Robertsbridge murder: Tributes to ‘gentleman’ Julian Gardner

Mr Gardner was a popular figure in the village, an active member of both the Robertsbridge Bonfire Society and Robertsbridge Aviation Society, and regularly sponsored and supported events in the village.

His mother Molly Gardner and sister Anna Murphy paid tribute to their loving son and brother.

They said: “Julian was our son, brother and dear friend and nothing will ever be the same in our lives without him.

“He had so much more living to do.

“If only he had known how many people have had their lives enriched by knowing him.

“He was so honest, so dependable, funny, loyal and hard working. The space he leaves will never be filled.”

Friend Cllr Sue Prochak, who represents Robertsbridge on Rother District Council said: “I have known the family and particularly his mother Molly for many years.

“Julian was a lovely, gentle person, a real sweetie. He was very big in the bonfire society and lots of people knew him through that.

“I saw him at events in the village from time to time and this is such grim, grim news. It’s like a horror story, it doesn’t seem real.”

A statement from Salehurst and Robertsbridge Parish Council said: “The parish council is truly saddened at this terrible event in our safe and quiet village.

“On behalf of our whole community, whose support for each other over this most difficult of times has been tremendous, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Julian’s mother and family.”

Members of the Robertsbridge Bonfire Society will be wearing a black blaze on their uniforms at Hastings bonfire tomorrow (Saturday) as a mark of respect.

A personal tribute from the society is to be included in the programme for this year’s Robertsbridge bonfire event.

Roger Palamarczuk, chairman of Robertsbridge Bonfire Society, said: “We are very shocked and very disappointed. Everyone liked him very much.”

Mr Gardner was also a member of the Robertsbridge Aviation Society, which has been based at Bush Barn Farm since 1980.

Michael Avaan, committee member of the society, said: “He was a magic man, really.

“He could not do anything wrong for anybody. We send condolences to all his family, from all the members of the aviation society.”

Parish clerk Karen Ripley had known Mr Gardner for over 30 years and her husband had been friends with the businessman since they attended school together many years ago.

Mrs Ripley said: “He was a lovely, lovely man and a gentleman. He was good fun, very supportive and a good friend to many people.”

She said Mr Gardner would sponsor and support events in the village, including the Salehurst Halt charity calendar.

He also enjoyed clay pigeon and pheasant shooting, and was involved in the Bush Barn Shoot and the Longwood Shoot at Ewhurst.

Mrs Ripley said Mr Gardner was able to “get on with everyone at every level”.

She said: “He was a very intelligent man and would talk to everyone equally.

“He was a very likeable person and had a good sense of humour.

“The world would be a better place if we had a lot more like him.

“He’s going to leave behind a hole which will be impossible to fill. Our thoughts are with his mum and his sister.”