Latest news with #DeanFaulkner
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Kent marching band appeals to King to save them from eviction
Britain's last remaining St John Ambulance marching band has sent a letter to King Charles appealing for his help to save them from musicians have been in their current property in Halfway, on the Isle of Sheppey, for 50 John Ambulance said it was putting the premises up for sale following a "thorough review of the condition, running costs, maintenance requirements, and location of the building, confirming it was no longer suitable for our service needs".Bandmaster Dean Faulkner said as the King had been royal patron of the charity since 2024, the band had "nothing to lose" by sending him the letter. "It is appalling they want to sell the premises, considering that we have been part of this community for many years," Mr Faulkner 59-year-old said the land at Queenborough Road had been gifted by Lord Harris in 1974 and the property built with the support of community Faulkner, who has been a member of St John Ambulance for 48 years, said the charity had now given them until 23 September to move out - an extension from the previous notice of 31 said the band had also submitted an application to Swale Borough Council proposing to buy the building as a community asset. "We are so grateful for the community's support in our fight to save the premises," Mr Faulkner added. 'Simply not realistic' Kevin McKenna, Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, wrote a letter to the chief executive of St John Ambulance asking them to pause the sale process and launch a public consultation. He wrote: "This decision seems to reflect a growing and troubling pattern. "Essential services are increasingly being centralised, often to the detriment of communities that are both geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged such as Sheppey."Mr McKenna added travelling off the island was "simply not realistic", especially for older members and those with John Ambulance has offered a new property to the band 25 miles (40km) away in Rochester.A spokesperson for the charity said: "We are engaging with local volunteers and band members to secure a suitable spot-hire meeting place from several promising leads in Sheppey while we seek more permanent premises in the region." They added this approach helped ensure "effective management of our resources".
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial and tribute for Dean Faulkner to be held at Iron Horse
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A Canadian scientist named Orlando Battista is credited with saying, 'The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they're alive.' According to the stories his friends and loved ones told about him, Dean Faulkner seemed to live without that weakness. Faulkner, the lead singer of AA Bottom since the group was formed in 1988, passed away on January 20, 2025. His best friend and bandmate Jason Brown said Faulkner suffered a heart attack. PREVIOUS STORY: 'Love was Dean': Loved ones recall Dean Faulkner's decades-long legacy of love and rock 'He mentioned a long time ago, 'Tell people you love them before it's too late. Look them in the eye and tell them you love them,' Brown said. The love that Faulkner poured into those around him continues as community members plan to gather to celebrate the life of a friend. Iron Horse Pub will host a memorial and tribute for Dean Faulkner on Saturday, February 8, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A Facebook post from Brown reads, 'Bring your stories, memories, and laughter as we celebrate the life of the legendary James Dean Faulkner.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
