downsmail.co.uk David Bowie


AMONGthe 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.


JeanAustin


THE Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood has announced the death of JeanAustin (88), a long serving teacher at the school who taught PE and English from the 1950s until 1988 and rose to become deputy head. The school – based


in Maidstone Road – also posted a photograph of Jean. Tributes poured in from those who knew her. Donna Wozny said: “An amazing woman and teacher,” and Jean’s


granddaughter Jo


McCallion added: “Thank you everyone for your lovely comments about our Nanna; our family really appreciates it. “She loved this school and always told us


how she never had a bad day at work. “She'd be so touched that you all remember her and would hold you all dear in her heart.”


Hayley Martin


MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of Loose Road,was known for her fundraising for cancer treatment and for helping to establish a cancer charity – Freddie’s Friends – dedicated to supporting young adults with cancer. Hayley worked as a L’Oreal technician andwas first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011; she was later given the all clear and gave birth to her son Freddie.


When Freddiewas four months old Hayley received the news that her cancer had returned in an inoperable form. Her energy and selflessness in raising


awareness and living the remainder of her life positively have prompted an outpouring of tributes and memories. Hayley’s achievements include helping to


raise thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickensward at Maidstone Hospital, where she received treatment, and becoming the face of the charity Hair and Beauty Benevolent. The charity’swebsite includes a video of “Hayley’s story”, chronicling her cancer bale.


Jackie Harris


JACQUELINE “Jackie” Harris, whowas known to some as “Tessie” (102), lived locally for about 50 years, as her husband – William “Bill” – managed Loder and Payne’s store in Bank Street, Maidstone. Born Jacqueline Harding-Goodman in Wallington, Surrey, Jackie grew up in Surrey and Sussex. The couple moved to Maidstone in the 1930s and raised daughters Antonia “Toni” and Roberta “Robbie”. They


remained locally until moving to Cornwall in 1987. Their homes in Maidstone included Monckton’sAvenue, Heather Road, Loose and Madginford Road, Bearsted. Daughter Robbie said: “My motherwas


very sociable and outgoing; she and my father loved socialising at dances, pubs and parties –we held a lot of parties at home. As a couple theywere closely involved in the Conservative Club when itwas located on Earl Street, in the present home of the Pizza Express restaurant. “My motherwas proud of her noble heritage, andwas a very giving person who was generous to her chosen charities, which included time spent volunteering at the Cheshire Home in Mote Park. Shewas also very involved with St Faith’s Church in the town.” Jackie – whowas widowed in 2004 –


leaves her daughters, grandsons Guy, John and Sean, great-grandchildren Vikki and Charlene and great-great-grandchildren Sian, Freddy, Emily and Mahew.


Osvaldas Rimsa


OSVALDAS “Ozzy” Rimsa (27), whowas a keen motorcyclist known throughout the local motorcycling community for his dedication and club membership, died in an accident in Rocky Hill, Maidstone. Ozzy, who lived in Florence Road, Fant, worked as a warehouseman locally andwas previously a head waiter at the Dean’s Place Hotel, Alfristron, East Sussex. His work colleagues paid


tribute, as have his fellow members of the West Kent Biker group.West Kent Biker noted on its Facebook page that Osvaldas had “real passion for motorcycling” and described him as “one of our own”. Itwent on to note: “Osvaldas…had been


withWest Kent Biker right from the start and aended virtually every meet; [he]was dedicated and had a real passion for motorcycling.”


Dave Currer


DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, Park Woodwas known locally as a motorcyclist and a volunteer with rehabilitation groups. Hewas also involved in organising the annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support of environmental causes. Many of Dave’s friends in the local motorcycling community have paid tribute to his genial nature and valued friendship. He died in an accident on the A274 near Biddenden.


Chris Haswell


TRIBUTES have poured in after the sudden death of East Farleigh’s Chris Haswell. Chris (62) worked


locally in the construction industry butwas widely known as the lead singer in Rod Stewart and The Faces tribute band, The Ronnies. The married father


was also a keen fisherman and friends


from all areas of his life posted tributes on social media and shared news of his death. Samuel Paul Jacques said: “Atrue and


lovely gentleman.” Ian Maggs added: “Very sad and unexpected – great entertainer.”


BobWilliams


ROBERT “Bob”Williams (83), of Marden, moved to East Malling at the age of 17, while serving in the RAF. Born and raised in Bootle, Liverpool, he


was a loyal Liverpool FC supporter. His RAF service brought him to the local


area where he met and married Joy, wife of 63 years. They raised children Barry and Kay. After working atAylesford paper mill Bob became a postman. The family lived in Leeds before moving to Marden where Bob spent the final 32 years of his life. Kay said: “My father never lost his Scouse


sense of humour; he had an answer for everything. Hewas a loving and loyal family man, a real hands-on dad, grandad and great grandad. “His granddaughter and great- granddaughter used to call in on him on theirway home from school. Long after he came to live down south he would still travel to see Liverpool play in London. The last thing hewatched on televisionwas a 4-5 away win for Liverpool. “Hewas also a great giver to charities, especially animal charities.” Bob leaves his wife, children, grandchildren Peter and Karrie-Anne and great-grandchildren Kate-Ellen and Maria.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com 22 Malling February 2016


Obituaries


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