The Old Bordenian Association

It is with great regret that we record the death of Tom Baldock on 14th April last year at the age of 80.  Born in Sittingbourne on 6th September 1927, he attended Ufton Lane Primary School before coming to Borden as a ‘scholarship boy’ in 1938.  On leaving School, he trained as a Pharmacist and worked for many years at Drabbles in Sittingbourne, after which he joined Heaths Chemist at Upminster when he moved there with his wife in 1971.

A dedicated family man and a committed Christian, Tom had a major influence on so many people’s lives through his activities as a Covenanter Leader.  A deacon of the Baptist Church at Sittingbourne, Upminster and finally at Hornchurch, he spent much of his spare time helping young people as a Youth Leader, and in his later years he even ran the Tuck Shop at the Church Youth Club!

Tom was what used to be known as “a kindly man”, a gentleman in every sense of the word ; and he led by example, never by preaching.  Utterly selfless, he would go to great lengths to assist others – for instance, by going out often late at night to get medicines or driving those attending the Covenanter’s Club to sports functions and camps in Cornwall.  His wide experience and common-sense advice made a valuable contribution to the Old Bordenian Association’s Committee Meetings which he attended for several years, despite a difficult car journey home to Upminster late at night.

Our deepest sympathy goes to his widow, Alene, and his family.

Graham Barnes