The “lovely, kind” matriarch of a community farm is being remembered by family, friends and customers following her death.

Hilda Glover was part of the Glovers Farm dynasty who have owned the farm in Hartley Bottom Road in Hartley, near New Ash Green since 1912, and has been remembered by the community as “one of the loveliest, kindest lady I had the pleasure to know” and “a beautiful soul”.

Her husband of 58 years, Roy said: “She was always happy and cheerful. She had a lovely smile.”

Roy, 82, said Hilda was surrounded by all her family when she died at home on Christmas Eve.

Hilda, 78, was diagnosed with diabetes in her 40s and had not been well for the past 18 months, but Roy said her death was completely unexpected.

“It was out of the blue,” he said. “She was here on the day she died. We had to call an ambulance for her as she wasn’t well. She was then taken to hospital.”

Roy ran the farm with his wife alongside their two sons David, 53 and Steven 57, and his brother Eric, who died five years ago, and Eric’s wife Pamela, who died in November, and their three daughters.

Roy and Eric took the farm on after the death of his father and uncle. Historically a supplier of milk, the farm is famous for its butcher’s shop which opened in 1998.

Funeral details have yet to be finalised but anyone wanting to attend is advised to keep an eye on the farm’s website at this link.

Roy credits Hilda with opening its popular tack and countrywear shop.

“Hilda and her friend started it up in 1978,” he said. “Our children came and helped on a Saturday.

“Hilda was always in there talking to the locals. They all remember her so fondly.”