Tributes paid to former mayor: ‘He was Bexhill through and through’

This week, officers and councillors have paid tribute to the memory of long-serving Rother District Councillor and former Bexhill mayor Brian Kentfield, following his death last Thursday (March 27).

Tributes from Rother District Council were led by executive director Dr Anthony Leonard. He said: “In 35 years as a councillor, Brian was hard-working, committed and dedicated himself to serving the people of Rother. 

“He was someone who was never afraid to challenge or to ask difficult questions in order to stick up for the interests of his constituents, but who was approachable, courteous and respectful of decisions that had been made.

“He always made new members and officers feel welcome and was the ‘go to’ councillor if anyone needed a sensible head to talk to. He was a genuinely nice person and a gentle giant.

“Brian cared passionately about Bexhill and his interests extended beyond council work and included the long-standing and active role he played in the local Scouting movement.

“We were deeply saddened to hear the news and our thoughts are with his wife, Susan, and their family at this difficult time.”

Brian first became councillor in 1983, serving until May 1995. He rejoined the council after a short hiatus, returning as member for Bexhill Kewhurst. He continued to hold this seat until last year’s council elections in May. 

During his long service he held a number of senior council roles, including council chairman and deputy leader. Most recently, he had been the chairman of the council’s planning committee.

He also served as the mayor of Bexhill on two occasions, first from 1993 to 1994 and again from 2014 to 2015.

Outside of his council work, Brian was also involved with a number of community groups, including the Bexhill Talking Newspaper, the League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital and the Senlac District Scout Council and others.

Paying tribute to his memory, Pam Doodes, chairman of the Bexhill and Battle Conservative Association, said he had been “hugely respected” and a “well-liked” member of the community.

She said: “Brian was a true friend to so many. He devoted his time to looking out for and helping others. 

“Brian was hugely respected and well liked in Bexhill and the wider area, having been a very active Rother councillor for many years. 

“He forged a solid working relationship with fellow members and officers of the council, working in harmony as a united team delivering services to the community.”

Tributes were also paid by Rother District Council Conservative group leader Carl Maynard, who described him as “an amiable gentleman” who was “always upbeat”.

Cllr Maynard said: “He was without doubt one of the most active and hard-working members of the local community. 

“He was Bexhill through and through and a Conservative through and through.”

“He will have been well-known to anybody with a connection to Bexhil, where he was a councillor for more than 30 years. His absence since last May has certainly been felt.”

Huw Oxburgh , Local Democracy Reporting Service