A long-serving theatre and drama society member involved in running shows for more than five decades has died.

Keith Sheepwash, president of the Rainham Theatrical Society since 1997, lost his short battle with cancer aged 78.

He was influential in the group's long and successful history having joined 55 years ago and taking several different roles behind the scenes.

Most recently he was the group's president having also worked backstage and in the lighting box when he first started out with RaTS in 1965.

He was also a key figure in helping getting the theatre up to scratch by working on building projects and refurbishments after it opened to the public two years earlier.

Keith became treasurer before taking over as the society's chairman in 1979 when he was responsible for ensuring everything at the theatre ran smoothly.

He was known during his tenure as being able to resolve situations through his calm and diplomatic approach.

"Keith was the glue that keeps the society together with his gentle guidance and advice usually anecdoted with invaluable experience"

It was a role he continued for 18 years before stepping down but was made president to continue his expertise.

He was given an award in 2017 recognising his extensive efforts to support the theatre.

Society member Jan Wyatt, who joined the group in 1979, described Keith as being the "glue that keeps the society together with his gentle guidance and advice usually anecdoted with invaluable experience".

Although much of Keith's work was backstage, including directing several pantos during the 1980s and 1990s, he did make a few appearances on the stage itself.

These roles included in "potted pantos" and with the group's RaTS Revellers which toured around the county and performed at the Oasthouse Theatre, the home of the society.

Keith's successor as chairman, Dean Caston, said he always offered him help and was "a great support" when he took over, becoming a friend for many years to him and his wife, Helen, who is the current chairman.

She ran the virtual London Marathon last month in his memory raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Just a few weeks before his death, Keith was still attending the group's monthly committee meetings held on Zoom.

His other passions included playing bowls and was involved with St Mark's Church in Gillingham.

Members have been planning to host a memorial service at the church in Canterbury Street, after Covid-19 restrictions meant only four members of the society could attend his funeral following Keith's death on August 29.

The service, due to be held on November 15, has been postponed until the New Year due to the new national lockdown which comes into effect on Thursday.

To donate to Macmillan in Keith's memory, head to www.virginmoneygiving.com/helencaston

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