by Jenni Horn

A D-day veteran and author has died at the age of 84.
Edward Gowers, known as Ted, died at the Heart of Kent Hospice near Maidstone on Saturday, August 1.
Mr Gowers, of Grove Road, Upper Halling, traced his family history in the village over three centuries and wrote a popular book about the area.
Kindness
During the war he served in No 3 Army Commando, which landed in Normandy on D-Day with bicycles and were responsible for relieving the men on Pegasus Bridge.
He was the eldest surviving child of Frederick Henry Gowers and Ella Rose Gowers.
His grandfather was landlord of the 13th Century Five Bells Inn in the High Street in Halling and his father worked as a foreman at Rugby Cement. Ted attended the primary school in Halling and secondary school in Snodland.
Speaking on behalf of his family and friends Pat Smith, from Lordswood, who was friends with Mr Gowers for many years, said: “Those who knew Ted will always have fond memories and utmost respect for his kindness, spirit and determination in the face of adversity.
“His contribution to Halling and its people can never be overstated.”

For full tribute see Friday's Medway Messenger