A village community has been left “heartbroken” at the death of a popular retired vicar described as “the very best of men”.

The Rev Phil Brown led St Mary’s Church at Chartham for 11 years and was a long-time member of the local string band.

He died on November 13, aged 69, following a short illness and his funeral was held at Barham Crematorium on Monday.

Rev Phil came to the village in 2009 having previously been vicar of St George’s in Harold Hill in Essex for 11 years.

He and his wife Marjorie, both from Sunderland, quickly became part of the community and village life.

Rev Phil’s energetic services became renowned for their music, with the Crib Service even dubbed Chartham’s answer to Glastonbury “filling the church with fun and laughter”.

But he is also credited with being there for parishioners in the best and worst of times.

He and Marjorie were also enthusiastic members of the Chartham String Band, where he played the mandolin and was lead vocalist, performing regularly at the White Horse pub in Chilham.

Pub landlord Ryder Gilronan described Rev Phil’s death as a great loss to the community.

“He was a lovely, jovial character with a big personality and full of humour,” he said.

“We at The Horse are deeply saddened to hear this news and offer our sincere condolences to the family.”

Band members also shared a heartfelt tribute, saying: “It is with broken hearts we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and bandmate Rev Phil Brown.

“We have shared such joy and laughter over the last 14 years of playing together. The very best of men.”

Matisse Martin added: “Such a lovely and talented man, who gave us such joy.

“We will certainly miss Phil, his playing, singing, silliness and grin.”

Friend Gram Swan said: “A great man and musician with a cracking sense of humour, and a brilliant lyricist. It's been a joy to work with Phil and you all in the studio and on stage.”

And writing on the village Facebook Page, Paul Martin added: “We have lovely memories of attending services with Phil when we first moved to the village many years ago.

“We will always remember the classic ‘We’re All Going on a Harvest Festival’ set to the original Cliff Richard anthem of ‘We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday’, played beautifully by Phil on his guitar.”

Rev Phil retired in 2020 and he and Marjorie moved to Wingham.

His wife of 41 years, she said: “His great passion was music and motorbikes and we enjoyed regular rides and an annual trip to the south of France, which we loved.

“He also wrote and recorded a song for Catching Lives to raise money for the charity, to which there is still a link on our band website.”

The couple have two daughters, Katy and Georgia, who Rev Phil was proud to officiate for at both of their weddings.

In his final days, he was cared for by the Pilgrims Hospice, which the family thanks for its kindness and support.

Marjorie says they are also grateful for all the many kind comments and tributes that have poured in following his death.