NEWS FAREWELL TO A GREAT FRIEND
The team here at INDEX, and proprietor and publisher Stephen Gurney, are deeply saddened by the death of our friend and colleague Mark Dowling, who passed away after a brief but hard-fought battle against cancer. With his piercing blue eyes, infectious laugh and charismatic smile, Mark was a true “one off” and it’s fitting that we are celebrating his life, not mourning our loss. With Mark, we never knew what a Monday would bring – the one occasion when he arrived grazed and with his thumb in a support after falling off a scooter and admitted maybe he was “old enough to know better”, or another when he turned up with his nose resembling a strawberry, the result of a stone from the garden strimmer seeking revenge!
Be it travel, sport, music, celebrity, food…
there seemed nothing that Mark hadn’t packed into his life. When Mark’s terminal brain tumour was diagnosed, he and his wife Jennie, along with their family, found comfort, compassion and support in the heart of our community at the Hospice in the Weald. Talking to Jennie in the days following Mark’s funeral, she said: “The impossible has been made bearable by all the incredible people at the Hospice in the Weald who have been supporting us every step of the way. Everyone working or volunteering there has been remarkable in their honesty, support and compassion. They are the ones
Show your support © Tina Chatfield
who pick up the pieces when things get really tough and I look forward to supporting them when I have had a chance to adjust, and they will give me a purpose to carry on and do something in memory of Mark.” This time last year, INDEX hosted its VIP night at the Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink in Calverley Grounds – and I don’t think any of us quite knew just what a great skater Mark was – but then why doesn’t that surprise? “There he was, wearing a bright yellow scarf, I seem to remember,” recalls Jennie, “so graceful going around the rink, he reminded me of that painting [The Skating Minister by Henry Raeburn].” Just days after that evening Mark was taken ill and forced to give up working at INDEX, where he was a well- known figure out and about dropping off and delivering the magazines. To make a donation to the Hospice in
the Weald in Mark’s memory, visit www.
hospiceintheweald.org.uk/fundraising/make-a- donation, email enquiries@hospiceintheweald.
org.uk or call 01892 820500.
Walking their way around Britain
Four extraordinary UK and two US ex- Forces personnel laid wreaths at the newly-opened RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries) Garden of Honour in Aylesford
on the 67th day of their arduous 1,000- mile Walk of Britain.
The following day the team arrived in
Tunbridge Wells where they were greeted outside the Town Hall by the Mayor and Mayoress and young people from HMS Brilliant and 129 Squadron (Tunbridge Wells) ATC.
The inspirational
group, who all have devastating injuries as a result of their army duty, included Stewart Hill, Matt Fisher, Alec Robotham, Scott Ransley, Kirstie
Ennis and Andrew Bement. Following a short rest and refreshment stop outside the town hall, the walkers headed off to Hever Castle on the next stage of the epic voyage. The walk, which launched in Scotland on 22nd August, saw the group conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowden, before they arrived to a hero’s welcome at Buckingham Palace on the 71st day. The Walk of Britain is the brainchild
of charity, Walking With The Wounded, which supports veterans who are physically, mentally and socially disadvantaged by their service into employment outside the military. To raise awareness of their work they have also staged a number of expeditions with Prince Harry.
The INDEX magazine
www.indexmagazine.co.uk 15
for 4 star Soprano! We all know that a case of mistaken identity can damage a reputation – and that’s why we’re asking you to show your support for Soprano Tapas & Wine Bar on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells. Following the Food Standards Agency’s most recent inspections, an eaterie in Southborough called Sapranos (spot the difference in spelling between the two) has been given a 1 star Food Hygiene Rating with major improvement necessary. This is not the same place as Soprano Tapas & Wine Bar on the High Street and is in no way connected to it. Soprano has a 4 star Food Hygiene Rating and serves fantastic food in a vibrant and cosmopolitan cafe bar setting. • Visit
www.sopranowinebar.co.uk or call 01892 535842
10 of the best @
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
With festive fever well and truly upon us, visit our website
www.indexdigital.co.uk and check out our round-up of 10 alternative suggestions for celebrating Christmas Day!
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