TRAGIC DEATH

MARCH 1930

TRAGIC DEATH OF MR. THOMAS TOLHURST, AGED 35

In a mysterious motor car accident, which occurred between Wateringbury and Nettlestead in the early hours of last Saturday morning, Mr. Thomas Tolhurst, of Moat Farm, Five Oak Green, met his death.

He was returning from a private dance at Maidstone and it is believed that his car overturned after running into fog. Mr. Tolhurst was found lying underneath the car in a ditch. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned.

Mr William Tolhurst identified the body as that of his brother, a single man, aged 35. He had left home early in the evening and the witness did not know where he was going though he frequently went to dances.

Greta Anne Hales, of Vineyard Hill, Wimbledon, said she spent the evening with Mr. Tolhurst at the dance at Maidstone. They departed after midnight and returned to a house at Loose to fetch his car. It would be about 3.20 am when he left and he seemed all right, but a little tired.

Mr. Tolhurst, educated in Tonbridge, followed his late father's example of taking a lively interest in all local and agricultural affairs.

In World War One he joined the Yeomanry in 1914 before being transferred to the Royal West Kent Regiment but was later invalided out.

He become chairman of the local branch of the British Legion and with the Paddock Wood branch of the National Farmers' Union he served as vice-chairman.

Mr. Tolhurst was also a member of the Parish Council, Tonbridge Rugby Football Club and took a keen interest in matters appertaining to sport, including football, cricket, shooting and hunting.

A packed congregation of over 200 attended the funeral at Capel Church with family and villagers combining to pay tribute and respect to a man who had won the high esteem of all with whom he had been associated, a man who was known for his sporting qualities and high integrity.

There were no fewer than 154 floral tributes.