It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Assistant Warden Mike Snelling.
Senior Warden Russell Race said: “This terrible news has come as a great shock, and my thoughts are with Mike’s family at this difficult time. Mike was a committed member of this ancient organisation and always gave the best of his time and expertise for the benefit of local people. We will miss his contribution and his friendship.”
Bridge Clerk Sue Threader said: “Mr Snelling’s wife and family are uppermost in our thoughts at the moment. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr Snelling was nominated in 2005 by Kent County Council to serve as a member of the Court of Wardens and Assistants and has given seven years’ committed service to the Rochester Bridge Trust as an Assistant Warden. In particular, he was a valuable member of the Resources Committee and was able to make full use of his expertise in the banking sector to help the Trust develop its investment policy and the management of its resources. As a full participant in the wide range of Trust affairs, Mike particularly enjoyed helping to give tours of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber to members of the public and speaking about his work for the Trust on the annual Heritage Open Days.
Mr Snelling was also a member of Kent County Council and Gravesham Borough Council and a member of the Kent Police Authority.
Mr Snelling died at Darent Valley hospital on Friday afternoon.
Notes:
1. The Rochester Bridge Trust is a charitable trust that exists to maintain the old and new bridges at Rochester and serve the travelling public. It is the only surviving bridge trust still serving its original purpose, and it has served the people of Kent since 1399. The Trust also supports numerous community and education projects across historic Kent and Medway.
2. The Trust’s assets all derive from endowments of land and money in the 14th and 15th centuries and are carefully managed in order to provide an income to fund bridge maintenance and local charitable grants. The Trust receives no external funding and is regulated by the Charity Commission.
For more information:
The Rochester Bridge Trust
5 Esplanade
Rochester
Kent ME1 1QE
Tel: 01634 846706
Fax: 01634 840125