‘When he said he was going to do something, he always got it done’

Tributes to councillor and ex-mayor

Family and friends have paid tribute to a hard working councillor and former mayor who lost his battle with prostate cancer.

Reg Harrington served as an independent councillor in Kingsnorth and was only the second non-party affiliated councillor to become mayor of the town in 1991.

He died aged 89 on August 8, at the Pilgrims Hospice in Ashford, and his funeral was held at Christ Church in Beaver Road on August 25.

His eldest daughter Gwyneth Pollock, who now lives in Australia, said he was born in Battersea in London, but became an evacuee during the Second World War, moving to Wales with his siblings.

She said: “His sisters and brother went to Wales and have talked about their fond memories of their time there, and I think that’s where his involvement and love of farming came from.”

After moving to Kent in 1949, he met his wife of 64 years, Beryl, at the Christ Church youth club and they married in 1951. They had three children, Gwyneth, Kathleen and Andrew.

He initially worked as a farm labourer, but later worked at companies supplying farm implements, and later ran his own business, selling equipment and materials to farmers.

Gwyneth said: “He was a wonderful father and great role model for us with his community involvement. He was always supportive.

“People have said they will miss him because of his commitment. When he said he was going to do something, he always got it done for people.

“We were extremely proud of him when he became deputy mayor then the mayor, and we were proud of him for being on the council and commit- tees, he really enjoyed doing that.”

As an independent councillor he served Kingsnorth and Park Farm residents before retiring at the age of 80.

Fellow independent Cllr David Smith said: “He was a lovely person who was very committed to the area he represented for more than 20 years. He was a tremendous councillor who worked very, very hard.

“When he became mayor it was a real honour that they bestowed upon him, as independents are often at the bottom of the pile in terms of importance.”

Mr Harrington leaves his wife Beryl, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Beryl, left, and Reg Harrington, right, at his retirement from Ashford museum

Councillor Reg Harrington, pictured in 2003, pointing out damage at a children’s playground