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Harrietsham. Born in Birmingham, his first career saw him serve in the Navy, joining aged 15 and rising to the position of chief petty officer before joining the fire service. Reg married his wife June in 1953 and the


couple raised daughters Mandy andWendy. His meteoric rise through the ranks of the fire service saw the family move across the coun- try, including residence in Hereford and Worcester, where he served as chief fire offi- cer in the three years before taking over the Kent service. During his time locally Reg was president


of Lenham Bowls Club and also president of theWeald of Kent Rotary Club. When hewas widowed in 2006 Reg moved


to Headcorn, being joined by his daughter Mandy and her husband Nick. The family say theywere overwhelmed by tributes to Reg and his funeral in Headcorn was attended by more than 200 people.


Leslie Jeffries


LESLIE Jeffries of Allingtonwaswell known locally from his years as station master at Maidstone East Station. Heheld the post from 1964 to 1978 and also


served at stations on the Isle of Wight, Emsworth in Surrey, Gipsy Hill in London and Sidcup. Leslie served as a radio operator in the tank regiment in World War II, with postings including NorthAfrica.Hemet wife Jean in the Lake District during thewar when shewas working in a fish and chip shop. Leslie loved the railways and also held a passion for Portsmouth Football Club; his first railway posting was as a clerk in a goods of- fice at Fratton Park, Portsmouth near the club’s ground. Leslie – who was widowed – leaves son


Mick, daughter Janet, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.


Jan Fry


JANET “Jan” Fry (77)waswell known in and around Hollingbourne as the wife of the reverend Nigel Fry. She had lived in the village for about 12 years and tributes have been paid to the enthusiasm with which she engaged in local life. Janwas born into a church family, and at various times her father served as vicar of Boxley and Archdeacon of Maidstone. Jan trained as a teacher andwas mother to Jonathan and Sally. Shewas active in a number of groups and societies including Hollingbourne


Picture: Will Perry


Helpers, an organisation which helps people with tasks such as travelling to hospital appointments. Jan also took charge of the Christian Aid collection in the village and people in the area noted how she helped to make the vicarage awelcoming place. In her spare time Jan, with her husband,was a regular supporter of Kent Cricket Club, travelling to watch them play in Canterbury. She leaves her husband, children and grandchildren.


Cyril Roger


CYRIL Roger (93), who has died at his home in Suon Valence, held a record for any Kent-born rider in his sport, having appeared in five World Speedway Finals. Born in Ashford on December 27, 1921, Cyrilwas one of three brothers all involved in the sport. He began competing for Exeter Falcons in 1947, having been loaned by New Cross Rangers. His greatest success came after the London team recalled him and


he rode for them from the late 1940s until 1953. When New Cross Rangers’ track closed, Cyril moved to East Anglia, riding for teams in Norwich and Ipswich.Abroken leg caused him to miss one season, but Cyril continued competing until 1963, when he retired after a season riding for Southampton Saints. Among a collection of honours, Cyril won


the London Riders’ Championship in 1950 and five team awards. His best placing in five world speedway finalswas 10th. Cyril survived both of his speedway-


riding brothers – elder brother Bert died in 1965 and younger brother Bob died in 2002. Cyril also competed locally and remains the track record holder at the old Brands Hatch speedway circuit. He leaves his wife Phyllis, sons Simon,


John and Luke, six grandsons and two granddaughters.


David Nuall


DAVID Nuall (64), who had recently moved to Chart Suon,waswell known locally for his years of involvement in nature and conservation work. He lived for almost 30 years in Downswood, most of them in Longham Copse.


Born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and educated at Loughborough University, David followed a career in civil engineering that took him to Birmingham and Ashford, before he moved to the


Maidstone area. In Kent he worked for Wimpey Homes and SouthernWater. He was given a retirement card from his final job, but still continued to be involved three days aweek until his death. Davidwas married to Christine for 32


years, andwas father to Rachel and Emily. Emily said: “My fatherwas very generous with his time and effort and loved taking his grandchildren on naturewalks. Hewas very involved with local causes including the Len Valley Action Group and Friends of Mote Park. Hewas a governor of Madginford School for many years, and helped out at many local events. “Since moving to Kent he had been


involved with St Nicholas’ Church in Otham, whichwas a very important part of his life. He also loved music and regularly


aended concerts by Maidstone Symphony Orchestra and the Sacconi Quartet, of which hewas a patron.” Christine died five years ago and David recently married Vivien Tanswell. He leaves her, his children and grandchildren Bethany, Benjamin, Zoe and Jessica.


Christopher Sturley


CHRISTOPHER Sturley (69), who lived in East Farleigh for almost 30 years, ran his own marketing business. Born in East Ham, London, Christopher


had served in the Metropolitan Police and as UKsales manager for Levi Strauss clothing. The second post took him to Devon and Amsterdam. His first marriage produced daughters Abi and Kate.


When this marriage


ended Christopher moved to the Maidstone area. He met his second wife,


Wendy, while visiting a friend whowas running MinstrelWine on the current site of Ye Olde Thirsty Pig at the junction of Lower Stone Street and Knightrider Street, Maidstone. The pair met on February 9, 1986, and quickly realised they shared exactly the same birthdate andwere both nine days short of their 40th birthday. Christopherwent on to market Sloopy


jeans locally and run his own marketing business. Hewas also a Freemason, being a member of Maidstone’s Robinson Lodge for 20 years and serving as master of the lodge from 2001 to 2003. Wendy said: “Christopherwas kind, considerate, dignified and a man who adored his daughters. Hewas modest when you first met him but soon developed deep and loyal friendships. “Those who knew himwell really appreciated his sense of humour and the strength and loyalty he could provide. He helped me through two bouts of illness by showing those qualities. He loved fly fishing and golf.”


Christopher leaves his wife, daughters and grandchildren Ben, Tansy and Rose.


George Nissen


THE funeral took place of George Nissen (101), known for many years as manager of Crows Motor Factors. Georgewas also a former player for Maidstone United FC and had served in WorldWar II, andwas involved in D-Day.


Andy Gray


THE funeral took place in the Scoish Borders ofAndy Gray (80).Andy worked in Maidstone from 1969 to 1979 as manager of the Alliance Building Society, a period he counted as “10 happy years”. He returned to his native Aberdeen but retired, through ill health, to the Scoish Borders at the age of 50.Andy leaves his son Steve, daughter Carolyn and grandchildren Beth,William, Ben and Sam.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com Maidstone Town August 2015 43


Obituaries


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