Tribute paid to local historian
Villagers remember one of Borough Green’s characters
A minute’s silence was held on Monday night in tribute to Borough Green historian and former parish council chairman Frank Bangay, whose death was reported last week.
The village parish council members stood to remember the man who was one of their number for 35 years including three stints as leader.
Chairman Sue Murray said: “He has been a guardian of this village most of his life and it is quite remarkable how he kept going.”
Mrs Murray said the 79 year old, who died in Maidstone Hospital on December 27, had stood down as warden of Potters Mede only three years ago, aged 76.
Vice chairman Michael Stone added afterwards that Mr Bangay had always been “sincere”.
Mr Bangay married Freda after his first wife, Edna, died at 53. His son Brian said: “Since his sudden death, I have said my Dad was in three happy marriages: to his first wife, Edna, to his second wife, Freda, and throughout he was married to Borough Green.”
He said his father was a leading light in creating the recreation ground, the war memorial pavilion, the primary school swimming pool, the village hall and Potters Mede recreation ground.
Mr Bangay, a retired local gasman, founded and ran a village youth club for many years. He was an active supporter of the Borough Green Football Club, both playing for the village and as a linesman.
As he became able to do less physically he devoted more time to local history and his two books are tribute to his love of Borough Green.
He leaves Freda, daughters Marian and Alison, step daughter, Julie, and sons, Brian and Ian, and three grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, at Borough Green’s Good Shepherd Church with the Rev Tony Powell officiating followed by a cremation at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone.
Arrangements are by Sears, Borough Green.
- Historic collection: Frank Bangay kept hundreds of old photographs and memorabilia.
Borough Green photos 