downsmail.co.uk David Bowie


AMONG the flood of tributes, stories and lile known facts which have emerged since David Bowie’s death is his Maidstone connection. From 1964 to 1965 the then unknown David Joneswas a member of the Manish Boys, a group who lived and rehearsed locally in cramped conditions. Its main rehearsal


spacewas a living room in Coxheath. The band played locally including


performances at the Royal Star Hotel in Maidstone. Bowie’s memories of the county town


were coloured by an incident in which a local man aacked him after seeing him on the street, knocking him down and kicking him. Long hair on young menwas still a controversial subject at the time and Bowie and his band mates suffered some prejudice. Bowie would later talk about his dreams


to become “their Mick Jagger” with regard to his time in The Manish Boys. He left to join another band, The Lower Third, before finding stardom as a solo artist.


Carole Lang


CAROLE Lang (65) lived locally for 28 years, moving toWeavering Street from her native Siingbourne and subsequently making homes in Buon Lane, Bearsted where she lived for 12 years, and Grove Green. Born Carole Puxty in Siingbourne, she


grew up andwas educated in that town where she met and married husband of 46 years, Adrian. Adrian and Carole moved locally and


Carole combined raising children Tracey, Anne-Marie and Mahew with work in two local nursery schools – Lile Acorns in Downswood and Tiny Tots in Bearsted. She finished her working life as a cashier at Tesco in Grove Green. Son Mahew said: “My mother got on


with everybody, shewas a loving and very giving person who would do anything for her children and grandchildren. “She loved a glass of red wine and


enjoyed travelling with my father; they had visited many places including the USA, New Zealand, South Africa andAustralia. They also enjoyed geing out for the day anywhere locally and had travelled all over the UK.”


Carole leaves her husband, children and grandchildren Jessica, Emily, Isabel, Zak, Ryan and Ella.


Bryan Baughan


BRYANBaughan (74)was a popular, successful and generous chairman of governors of Suon Valence School for the last 13 years. Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “Suon Valence Schoolwas fortunate to have an incredibly shrewd, focused and commied chairman and the school is where it is today because of him and his vision. Over his years muchwas achieved with facilities and


educational provision. “During Bryan’s tenure major building


work took place including a new theatre, swimming pool, athletics track, maths and ICT classrooms, new dining hall and pre- prep buildings. The school roll has increased and the academic achievement of both schools has improved beyond recognition. “His humour and manner belied extreme business acumen and a forensic eye for detail. All at the schoolwere impressed by his intelligence, culture and undisputable love for the prep and senior schools.” Bryan, who died in a London hospital


after a short illness,was a past president of the Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside and for many years helped raise substantial sums for charity by staging annual summer pop concerts in the riverside field of his home in East Farleigh. He also ran dragon races from his pontoon for the Rotary charity. For many years he served as treasurer of


StWilliam’s Church,Walderslade andwas instrumental in joining it with the local Methodist church. He helped raise funds to build a new church for the area. He also served on the deanery, diocesan and general synods. Hewas a successful London stockbroker


andwas proud of 50 years in the City. He is survived by his wife Jo, children Kathryn and Michael and five grandchildren.


Sue Mellor


TRIBUTES have been paid to Susan Mellor (74), from Fant, who died in a collision on the M20 near junction 7. Her family said Suewas “the life and soul of the party”. They added that shewaswell known


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32 Maidstone Town February 2016


throughoutwest Kent and had lots of friends in the Tonbridge and TunbridgeWells areas. The mother of three leaves one son and


two daughters, a brother and sister. In a statement the family said: “Mum’s laughter touched so many people, leaving a smile in all of our hearts. Shewas the life and soul of the party and wouldwant to be remembered laughing and dancing.” The accident which claimed Sue’s life remains the focus of an investigation.A39- year-old Czech lorry driverwas arrested after the incident.


Phil Edbrooke-Childs


PHIL Edbrooke-Childs (36) died in a road accident in Hermitage Lane, Maidstone. Phil, who lived in Dover,was managing director of Kent and Medway Health Infomatics, which provided information and technology services for the health industry. He had previously worked for various NHS trusts and the BBC. Phil’s family said


hewas “a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend... His constant


smile, infectious happiness, laughter and outgoing personality will live forever in our hearts and minds. “He always enjoyed trying new things


and had a great sense of adventure in living life to the full. He would do anything for anyone and will be greatly missed by all whowere fortunate enough to have been a part of his life.” On social media, former workmates praised Phil’s abilities as a professional and his personal qualities. Bryson Kelso said: “Such a kind-heartedwarm wonderful person – RIP Phil.” Cherilea Lomas said: “I can't believe the sad news I've just heard about Phil Edbrooke-Childs. Hewas a fantastic guy and pleasure to work with.”


Don Goodwin


DONALD “Don” Goodwin MBE (87)was well known in the farming community as well as being chairman ofWest Farleigh Parish Council. He lived locally


from 1953, moving fromWelling. His homes included Luckhurst Farm from 1963 and Court Lodge Farm,West Farleigh from 1967. Don had previously aended the Kent Farm Institute in


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Obituaries


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