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recently married Vivien Tanswell. He leaves her, his children and grandchildren Bethany, Benjamin, Zoe and Jessica.
Ivy Tee
THE funeral took place of Ivy Tee (84), formerly of Dargate Close, Allington. Ivy, who previously lived in Grace
Avenue, Allington, died at Harlow in Essex and the funeral service took place at Parndon Wood Crematorium. Donations made payable to “Alzheimer’s Society” can be sent c/o Daniel Robinson & Sons, Wych Elm, Harlow, CM20 1QP, Tel: 01279 426990.
Cyril Roger
CYRIL Roger (93), who has died at his home in Suon 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.A broken 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.
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 UK sales 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.
Alistair Black MAIDSTONE Council is mourning the loss of Conservative councillor Alistair Black (79), who died at Maidstone Hospital after a short illness. Cllr Black lived in
the Tonbridge Road area for six years, having moved locally after retirement. Born in Glasgow,
he began his career with the British Transport Police be- fore joining the British South African
Police Force in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Cllr Black put himself through a degree
at night school and worked as personnel director in a paper-making firm before moving to the Maidstone area, where he became active in the party he had always supported and was elected to Maidstone Council. Cllr Black joined the council in 2011, rep- resenting Fant ward. He was re-elected in May. The Maidstone flag flew at half-mast
over the Town Hall from the news of his death until the sunset after Cllr Black’s fu- neral and the council observed a one- minute silence at a recent meeting. Cllr Black’s friend and fellow Conserva-
tive (representing Coxheath and Hunton ward), JohnWilson said: “Alistair was a selfless person who got involved in a range of causes, pushing the interests of local people. “Hewasn’t the kind to spend a long time
telling you about himself and his achieve- ments. Hewas involved with St Luke’s Church and remained positive. Just before he died hewas still hopeful of recovery andwas making plans for the future.” Cllr Black leaves his wife, Sue, daughter
Fiona who lives inAustralia, son Douglas who lives in Africa, grandson Brett and granddaughter Jamie.
There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
nlnxn@aol.com
More chaos on the way Dear Sir – Maidstone has only one bridge in the town and that results in traffic chaos. It is no one’s fault, but what do Maidstone Council’s planners do? Agree to huge housing developments in
the Hermitage Lane area of Barming, as well as Coxheath and Park Wood. Reaching Maidstone hospital in a hurry
for ambulances will be a miracle. As it is, Hermitage Lane is usually jammed from 3.30pm until 6pm and the additional homes in Coxheath will create a far heavier strain on East Farleigh bridge as
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Stephen Eighteen Editor
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diane@downsmail.co.uk 01622 734735 ext 232
Jane Shotliff Journalist
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Dawn Kingsford
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Malling August 2015 31
drivers try to avoid the town centre. More traffic at Coxheath will also filter
down, adding to problems at the Linton crossroads and the Wheatsheaf junction, which will also have to deal with the extra vehicles from Park Wood. There doesn’t seem to be any practical solution, but you have to wonder whether the planners considered the impact that more construction will have, a few hundred yards along the line? Part of the Hermitage Lane area comes
under the borough of Tonbridge and Malling and it would appear that as it is located in a pocket, well away from its main centres but will attract extra rates
for that council, it really does not care about the traffic implications for Maidstone. In such a crowded place isn’t it time for councils to talk to one another? Ron Stubbs, Maidstone
It is not just on traffic where Maidstone could do with the help of other councils. The borough’s 18,560 housing target
between 2011 and 2031 could be reduced if another nearby local authority, for example Tonbridge and Malling, agrees to make up the shortfall by allowing additional homes. Good luck with that one! Response by Stephen
Obituaries
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