downsmail.co.uk Roy Botley


ROYAllen Botley (91) lived and worked locally his whole life apart fromwar service in the army. Born in Birling, his most recent homewas in Penenden Heath. In the army, he saw


active service in the push across Europe after D- Day and was involved in OperationMarket Garden and fighting in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium, the site of the Bale of the Bulge. On his return he


worked in construction for Hall & Co and Clubb Construction. Roywasmarried toMargot (a German


woman hemet at the end of thewar) and later to Doreen. WithMargot, hewas father toMichael


and Janice and in his secondmarriage he became stepfather toMichael andAndrew. Roy leaves his children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


David Sheridan DAVID Sheridan (91), of East Farleigh, was a giant of theMaidstone amateur theatre formany years with his commanding stage presence and remarkablememory. Hewas a strong


member ofWillington Players and won critical acclaimfor his final performance (in 2008) at the Hazli Theatre in ‘AMonth of


Sundays,’ when he took the demanding lead role as a resident in an old people’s home. In 2008, his stage career came to an end following a stroke – but he still retained a remarkablememory. Stage director ofWillington Players


David Bicker said David was a joy to work with. He had a passion for acting and was known to rehearsemore than one play at a time. Hewas versatile and could play anything fromShakespeare to farce. He embraced the players’ slogan: ‘A professional approach to amateur drama.’ David’s business career culminated in 16


years withWhitbread as purchasing director in its city HQ, retiring in 1986. Previously, he had purchasing roles with Sharps Toffee, Bowaters Sco and United Glass. Subsequently, as an author hewrote


specialising in purchasing and contract law articles also lectured in the UK and internationally. His book ‘Negotiating Commercial Contracts’ – is still a success. David (an accomplished self-taught


pianist) and his wife Vivian (who sang with severalMaidstone choirs)moved to East Farleigh in 1986 after living in Tonbridge Road,Maidstone, for 30 years. Vivian died in October last year and David is survived by sons Simon, Tony and Nick, daughter Louisa and four granddaughters.


Judith ‘Ju’ Baker


JUDITH “Ju” Baker (64) lived in East Malling formore than 50 years. As a girl, she aended Bower Grove


School and later BoughtonMount. She had a range of jobs, from working in the old people’s home in Larkfield; the staff canteen at Tesco’s in Lunsford Park to volunteering at Larkfield Leisure Centre. Ju’s sister,Alison,


said: “Ju had a lovely


nature and would often stop and talk to people in her local area. “Among her passionswas horse racing


and she regularly aended the races with her sisterMarlene and brother Danny. “She had a large extended family and


loved spending timewith them.” Ju leaves siblings Steve,Marlene and


Alison.


Chris Stockwell CHRISTOPHER “Chris” Stockwell (71), of West Farleigh,was awell-known, talented and highly dedicated teacherwho held a record as the longest-servingmember of staff at Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone, havingworked for 28 years in the design and technology department. Hewas brought up in Egypt and Kenya. In all, he had 26 other jobs before living


locallywithWendy, his wife of 48 years and bringing up childrenMia and Richard. As a teacher, Chriswas highly popular


and respected by pupils. Former student AndyHook took to Facebook to post this tribute: “You taught somany somuch. Thank you for all you did forme,my friends, and family. Oakwoodwas a beer placewith you in it.”


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Chris’s talents for performance and


organisationwere also employed outside the classroom. One stage performance in which hewore a half and half costume and sang a duetwith himself has been recalled in the tributes paid. Elsewhere, Chris’s time as a parish


councillor has drawn praise and fond memories. Wendy said: “Chris was awonderful


man, and somebodywho couldmake a significant contribution to the lives of others.A lot of former students kept in touchwith himbecause they valued what he brought to their lives. His family know that hewill bemissed by verymany people in the community.” Chris leaves his wife, children and grandchild.


Derek Brown


DEREK Brown (86)made a significant contribution to local football as the long- serving administrator for theMaidstone Primary League. During a quarter of a centurywith the


league he held a range of positions including – notably – serving as vice- president for 14 years.At the time of his death, hewas still serving on the league’s cups commiee, as well as holding the position of life vice-president. His other offices with the league


includedmembership of the conduct and control sub-commiee from1996-2013.


John Snelgrove


JOHN Snelgrove (81),who lived for over 40 years in PlainsAvenue,was aman of many talents who had worked locally in a range of jobs and, in his younger days, performed in the theatre. Educated at


Northborough School, at a ‘Class of 1946’ reunion earlier this year hewas able to name all 47 clasmates in a school photograph. He beganwork as a


printing apprentice in Tovil butwent on to a varied series of jobs before eventually finishing his working lifewith 30 years as a registeredmental nurse at Oakwood Hospital. His wife of 48 years, Rosemary, said;


“Johnwas awonderful husband and loving dad who did an incredible range of things. “His hobbies throughout life included


bee keeping, breeding canaries in a self- built aviary (a hobby thatwon him awards), and wood turning. “Hewill be remembered for his


performances at the Hazli Theatre in the local Variety Time Revue productions, whistling, and for appearing as a pantomime dame. “Hewas always very resourceful and


earlier in life had volunteered as a St John Ambulance cadet (mainly to watch the football!).” John leaves his wife, children Vanessa andAdam, and grandchildren Chloé,


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com 28 Malling December 2017


Obituaries


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