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All Saints in Maidstone grieving the loss of talented organist Lionel Marchant

A much-loved musician and churchman has died.

Lionel Marchant from Sutton Valence, near Maidstone, passed away in Pembury Hospital on Tuesday last week after a short illness. He was 83.

Lionel Marchant playing at a primary schools concert at All Saints Church in Mill Street, Maidstone
Lionel Marchant playing at a primary schools concert at All Saints Church in Mill Street, Maidstone

Mr Marchant had been an organist at All Saints Church in Maidstone for more than 50 years and was also a conductor and musical director involved with the Maidstone Singers and the Maidstone Choral Union.

Born in Bromley, he first started playing the piano at seven and took up the organ at 12. By 16, he was director of music at his local church.

He went on to become president of the Kent County Organists’ Association and he also served on the Archbishop’s Council in Canterbury.

The vicar of All Saints in Maidstone, John Richardson, knew him for more than 25 years.

Mr Richardson said: “He was a loyal friend and colleague. A devout Christian and a superb organist. We shall miss him greatly.”

Mr Marchant’s son, Andy , said: “My father was a funny, smart, musically minded, train-loving dad, who worked hard for a lot of people, and brought a lot of smiles to a lot of faces.”

Lionel Marchant at a school choral concert
Lionel Marchant at a school choral concert

Mr Marchant is survived by his son Andrew (Andy), daughter Helen, and four grandchildren - Emily, Henry, Charlotte and Thomas.

His wife Elizabeth died in March 2023.

Details concerning a funeral and a celebration of his life are still being finalised by his family.

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