downsmail.co.uk John Surtees


JOHN Surtees (83)was a motor-racing legend and the only man to have won major world titles on both two wheels and four. Surteeswas known


locally as the owner of the Buckmore Park kart circuit and as a keen enthusiast for motor sport whowas always supportive of new talent. His major


achievements included seven world


motorcycling titles and winning the F1 world championship in 1964 for Ferrari. But his love of the sportwas also marked by hands-on involvement at a number of levels. He owned the freehold of Buckmore Park


from the mid 1990s but stepped in to buy the complex in 2015. Surtees – who lived in Edenbridge, Sussex – leaves his wife and two daughters. His son Henry died in a motor racing accident at Brands Hatch.


Elizabeth McAlarey


ELIZABETH McAlarey (77) lived at Upper Fant Road, the Shepway estate and in Elizabeth Close. She spent her last six years in Hengist Court, Marsham Street. Born Elizabeth


Baker shewas educated locally and worked at the Fremlin brewery, Sharps factory and as a cleaner at Oakwood Hospital.


Elizabeth’s older


children are Lizzy, Sean and Kellie. Kellie said: “My mother would help anyone in need. She spent time with her brothers and sisters when they became ill and looked after my father after he had a stroke.” Elizabethwas married to Paddy for 60


years, until his death in 2016. Shewas one of 14 children, three of whom are still alive. Elizabeth leaves her children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.


Brian Corby


BRIAN Donald Corby (79) of Porchester Lane, Loose died a few days short of his 80th birthday and a fewweeks before his 54th wedding anniversary. Hewas born in Gravesend, where he met his wife, Pauline, and the couple lived in


Strood before moving locally. They lived in ChapmanAvenue before moving to Loose. Brian worked with British Uralite and helped to place air conditioning in the Channel Tunnel and on the QE2 ocean liner. Hewas father to Neal and Sharon. Neal


said: “In retirement, my father focused on family, travelling and golf, playing at Bearsted Golf Club. He also played tennis and badminton. “Hewas a real people person.” Brian leaves his wife, children, grandchildren James, Hannah, Robert and Kosta and great-grandson Zachery.


‘Meg’ Featherstone


MARGARET Rose “Meg” Featherstone (81) lived in Coxheath. Born in Tovil, Meg moved to Shepway, Maidstone, and later toWest Kingsdown. She learned to swim


in the Medway at Teston bridge and swam across Mote Park lake a number of times, becoming known as “the lady of the lake”. Megwas a member


of Maidstone swimming club from


1947 until 1960 but in 1960 she became swimming instructor atWarner's holiday camp on Sheppey. Here she met her husband Derek, who said: “Shewas the best thing on two legs – in or out of thewater. ” Megwas mother to daughter Lesley and


son Alan and grandmother to four grandchildren. She did a lot of charity work for Children


in Need, Demelza House Hospice and Guide Dogs for the Blind.


Paige Chester


THE sudden death of Paige Chester (21) stunned family and friends. Paige, who grew up in Halling, lived alone


in Thornhill Place, Maidstone, and had struggled with personal loss. She had been telling friends on Facebook of her difficulties in coping but appeared to be managing her life beer, posting this comment: “After the worst time of my life, I've come out so much stronger, couldn't be happier right now... wish you could see me now mum, hope you’re


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proud of me.” Paige’s friends used social media to pay tribute. Rhys Michael Gray said: “RIP Paige Chester,wewas so close at a stage in our life, you helped me through a lot ... hearing the sad news that you've tragically passed away ... is a pull on the heart strings.” Paige’s workmate Rachel Nixon added:


“Youwere doing sowell my sweet, you always had a smile on your face. I'm so so devastated.”


David Hill


DAVID Hill (85)was a major force in the organisation of Maidstone River Festival. He joined the organising commiee in


1981, the second year of the festival, and organised the evening parade of illuminated boats – a highlight of the festival. David’s boat, Tean, could usually be found moored on the Medway in Maidstone, opposite Invicta Rowing Club. Every year, David used it to transport beauty queens and their courts to the annual crowning ceremony for Miss Maidstone. Davidwas also a toastmaster, a member of


the Magic Circle and a musician who played keyboards whilst his wife Tessa played drums. David worked as a floor manager in the early days of commercial television, but went on to manage the family butchery business from its headquarters in Suon-at- Hone, near Dartford. The business – F F Gostelow’s –was named after his mother’s side of the family and remained in David’s hands until he retired in 1982. He leaves his wife.


Ken Trafford


KEN Trafford (89), who lived in Loose,was a member of Bearsted Golf Club, Mote Park Bowls Club andwas involved in local music and theatre. Born and raised on Wheeler Street, Ken aended Maidstone Technical School and completed national service in Germany. He and his wifeAudrey raised daughters Linda and Karen. Ken worked for Tilling Stevens and later for Elliot’s at Rochester Airport, which became Marconi and GEC Avionics. Ken’s involvement in theatrewas significant. Friend Brian Moss noted: “Kenwas a


member of St Luke’s Church Choir from 1937 to 1951. He joined the Elliot Dramatic Society in 1970. “Membership of the Chatham Operatic


and Kentish Players followed in 1976, with many leading roles. Hewas awarded Best Leading Actor of the year twice, for Emile in South Pacific and Honore Lachaille in Gigi. “Ken joined Maidstone Operatic in 1991


and played the school principal in Carousel in 2012. He continued to sing with the Maidstone Operatic concert party andwas the concert group’s Master of Ceremonies.” Daughter Karen added: “My fatherwas


always ready for a laugh and knew many people locally.” Ken – whowas widowed in 2011 – leaves his daughters.


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


Obituaries


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