downsmail.co.uk Lynda Bryant


LYNDABryant (67)waswell known in and around Coxheath from32 years ofworking in the local pharmacy (nowLloyds) and as one of a group of dogwalkerswhomet and walked around the local area. Born locally, Lynda


was educated at Southborough School and had lived in town and Bearsted before she and husband Trevor moved to Coxheath in 1977. The couplewere parents toAmanda and Stephen. Trevor said: “Lynda


was a happy and bubbly person. Before working in the pharmacy,which had different owners over the years, sheworked at ParkWood post office. “Shewas very family oriented and did


most of the homemaking because I had longworking days. Peoplewill remember her love of dogs. “She owned two Golden Retrievers over


the years and really enjoyed the times she met her fellowdogwalkers andwent around the local area. .” Lynda leaves her husband, children and granddaughter Johanessa.


Brian Eddy BRIANEddy (89)moved toAylesford in 1971 towork for Kent County Council. Brian’s life prior to his localmove had


been remarkable.He coxed the successful Cambridge eight in the 1953University Boat Race to an eight-length victory.Hewent on towork in the colonial service, andwhile in the Rhodesian Territories hemet and married Gillian and they had five children. The family se�led inAylesfordwhen


Brian took a postwith the personnel department of KCC, rising through the ranks to the highest level ofmanagement. Atribute on the Facebook page of St Peter


and St Paul’s Church,Aylesford described Brian as “a loving father and grandfather…a quick-wi�ed inspiration to hiswhole family”. Brianwas a co-founder ofMaidstone


Invicta Rowing Club and he donated his boat, Blue Boy, to the clubwhen he retired fromcompetitive rowing, aged 82. The club named another boat Brian Eddy in his honour. The club site notes: “The club first entered themen’s EightsHead of the River on the Tideway in London in 1987with an


eight coxed by Cambridge Blue Brian Eddy.” Daughter Bertie said; “My father played a


huge part in the life ofAylesford Church. Hewas a fun guywith lots of character.” Brian leaves children Rosie, Steph,


Frankie and Bertie and seven grandchildren. DaughterAmanda pre-deceased him.


Hughie Batchelor


HUGHIE Batchelor (90)was a colourful and successfulMaidstone farmer and land ownerwhose career ended in high-profile controversy and financial disaster. At one time the family owned about 4,000 acres of farmland, specialising in peas. He becamewidely


known for his antipathy for trees and hedgeswhich interferedwith intensive arable farming and his disrespect for preservation orders


brought himinto serious conflictwith Maidstone council andmany local residents. His ba�les in courtswerewidely reported and on two occasions hewas sentenced to prison. His business ran in to financial


difficulties and he faced a bankruptcy order to pay off a £9mbank debt. This led to another serious incident in 1994when he tried to kidnap at gunpoint a receiverwho called at his large home in ThurnhamLane, Thurnham. Hewas charged and given a suspended sentence. Land,much of itwith subsequent high


development value,was sold off and Hughie retiredwith hiswife (who pre- deceased him) to amore peaceful life in the countryside aroundAshford.


Peter Jordan


PETERWilliamJordan (81) lived locally his whole life. Born inMaidstone he grewup on Brewer Street and lived in the townwith Pauline, hiswife of almost 56 years, before se�ling in the Vinters Road area over the last four years. Educated at


Maidstone Grammar School, Peter spent six


monthsworking for a local firmbefore spending the rest of hisworking life in administration roles for Kent County Council.Hiswork involved overseeing operations linked to social serviceswork including adoptions, fostering and child protection. Peterwas father to Frances,Helen and


Ruth.Wife Pauline said:“Peterwas a life- long-supporter ofManchesterUnited and also followed the fortunes ofMaidstone United. “Hewas actively involved in sport


himself including playing bowls locally and table tennis for Kent County Council. “Hewas a commi�ed Christian and a


regularworshipper at the Baptist Church on Knightrider Street and a Gideon. “Peterwas generous, popular, loving and


had a great sense of humour.” Peter leaves hiswife, daughters and grandchildren Joy, Simeon and Peter.


JimBa JAMES “Jim” Ba� (64) lived in Tovil Green for 31 years.Hemoved to theMaidstone area as a 12-year-oldwhen his family relocated fromLondon. Jimwas employed by BT formost of his


working life, starting as an engineer and ending as amanager. Itwas on a commuter coach to London that hemetHeather, his wife of 30 years. Jimplayed football for both Barming and


Westborough andwas a supporter of Liverpool FC. Hemade headlines as a boywhen he saw


a body floating in theMedway.His call to the police helped save thewoman’s life and he received an award froma local newspaper. WifeHeather said: “Jimwas awonderful


caring husbandwho loved life.” Jimleaves hiswife, family and hismany friends, hewill be greatlymissed


JeanHeynes JEANPatriciaMaryHeynes (85),whomade many friends as a professional hairdresser, firstmoved to Bearsted before she and husband John designed and built their family home for 30 years inWorkhouse Lane, East Farleigh. She became deeply involved in the local community through YoungWives, WI, village church, amateur dramatics and her interests in cycling, dancing and Girl Guides. When John retired


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32 Maidstone Weald November 2017


they enjoyed an active lifewhich included restoring two houses to


live in, first at Chart Su�on and then in Yalding. When John died in 2008 – theywere


married for 54 years - shemoved to Coxheath andmore recently toHengist Court,Maidstone, and finally to Barty House nursing home, Bearsted. Jean, an enthusiastic cook and gardener,


made a loving home for her family and is survived by sons Paul,Nigel andDanny. The funeral is at East Farleigh Church on ThursdayNovember 9 (1.30pm).


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


Obituaries


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