The funeral takes place next week for John Moyle, who was a president of Kent National Union of Mineworkers and a union leader during the national strike in the 1980s.

During the 1984-85 industrial unrest Betteshanger Colliery, which closed in 1989, was the last pit in the country to return to work.

Mr Moyle, 68, of Mill Hill, Deal, died in the Royal Brompton Hospital in London on Thursday last week. He leaves three daughters Katy, Mandy and Hayley, and six grandchildren.

He had lived in Deal most of his life and, apart from a brief time as a merchant seaman, he worked in the Kent Coalfield for 47 years. His father Arnold had also been a miner.

Mr Moyle was chairman of the Betteshanger Social Welfare Scheme and also chairman of the Betteshanger Sports and Social Club, Cavell Square, Deal.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 23, at 1.30pm at St Leonard’s Church, Deal, followed by burial at Deal Cemetery. Mourners are invited by the family to wear something red.

Family flowers only and donations can be made to the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charitable Fund, via the Co-operative Funeral Service, Queen Street, Deal.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, February 16, page 23.