Keble THOMAS Obituary

It is with much sadness that the Parish Council learned of the Passing of Keble Robert Holliday Thomas, otherwise known by all of us as Bob Thomas.

Bob was an absolute force in the village, not only in his profession as a farmer and employer but in many other activities that make a village tick.

In May 1976 Bob was elected to Lower Hardres and Nackington Parish Council and within two years was elected as Chairman, a position he held until his temporary retirement from Local Government in 1991. Bob spoke very highly of a Parish Council´s role in the community, the challenges it can encounter and its duty to the Electorate. During his time as Chairman Bob and his wife Jayne had the honour to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 19th July 1983. This doesn´t often happen at Parish level, it is generally reserved for the higher echelons of District and County Councils. This is an example of how much Bob was respected, not only locally but in the wider community.

In September 2002 Bob returned to the Council and was once again appointed as Chairman, a position he held until 2012. Bob cared very much for the village and for the wellbeing of its inhabitants. In addition to his very busy working life Bob has, for nearly 50 years played a major role in village life, working for everyone. He was a person that made things happen involving himself in many aspects of country life and farming.

Putting aside Bob´s amazing business acumen, one cannot emphasize enough the effort and effect Bob Thomas dedicated to the village and community of Lower Hardres and Nackington, and all that knew him must be very grateful for his decision to move here in 1972.