downsmail.co.uk Rene Bramall


IRENE “Rene” Bramall (81) lived on Roseacre Lane, Bearsted, from 1984 andwas well-known locally from the years she worked in local pubs. Born IreneWarren in Epsom, Surrey, her


early working life included a spell as a cashier at Fortnum and Mason in London and living in Mitchum, south London. Her first marriage produced daughters


Lynn and Karen, but Renewas widowed at the age of 29, when her husbandwas killed in a road accident. She travelled to South Africa for a short


while before coming to live and work in the local area, where she met her husband of 27 years, Don Bramall, and became step-mother to Helen, Philip and Jane. Don said: “Renewas bubbly and friendly, qualities that allowed her to get on with customers in the local pubs in which she worked - the White Horse, The Plantation and The Bell. She loved her life andwewere able to really enjoy many years whenwe travelled extensively visiting all the countries inwestern Europe including Scandinavia and the USA. Therewas a lot of joy in those times.” Rene leaves her daughters, step-children,


10 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.


VicMahews


VICTOR (Vic) Mahews (96)was born in Maidstone, and moved to Plantation Lane, Bearsted when hewas five years old. He later moved to Roseacre Stores, which


was started by his parents in 1931. Hewas educated, at St Paul’s, Maidstone, and then Maidstone Grammar School. After school Vic worked in The Maidstone Borough Treasurer’s Office and joined the Territorial Army.Afew days beforewarwas


declared, the TAswere mobilised. Eighteen months later, Vic transferred to the RAF to train as a pilot. After gaining his wings he became a Lancaster bomber pilot, until he was shot down over occupied France, from where he escaped back to England. After thewar, Vic returned to Bearsted to


help his parents in Roseacre Post Office Stores. In 1960, he became the sub- postmaster, a post he held for 25 years until his retirement.Afew years before this he


met Rosemary who became his wife and upon Vic's retirement, they moved to her home in Keston, Kent. Vicwas a member of the Bearsted and Thurnham Rifle Club, joining in 1938. When his active competition shooting dayswere over, hewas honoured by becoming the club’s president, a position he held until his death in April. Vic’s brother Denis said: “He will be remembered best for his helpfulways with customers and hewas always ready with advice etc. Another activity Vic did for a timewas to


take up flying again, from Headcorn where he obtained his private pilot’s licence and took great pleasure in taking family and friends for flights over Kent – a far cry from hiswartime flying experiences.”


Ron Stubbs


RONStubbs (79) lived in Barming from 1972 andwas known locally for a range of involvements in his community including serving the area as local correspondent for the Kent Messenger. Aformer shopkeeper, Ron worked as a journalist in the trade press, including time spent on journals dealing with the hardware industry and baking. He became a local Kent Messenger correspondent after retiring from his other journalistic work and valued the contacts and insight the job gave him into his local community. Hewas also involved locally as a member


of the University of the Third Age, his local horticultural society and the Barming History Group. Ron married Valerie in 1969 and the


couple brought up Luke and Rebecca. Ron lost Valerie in May 2016 and suffered ill health this year, spending his finalweeks in Maidstone Hospital. Ron’s daughter Rebecca paid tribute to his


ability to talk to anyone and be a loving father and grandfather. Ron leaves his children and five grandchildren.


Malcolm Tait


MALCOLM Tait (86) lived locally from 1961 and spent his final 43 years in Barming. Malcolm spent his early life in Greenwich


andWelling andwas evacuated to Langholm, Scotland, during thewar. Having worked for Cox and Kings travel agency, he set up his own company. Malcolm met his wife Eva whilst hewas completing his national service. They


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celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2015. He was father to Andrew and Kristina. Andrew said: “After my father retired in


1991 he became involved with a local gardening project in Yalding. He loved gardening and spent a lot of time working on the garden at home. “As my father’s health declined hewas


less able to pursue his passion for painting, though he continued his long involvement with Maidstone Art Society and aended exhibitions.Myfatherwas guided by strong religious principles. Hewas a member of the Ramblers’ Association. ” Malcolm leaves his wife, children and grandchildrenWayan, Kieran and Ian.


Stella Lock


STELLA Lock (91) spent her entire teaching career teaching PE at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. By the end of her working life she had become head of department. She lived in Sterling


Avenue, Allington, for about 60 years before moving to a care home. Shewas a noted golfer and a member of Bearsted Golf Club. Born in Hounslow, Stella aended Chelsea College of Physical Education. She and her


fellow studentswere evacuated to Borth, Wales, during thewar so that the college site in London could be used for civil defence. Niece Jane Moore said: “Stella loved golf


and had a talent forwatercolour painting. She played bridge for many years andwas a regular worshipper at St Michael and All Angels’ church, Tonbridge Road. “She could be lots of fun but had a strong- minded streak. When she and Iwent out in Maidstone in her later yearswe often ran into former pupils who remembered her.”


Brenda Tilley


BRENDA Tilley (86) lived locally her whole life. She lived on Fant Lane, Maidstone, from 1967 until her death. Born Brenda May in Burham, shewent to Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and worked for the post office before moving on to do the books for F .W. Tilley and Brother. Brendawas mother


to Kevin and Caroline and step-mother to Sue, Christopher, Jane and Nick.


Caroline said: “My mother loved gardening andwatching tennis. Shewas a good tennis player in her younger days and a member of the Royal Observer Corps. “People will remember her as a happy and


chay person who got on with everyone. Her family will remember her as a loving mother and grandmother.” Brenda, whowas widowed in 2015, leaves


Kevin and Caroline, grandchildren Kaleb, Myah, Christopher, Samantha and Mahew, step-children and their families, including three great grandchildren.


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