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downsmail.co.uk JohnWinchester


WILLIAM“John”Winchester (70) –who lived in Fauchens Lane, Bearsted for 11 years – spent decades in the local police serving as a cadet, constable and detective constable before finishing hisworking life as a civilian crime support officer. Sussex born, John was a talented sportsman and an accomplished cricketerwho played at county level as a schoolboy – facing future internationals likeAlan


Kno� and Derek Underwood – before joining Kent Police. Many tributes fromformer colleagues


say howthey regardedworkingwith him as both a pleasure and a privilege and, despite the nature of thework, he could bring laughter to the situation. John always had the ability to see the best in people and had a laugh and a smile for everyone. John continued his love of sport in


retirement and loved playing golf at Bearsted. Hewas devoted to all his family and leaves hiswife, Sharon, daughters Claire and Emma and granddaughters Ella, Lauren,Ava and Isla.


David Sheridan


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


member ofWillington Players andwon 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 Davidwas a joy towork with. He had a passion for acting andwas 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


yearswithWhitbread as purchasing director in its city HQ, retiring in 1986. Previously, he had purchasing roleswith 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 hiswife 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 in Lunsford Park to volunteering at Larkfield Leisure Centre. Ju’s sister,Alison,


said: “Ju had a lovely


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


and she regularly a�ended the raceswith 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, hiswife of 48 years, and bringing up childrenMia and Richard. As a teacher, Chriswas highly popular


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and respected by pupils. Former student AndyHook took to Facebook to post this tribute: “You taught somany somuch. Thank you for all you did. Oakwoodwas a be�er placewith you in it.” 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: “Chriswas awonderful


man, and somebodywho couldmake a significant contribution to the lives of others. His family knowthat hewill be missed by verymany people in the community.” Chris leaves hiswife, 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, aswell as holding the position of life vice-president. His other officeswith the league


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


Bruce Ernest Ealham


THE sudden death of formerMaidstone resident Bruce Ealham(64) has left family and friends shocked and devastated. Bruce lived locally from1975 to 1995. Born and raised in


Ashford, Brucemoved to the area towork as a typese�er for the KentMessenger Group andwhen he, alongwithmany of his colleagues,weremade redundant in themid- eighties he continued to live locally,whilst


commuting to a newtypese�ing job in London. Eventually, hemoved to Lewishamto live closer to his new employment. Brucewas father to Lucy, Katie and


Charles. Daughter Katie said: “My fatherwas a fit


and healthymanwho loved sports and played football locally forMalgo formany years.At different times, he enjoyed having a season ticket for CharltonAthletic and for The Oval,where he supported Surrey County Cricket. Thosewho knewand loved himwill


remember a kind, lovingmanwhowas devoted to his family and loved to relax, enjoy a drink and spend timewith his family and friends.” Bruce leaves his children and


grandchildrenMatilda, Harper and Penelope.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com 36 Maidstone East January 2018


Obituaries


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