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KENT MESSENGER
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DEATH OF MR LEVI BARKER
A GREAT SUPPORTER OF KENT CRICKET
NATIONAL FAME AS A SWEET PEA GROWER
Kent Cricket has lost an ardent supporter, and players a personal
friend, by the death on Friday last week of Mr Levi Barker, of
Shernold Cottage, Loose Road, Maidstone.
He died on the eve of his 89th birthday. He was born at Shernold
cottage and had lived there all his life. He was the third son
of Mr and Mrs Joseph Barker,
of Loose and a brother of the late Sir
John Barker, founder of the firm of Messrs J Barker and Co,
drapers, of Kensington, and also of the late Mr Joseph
Barker, who for many years was chairman of Bearsted Bench.
Until about a year ago, the time when his health first showed
signs of breaking down, Mr Levi Barker had displayed remarkable
vitality. He had a genial personality and made a great number
of friends.
At an early age he became connected with the brewery trade, and
when he was about 19 he joined his father and elder brother,
Joseph, in their business as brewers, the premises at that time
being situated at the rear of the Papermaker' Arms, a few yards
from his home.
FARMED AT ABBEY GATE
The call of the land and an open-air life was irresistible to
him and within a few years he dis-associated himself with the
brewery business and took up farming. Abbey Gate Farm, near Bockingford,
became his charge until he retired about 25 years ago.
By his death the "Loyal Invicta" Lodge of Odd Fellows
at the Papermakers' Arms, Loose Road, has lost a valuable member.
He was one of the oldest original members, being No.1 on the
books. The Lodge was opened in 1883 and Mr Barker was made its
first Noble Grand.
In his second year with the Lodge he was appointed a trustee,
a position he held for nearly 40 years. Mr Barker had always
shown particular interest in the juvenile movement of the Lodge.
Over the fireplace in the Lodge Room at the Papermakers' Arms
is a bronze memorial tablet which he presented. It contains the
names of 81 brothers who lost their lives in the Great War. In
1935 Brother Barker presented new regalia to the Lodge.
Paying tribute to the life of Mr Barker, the permanent secretary
of the Lodge (Brother G A Kennett) told the "Kent Messenger"
that the Lodge had lost a "valuable member and a much respected
friend".
"For 10 years," said Bro. Kennett, "I have been
closely acquainted with him. He always maintained a great interest
in the Lodge and was always ready to make benefactions to forward
the work of the juvenile movement."
HIS GREAT LOVE OF CRICKET
Few men could have taken a greater interest in Kent cricket than
he did. Mr Barker was a member of the Kent County Cricket Club.
He was one of the first members of the old Hayle Place Cricket
Club and was also associated with the Mote Club for many years.
Although he lost his left hand in an accident during his early
twenties he never lost his prowess at cricket. He was a sound
bat, but excelled chiefly at fast bowling.
County matches were always a source of great pleasure to him.
He followed the Kent team all over the county and to many of
the neighbouring counties as well. In fact, so keen was he that
he used to arrive at cricket grounds long before the gates were
due to open in order to obtain the best view of the game.
During the past few years almost every player in the Kent team
became his acquaintance, and no days gave him greater pleasure
than those on which he entertained the Kent players at his home.
Mr Barker idolised Frank Woolley, the prince of left-handed batsmen.
He saw Kent's famous "veteran" make his first century
at Tunbridge Wells.
It was a great disappointment to Mr Barker that he could not
go to Tonbridge to see Woolley make his last appearance on the
ground where his county cricket career started. After that match
Mr Barker telephoned Woolley to congratulate him. Kent's cricket
idol replied that if he came to Tunbridge Wells he would make
a century specially for him. Mr Barker went, and Woolley hit
up well over a 100.
£1 FOR THE CENTURY
To instil enthusiasm into young players of the Kent Club, it
was a habit of his to give each player £1 when they made
a first century.
Mr Barker had a rare album of autographed snapshots of most of
the Kent players and a wall in his home is adorned with large
photographs of the MCC Australian touring teams of three seasons.
Each photograph bears the autographs of all the players appearing
in it.
Mr Barker took a special pride in gardening - this was evident
by the excellent manner in which his garden had been kept - and
in this respect he was never happier than during the time sweet
peas were in bloom. He built up a national reputation for growing
sweet peas.
At his home are many handsome cups and prizes which he had gained
at shows in various parts of England. His proudest trophy was
the Cory Cup, won at the National Sweet Pea Society's show at
London this year.
In 1935 he exhibited his exquisite blooms at the Hastings show,
open to all England, and secured 10 first prizes in addition
to two premier trophies. At Faversham and Tonbridge shows he
invariably walked away with most of the awards.
Another favourite bloom of his was a chrysanthemum. At the time
of his death a greenhouse at the rear of his home was ablaze
with colour of some of the finest blooms he had ever grown.
Mr Barker was a keen shot and until three years ago he had his
private shot at Coxheath. He found great enjoyment in following
hounds, particularly the Linton Beagles. He was present at the
late Lord Cornwallis's first and last beagle meet. Mr Barker
thought nothing of walking 10 miles to a meet, following the
hounds all day, and then walk home at night.
Mr Barker's wife died about seven years ago. Three sons and four
daughters are bereaved.
Mr C W Peach, who played for Kent during the 1930-31 season,
and is a member of the Mote Cricket Club, is a son-in-law and
lived with Mr Barker.
THE FUNERAL
The funeral took place at Loose on Monday.
The Rev. Neville Hare officiated and the family mourners were:
Mr and Mrs C W Peach, Mr and Mrs F J Buckett, Mr and Mrs Percy
Boyles, Mr and Mrs Percy Moss (sons-in-law and daughters), Mr
and Mrs Frank Barker, Mr and Mrs Arthur Barker, Mr and Mrs John
Barker (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr and Mrs Frank Barker (brother
and sister-in-law), Mr J L Moss (grandson).
Others present included: Messrs. Frank Woolley, "Tich"
Freeman, Major f D Thomas, Dr L Taylor, Jun, Messrs. C E Twyman,
A E Waite, T F Bunting, C J Bunting, W Peach, F Haigh, E Rumbelow,
H J Clarke, R Humphrey, J Humphrey, J Cloke, S G Jenkins, and
E Randall Martin.
Major and Mrs F D Thomas, Mr and Mrs Rivers Loe, Miss Gigger,
Mrs J Bray, Mrs Coulter, Mrs Wright, Miss Apps, Mrs Thirkell,
Mrs Norton, Mr and Mrs George Fenner.
Stone Street Club was represented by Messrs. George Gabriel,
F Robinson, P Boorman and W Boulden: The Loyal Invicta Lodge
of Odd Fellows was represented by Messrs. E Mercer, W Grey, G
A Kennett, G C Quinnell, and D Fenner.
Flowers were sent by: Frank, Kate, Kathleen and Winnie; Annie
Allison; Frank, Gladys, Harry and Betty; Arthur, Kathleen and
Trevor; Chum and Dorothy; Lily, Percy and Jack; Trensham and
Annie; J Barker; Edith and Fred; grandchildren of "Timbuctoo";
Mrs Gould and family; Mr and Mrs Joseph Barker; Dolly and Harold;
Grace; Mrs Botley; Clara, Lusby, Gladys, Len ----Walker; Mrs
T Peach and family; Mrs----Creed and sons; G F French; Loyal
Invicta Lodge, IOOF, MU; Ben and Florrie S----wick; Mr and Mrs
G A Kennett; Mr and Mrs Kent and Maggie; Mr and Mrs ----Waite;
Mr and Mrs G Wakeford and ----. |
BARKER