Great Chart remembers Marjorie Brissenden

Published: 17 October 2024

For nearly a century, Marjorie Brissenden was at the heart of Great Chart, a quaint village near Ashford, Kent. At 94, her recent passing has left the village a little emptier, but her life, so deeply woven into the fabric of the community, was celebrated in a heartfelt ceremony at St. Mary’s Church, where villagers gathered to honour the woman whose presence was as constant as the village itself.

Marjorie, known for her tenacious spirit despite her small stature, was always recognisable by her high-waisted trousers, tweed hat and jacket. Her love of sport, particularly cricket, defined much of her life. As a member of the Great Chart Ladies Cricket Club, she spent countless weekends on the field or ensuring players and spectators were well cared for at the pavilion. “She continued attending matches, always making sure everything was as it should be.” said a spokesperson for the team. “Her dedication to the village will be greatly missed.”

Beyond cricket, her influence extended to many aspects of village life. Marjorie was a fixture at parish council meetings, staying well informed and engaged. Ian McClintock, a longtime village resident, fondly recalled, “Even in her 90’s Marjorie took the time to read the parish website to keep up to date with Council activities.” Although she was known for her formal contributions, it was her warmth and straightforwardness that everyone remembers so affectionately. “She’ll always be Marjorie to me, though her cricket friends called her Briss” he added.

Her quirky, practical nature added to her charm, like her precise 59-minute phone calls – a tactic to avoid those extra charges. Those who had the pleasure of ‘A Majorie Phone Call” remembered it fondly, as it exemplified her practical, no-nonsense approach to life. These small details are what made her so memorable to those who knew her.

Marjorie’s connection to the village ran deep. She lived in only two houses her entire life, both within a stone's throw of each other.   Her bungalow became a treasure trove of village history, filled with memorabilia, like old newsletters and posters, as well as her father’s business records from his time as the village coffin maker. Local historian Ian Wolverson now faces the task of preserving the rich history contained within her collection, ensuring Marjorie’s contributions live on for future generations.

In 2019 at 90 years old, Marjorie was awarded The Freedom of the Village by Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council, a fitting tribute to her decades of dedication. Her passion for community and cricket, combined with her indomitable spirit, made her a beloved figure.

As Great Chart says goodbye, Marjorie’s legacy will live on through the stories she shared, the matches she supported and the community she helped shape. While the village is a little quieter now, it will forever carry the imprint of a woman who truly embodied its soul.