Memorial Bench : Chris Newton 16.04.1946 - 26.02.2024

I would like to think that you all knew my Dad, Chris Newton, but in case you didn’t here’s a brief outline of who he was.

My family moved from Petts Wood, Kent, to The Shieling, Forewood Lane, Crowhurst in 1987, when I was just 4 years old. Dad worked in London and commuted every day. My sister Holly, was enrolled at Claverham, and my brother Robert and I joined Crowhurst Primary, with myself starting in Reception.

Dad loved Crowhurst, he was a active member of so many organisations, spending time as treasurer for many. He was a school governor until just recently, even though I left the school in 1994! From the drama group to the youth club, to selling books at the village market, running around the village fayre every year and fixing the clock on the pavilion, are just some of the many many roles he took on.

Dad also loved sport and was incredibly fond of all the village teams, Cricket especially holding his heart. Dad would play whenever he was asked, (although he wasn’t the greatest player!!) and he truly loved every moment of it.

In later years, once Dad retired from the city life, he became the village handyman! He had an amazing eye for detail and if you have his work in your house, I believe you are extremely lucky.

Sadly, Dad passed away on 26th February 2024. Dad fought cancer for 17 years, beating it 6 times. He was a fighter, and he fought so hard, but in December 2023 it started its cruellest attack, he died at home with Mum and I at his side.

Our family wish for there to be a memorial Bench for Dad at the Pavilion, (the cricket club and the parish council have so kindly agreed) so all members of the village can watch the cricket, enjoy the fayre and all the other wonderful activities that take part in this lovely village, and that in someway, this will enable Dad to always be there too.

Any additional funds, will be donated to village organisations.