Ken was devoted to the community. He joined June Lucas to edit the High Country Magazine following the death of the Revd David Callum. The magazine presented local news, articles, and literary offerings to a wide, loyal circulation. Ken contributed his poems, though less frequently in later years since, as editor, he felt a conflict. Ken was ever-present on the magazine bookstall, fund raising at local events. No new editors came forward and the magazine closed at the start of the new millennium.
Ken observed the parish keenly. Many years ago, during some building excavations towards the River Roding, some large stones, positioned in a pattern, were uncovered in the clay. The thought took root that these might be the foundations of an ancient crossing point. Despite the disinterest of the British Museum, the idea never passed. Even recently, Ken again voiced his misgivings about the British Museum
Ken was a gentleman. In a quiet and thoughtful way, Ken contributed much. From recent conversations, it was realised that Ken’s health was failing but his passing is still a loss that was not anticipated. Our sympathies go to Elsie and his family.
Anniversary
Eternity, we are aware,
Writes all the scripts,
Plays all the parts,
Directs all the scenes;
And will strut the stage endlessly
After we have lost the lights
And are gone.
Yet pray with me
That this past year
That now we celebrate
With cards, candles, and kind regards
May echo on in thoughtful words;
To some longevity.
O’ scar with lasting substance
The fading shadows that were You and Me
One year in all Eternity.
Ken Feakes