Jack Friend

We record with regret the death, which occurred rather suddenly on Saturday, of Councillor
john friend. By his passing the village of Bridge loses one of its most indefatigable workers.
Known affectionately as ‘Jack’, Mr Friend was only 48 years old and had been ill for only a
few days. The only son of Mr Richard friend and of the late Mrs Friend, he leaves a widow
and one son, Mr JE Friend, while a very large number of friends in the district will also
sincerely mourn his death.

Mr Friend, who was an old Langtonian, filled a remarkable and enviable position in the life of
the village, for there was scarcely any activity for the benefit of the community with which he
was not closely connected. Since 1930 he had been a member of the Bridge-Blean RDC, he
was Chairman of the Folkestone and District PAC (Divisions 23 and 24), member of the

F olkestone and District Guardians Committee, of the Bridge Parish Council for many years
and of the local Old Age Pensions Committee. He acted as Chairman of the village's Jubilee
Committee and as Hon. Secretary of the fete in aid of the Bridge Quota for the new Kent and
Canterbury Hospital. For 29 years he was a member of the Fire Brigade and in recent years
was Second officer.

It will be as a thorough all-round sportsman, however, that Mr Friend will be best
remembered. He played the game in every sense. In earlier years he was a clever footballer
and he continued his interest in the winter sport by taking on the duties of a referee, becoming
a KCFA Class 2 official and on two occasions visiting France with representative teams as
referee—linesman. On numerous occasions he has officiated at Wincheap Grove.

Also a keen cricketer, he was a forcing bat, on several occasions topping the century, and was
a useful performer behind the stumps. He was captain and Hon. Secretary of the former
Bridge Football and Cricket Club and played for a number of teams in the district, including
Lower Hardres. He was an enthusiastic member of the Kent County Cricket Club for many
years and regularly attended the Canterbury Weeks. In addition he was captain of the Bridge
Bowling Club, a supporter of the local school sports teams, was a keen tennis player and an
excellent shot with a sporting gun.

Other organisations with which he was associated include the Bridge Reading Room
Committee, the Bridge Horticultural Society, whose cup for the highest number of points at
the annual show he twice won, the Bridge Boys’ Club, of which he was the first secretary, and
the East Kent and Canterbury Conservative Club, of which he was a member.

Upon leaving school, Mr Friend assisted in his father's coal merchant's business and in 1909
married Miss Louie Brice, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs W Brice, of Bridge. From 1912 to
1918 he was licensee of the Red Lion.

His cheery personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral took place at Bridge Church on Wednesday afternoon when the coffin, which
rested among a profusion of floral tributes, was carried to the Church on the tender of the
Bridge Fire Brigade, members of the Brigade acting as bearers.

The service was conducted by by the Vicar (Rev. H Knight) assisted by Canon Ashton
Gwatkin (former Rector of Bishopsboume) and Canon WF Burnside (Rector of
Bishopsboume).

[those present included] WH Wass (Relieving officer), Mr and Mrs PW Honney (Master and
Matron, Poor Law Institution)