downsmail.co.uk Fred Ridgway
FREDERICK “Fred” Ridgway (92) lived in Barming for 60 years and forged a national and international reputation as a fast bowler, playing for Kent, England and a Commonwealth touring side. Born in Stockport, Cheshire, Fred’s sporting skills included a spell as a teenage footballer signed to Stockport County before enlistment in the Royal Marines brought him to Deal, where he served as a PT instructor in the war.
Fred married Kathleen, and settled
locally in Deal and Ramsgate. He played for and at times captained a strong Tovil and Bridge Mills team when hewas still a talented fast swing bowler and later mostly batted for St Luke’s CC, Maidstone, and kept wicket. He played for Kent Cricket Club for 16
years, between 1946 and 1962. In total Fred took 1,069 first-class wickets at an average of 23.74. Hewas one of the few cricketers to
achieve the feat of taking four wickets in four successive balls, playing away for Kent at Derbyshire in 1951. Hewas also a useful lower order batsman and excellent fielder. He made his England debut in 1951, eventually taking seven wickets in five tests whilst touring India and Pakistan. He also toured the same two countries with a Commonwealth side. Fredwas also a skilled footballer and
played for Ramsgate in the Kent League. Hewas father to Barbara and Linda. Daughter Linda said: “We moved to Maidstone in 1955 where Dadwent on to work locally in the paper industry. He worked at Aylesford Paper Mill, Tovil and Bridge Mill as a production planner and
finally at Reed Transport, where he retired in 1987. “Dadwas always active; he played darts, billiards and golf. He could turn his hand to most things and play itwell. Hewas in a darts team called the Old Folks Four who played against local pub teams to raise money for elderly people. Hewas very sociable, never forgot his Cheshire roots and always enjoyed a beer and a chat.” Fred leaves his wife of 71 years, Kathleen, daughters, grandchildren Chris, Robbie, Laura and Kate and great-grandchildren Leo and Gabriel.A third great-grandchild is expected in December.
Justin Newi
FATHER-of-one Justin Newitt (38), of Maidstone, died after falling in an accident while working at Maidstone Studios. Facebook tributes poured in, with sympathies expressed to Justin’s partner JemmaWebb and his son from a previous relationship, 17-year- old George Phillips. His friends – many of whom knew him as Slim – have praised
his sense of humour and love of life and expressed shock at his sudden death.
Marjorie Grosse
MARJORIE Grosse (90) lived in Bramley Crescent, Bearsted from 1990 to 2012. Before that she lived in The Landway and in Old Tovil Road. Born Marjorie Bignall in Clapham, London, shewas educated in London and began work as a typist with the South Metropolitan Gas Company. Itwas there that she met husband of 51 years Doug. Marjorie and Doug moved with his work
Camrass Wills Advice you can trust
Do you want help writing your Will? Do you need powers of attorney?
Do you need help with probate? Do you want to buy a funeral plan?
• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW
01622 720985
www.camrasswills.co.uk
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.
Maidstone: 01622 688662 Larkfield: 01732 871188 Staplehurst: 01580 892125 Ashford: 01233 643000 Sittingbourne - Tel: 01795 431300
www.dovesfunerals.co.uk 32 Maidstone Town November 2015
and lived inWalton-on-Thames before moving to Maidstone, then on to Dover and returned to live in Bearsted. Marjoriewas mother to Alan. She worked
as a lollipop lady at Tovil School and in a secretarial job at Hayle Mill. Alan said: “My motherwas friendly, intelligent, energetic and very giving. She volunteered with the Red Cross for 50 years including work in the Maidstone area. My father got involved in that organisation with her. “My mother’s many other activities included being a school governor in Madginford, worshipping regularly at Otham Church, being a member of Bearsted Women’s Institute and the local Townswomen’s Guild and helping out with Age Concern. “She remained active in these areas long
into her old age. Shewas 75 when she accidently broke her leg while carrying some jam for her “old ladies” at Age Concern and she remained active in the Red Cross until shewas 85.” Marjorie – whowas widowed in 1996 –
leaves her son, grandchildren Helen and Robert and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Freddie.
Sheila “Lee” Field
SHEILA “Lee” Field (59) – formerly O‘Shea – lived in Saltings Road Snodland. Shewas born Sheila Jones in Lewisham, London moving to Taylor Road, Snodland in 1963 and attending St. Katherine’s and Holmesdale schools. She had various
jobs prior to her marriage: as an au pair in Tunbridge Wells, at Medway Bonding in Maidstone and Reed’s in New Hythe. Lee had three children from her first
marriage: Jason and twins Kym and Aaron. After her divorce she worked at Night Freight delivering parcels, where she met her second husband Steve, a vehicle recovery driver who literally pulled her out of a ditch. Before her final illness Lee worked for
Volvo, delivering new cars throughout the country. Her friend Beryl Jones said: “Lee was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister and a good friend to many.” She leaves her husband, children, three stepchildren and six grandchildren.
ChristineWatson
CHRISTINE “Chris”Watson (69) lived in Barming from 1972. Before that she lived in Shepway’s PlainsAvenue, Ashford
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
Obituaries
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56