Paragraph in the Kent Messenger 'Roundabout' column for Staplehurst in the Weald Edition of 9th November 2007
Farewell to Allan
Sue Rimmer wishes to thank everyone who sent letters and cards of sympathy when
Allan died. The Parish Church of All Saints was full on Thursday November 1
when family, many friends and colleagues attended. Sue is grateful to everyone
who was there and is sorry not to have met you all in person after the funeral.
She said: "Allan would have been so proud to realise he had so many friends
amongst you all". Tributes were paid during the thanksgiving service celebrating
the life of Allan who died on October 20 at the Heart of Kent Hospice. He was
a Master of Arts, obtained at Jesus College, Cambridge, and gained a Diploma
of Education which took him to teaching epileptic children in Lingfield; then
to Red Hill School, East Sutton, where he became Headmaster at the residential
school for children with special needs. The family moved to Staplehurst in 1992
and, until his retirement, Allan was a regional tutor to post graduate students
at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. He contributed much
to Staplehurst, including his work as Chairman of the Carnival and Fete Committee
that also originated the annual 'Creative Staplehurst' weekend and 'Christmas
at the Centre'. He held the post of Secretary to The Staplehurst Society for
many years whose chairman, Bill Piper, in his tribute gave thanks for all Allan
did in the village.
by Ron Hegarty (Staplehurst village correspondent to the Kent Messenger)
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Article in the December 2007 edition of Staplehurst Parish Magazine
ALLAN RIMMER
I am sure that many people know that Allan died of a brain tumour in October. I would like to thank everyone who sent letters and cards of sympathy, and for attending his funeral and memorial service at All Saints. Allan loved the village and its people. He would have been so happy to know that he was respected and valued by so many of you. Sue Rimmer
From Staplehurst Carnival & Fete Committee
Allan was an excellent Chairman who had great drive and passion, not only for all he did with the Carnival and Fete, but with so many other organisations in the village. Allan was a very knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful man who did so much for so many. We will miss his enthusiasm, humour and sincerity and we are very proud that we were led by such a devoted man.
From The Staplehurst Society
Members of The Staplehurst Society would like to record their gratitude to Allan for his work over the last fifteen years. Allan was the man of ideas responsible for the monthly contributions to this Magazine as well as to most of the public face of the society. So much of what we have achieved and enjoyed has been thanks to his efforts. So much of the society's activities have been down to his innovation and his infectious enthusiasm. He did much to shape the way are now. We shall miss Allan, as the whole of the Staplehurst community will miss him.
courtesy of the Staplehurst Parish Magazine