managing a number country pubs across Dorset, Devon and Sussex. He added: “Despite work commitments


often preventing him from seeing Luton Town FC play, hewas there to see them


win the Football League Trophy. As an avid dog lover, Rodger always enjoyed his time with their dog Bella, and previously their twoWesties, Sam and Del.” He leaves Brenda, her sons Chris, Ma, and Ashley; and his many friends locally.


Michael Noar THE funeral took place of Hollingbourne’s Michael Noar who lived in Manor Hill for more than 30 years. Michaelwas director of the Economic League andwas involved with the Conservative Party. He stood for election to Maidstone Council as an independent Conservative. In 1989 Michael moved locally with his


wife, Marjorie, from St Albans. Michael leaves Marjorie, their children Toby and Charloe and grandchildren.


Douglas Baker


DOUGLAS Baker (109), of Loose spent 54 years working at Turkey Mill, Ashford Road when the paper millwas in operation. He started as a clerk and eventually retired as general manager. Douglas spent his whole life – apart from


hiswar service – living in Maidstone, moving to Loose in the 1980s.At the age of 100 he visited his old workplace and sat again at his old desk. He also spoke of his pride in the workforce he managed, noting that he had visited a number of other paper mills and also came away thinking hewas lucky to have his job and workforce. During thewar Douglas served in the


North African Desert Rats campaign, returning to the mill afterwards. He retired in 1976 at the age of 70, when


the mill, founded by the Whatman family, closed. The closurewas blamed on the lack of demand for writing paper as telephone use became more widespread.


Crena Tooley


CRENA Mary Tooley (81), who died in Derbyshire, was born and raised as Crena Kenne in Stockbury. She lived on Wheatsheaf Farm until 1944,


and then at Appsmoor Farm until she married Dennis Tooley, whowas doing national service at Detling Airfield. Crena moved to Sheffield with Dennis after their wedding in 1958. Crenawas mother to Ian and Peter. Ian


said: “My mother had a tremendous sense of fun and adventure. She learned to swim and ice skate when shewas taking my brother and I for lessons. “She visited the Stockbury area for many


years. My motherwas a very determined person and wouldn’t even let Parkinson’s disease beat her. She kept driving until 2011.”


Serving the local community since 1985


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Obituaries


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