downsmail.co.uk


Former Downs Mail editor dies aged 63


AFORMEReditor ofDownsMail and leading light of local life in Hollingbourne has died, aged 63. Alan Bennett died inMaidstone


Hospital after reportedly suffering kidney failure andaheart attack on October 20. He had spent many years battling the effects of dia- betes. Mr Bennett, who lived in Ey-


horne Street, near Hollingbourne, had a long career in local journal- ismbefore his health problems, in- cluding the amputation of a leg, forced himto retire. He continued to play an active


role in Hollingbourne, as a parish councillor and as spokesman for the village. Mr Bennett was often seen representing his community, giving colourful speeches in the town hall or publicmeetings, hav- ing put his journalistic writing skills to good purpose. MrBennettwas alsoplain-speak-


ing and used his knowledge of the news industry to give Holling-


tributes to Mr Bennett. Lea Reynoldswrote: “Agoodmanwho will be greatlymissed.”MrBennett was involved in many village or- ganisations including All Saints’ Church and the Royal British Le- gion. A sports fan, friends remember


bourne issues awider airing. Inthe latter years ofhis career,he


editedDownsMail for a short time but he had also worked on news- papers in Hertfordshire, Bucking- hamshire and Kent. Parish council member David


Ardley described the news as “devastating” and fellow council- lor Andrea Marshall said it was “very sad news indeed”. On Facebook, local people left


him as a keen member of Kent County Cricket Club, a regular at the St Lawrence Ground in Can- terbury and a follower of Maid- stone United Football Club. He was a supporter of the village fete, opening the event in 2011with fel- lowresidentsArthurC.Clarke and BarryHumphreys. Mr Bennett is pictured at the


event in 2015, selling copies of the Hayl Hola book about Holling- bourne.He leaves hiswifeAnne, a former nurse, and his brother, Roger. His funeralwasdue to takeplace


onNovember 16 as theEast edition ofDownsMailwent to press. Obituary, page 32


News Play area will


be a Kent first A NEW play area will open in Mote Park next year which con- forms to new standards. The facility will be PiPA (Plan In-


clusive Play Areas) approved, making Maidstone the only Kent town Kent with such accreditation. The play area will be particularly


suitable for disabled or visually- impaired children. Maidstone Borough Council


(MBC) spokesman Cllr Paul Harper said: “The dinosaur tactile sculpture will bring great fun to children.” The playground is part of MBC’s


redevelopment programme for Mote Park, which will also see an adventure zone, mini golf, Segway hire and a visitors’ centre.


Festive fair


HOLLINGBOURNE’S Christmas Fair on December 1 will feature the usual festive treats as well as a hamper raffle and a guess the weight of the cake competition. A local author will also be at the


hall to sign copies of her book. The fair runs from 10am to noon.


To make a donation for the stalls call Val Lurcock on 01622 880694.


Maidstone East December 2018


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