downsmail.co.uk Sam Rooks
TRIBUTES have been paid to Sam Rooks (26), an English teacher from Maidstone who worked at The Victory Academy, Chatham.
Mr Rooks was killed when his car was in a head-on collision on the Maidstone Road in Chatham in July. The devastating news led his school to cancel lessons, allowing staff and students to mourn. The tributes from those he taught spoke of a dedicated teacher who took a personal
interest in the success of his students. A memorial held in the school grounds drew many mourners and the school had to open ve separate books of condolence, such was the wish of staff and students to share memories and write tributes. Mr Rooks earned his teacher training
qualication from Canterbury Christ Church University and had previously worked at the Oasis Academy on the Isle of Sheppey.
Mandy Gage, director of education at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, which runs the Victory Academy, wrote to parents: “I am so incredibly sad to inform you that one of our teachers has tragically died... Many of you, and your children, will know Sam Rooks, who was second in charge of our English department . “Our thoughts are with Sam’s girlfriend, Sarah, and his family and friends… “Sam was not just incredibly popular with staff in our academy and our trust, but with students and with you.”
Richard Alchin
RICHARD Henry Alchin (78) lived locally from the early years of his married life, settling with wife Carol in the Queens Road area of Maidstone.
The couple brought up their family and
moved to Bearsted, where they lived for 10 years in Birling Avenue and 25 years in Church Lane. Richard was father to Jeff, Nigel, Nick and Julie.
Nick said: “My father was a quiet man but very contented, and someone who had the life he wanted. He married his childhood sweetheart, worked for decades in the job he always wanted to
do and took great pleasure in his family and all of his grandchildren.” Richard spend most of his working life with as a telecine engineer with London Weekend Television on the South Bank. He was fortunate enough to work with the same team members for up to 30 years. These colleagues became close personal friends and remained in contact after Richard retired.
Nick said: “My parents were regular badminton players at the Memorial Hall in Bearsted and had long-term friends from that part of their lives.”
Richard, who lost his wife in 2013,
moved to East Sutton for the last 12 years of his life. Nick said: “After our mother died, our father dedicated his time to his family and looking after his grandchildren. Whilst he loved pottering around in the garden and amassing quite a collection of plant pots, he was happiest with his family around him. “He will be missed dearly, but will
always be with us.” Richard leaves his children and eight grandchildren.
Ken Brake
Kenneth “Ken” Brake (55) was born and brought up in Lenham, going on to become a highly respected sound engineer and record producer.
Educated locally, Ken studied a foundation course at Maidstone College of Art, before earning a BA in Film Studies at Central St Martins in London. He settled in the capital, establishing his career in the music industry.
The youngest of the family, Ken and his brother Jeff played locally in the band Silent Room. His passion for music was
fuelled by early experiences including seeing T. Rex perform when he was only 10 and being sneaked onto the side of the stage for a David Bowie concert a year later; the rst time he made his own recording of a performance. His sister Anna said; “Ken was so lucky to be able to build a career which, for the most part, allowed him to do work on recommendations of others. He built his own studio at his home in Primrose Hill, where he lived for 27 years. His studio included a live room and the best professional digital facilities.” Ken worked with a number of noted artists, most recently with indie songwriter and musician Stuart Moxham, who spoke at the funeral. Ken’s funeral at Charing
Crematorium had been planned by him and included his favourite music. Musicians and family
spoke, citing Ken’s skills which created a “Zen folk music”, noting that “his precision and enthusiasm in the recording studio were only matched by how hilarious he was outside it”.
Ken continued to return to Lenham until 2019, when his mother died. He leaves his brothers Paul and Jeff, and his sister Anna.
Gladys May Walters
THE death has been announced of Gladys May Walters (101) of Hubble Drive, Maidstone, on July 26.
A death announcement noted: “She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly… The family ask that those who knew Gladys reect on memories shared and remember her fondly during this difficult time.” A private funeral was held for Gladys
on August 19, and donations can be made in her memory to the Kent Association for the Blind and The British Heart Foundation.
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