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Talk tonight on the life of Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown with tributes to former Maidstone Mayor Brian Mortimer

The life and times of Paddy Ashdown is the subject of a talk tonight at the Allington Community Centre.

Mr Ashdown served as a Royal Marine, became the MP for Yeovil and later was the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party for 10 years, as well as being a UN peace-keeper.

Paddy Ashdown on the campaign trail on a visit to Maidstone
Paddy Ashdown on the campaign trail on a visit to Maidstone

His story will be told by Ian Patrick who was Mr Ashdown's aide for over a decade and was himself awarded an MBE in 2006 for his peace-keeping role in Bosnia.

The occasion which is being organised by former Maidstone councillor James Willis will also be used to pay tribute to Brian Mortimer, a past Mayor of Maidstone who had represented Coxheath and Hunton Ward for 23 years and who died in 2019.

Cllr Mortimer's family will be present and the audience will be reminded of the many things Cllr Mortimer did for Maidstone - including setting up - along with Mike Fitzgerald - the Coxheath World Custard Pie Throwing Championships.

Mr Willis said: "There are many comparisons can be drawn between Paddy and Brian; they were both 'men of the people' who quietly got on with things."

Entry to the talk at the hall in Castle Road is free. There will be a raffle to over costs.

Brian Mortimer launching the Mela parade when Mayor of Maidstone
Brian Mortimer launching the Mela parade when Mayor of Maidstone

Further information from Mr Willis on jameswillis322@btinternet.com

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