Name: Alexander Finch
I was first acquainted with Mr. Harding around 2001 / 2002. At the time, I was a Sixth Form student at Saint George’s C of E School and fondly remember him being an extremely patient, kind, and reassuring person. This was particularly helpful with the pressures of exam stress, especially as we were ‘guinea pigs’ under the then new AS-Level and A-Level system.
When I later joined the school as a member of staff, Mr. Harding, of course, become John. There are many fond memories over the years, but I am most grateful for the time John gave me throughout 2011 to 2013. During this period, John was a personal mentor to me in the subject of school timetabling. An esoteric subject at best, John willingly supported me through literally hundreds of meetings, questions and problems.
Even during examination season, I never felt like I was interrupting John – he would always be welcoming and find time to lend an ear and advise me. John would often pepper his teachings with the most memorable anecdotes and interesting vocabulary (a couple of times I did consult a dictionary afterwards!). During this time, I also learned that John’s hobbies were rather diverse – timetabling would often lead to related comparisons and engaging discussions about chess, contract bridge, and music.
John made it no secret that he delighted in imparting his experiences and knowledge, and I will treasure my experience and notes from this time. I also will miss John’s charismatic laugh.
Whilst I never quite grasped how to score a cricket match (John once asked me to temporarily ‘take over’ the scoring during a staff vs. student match!), I am forever grateful for the relentless patience and time that John personally gave me. I thank him not only for the knowledge and skills, but also the opportunities he gave to strengthen my resolve, enhance my overall outlook on life, explore my own musicianship further, and to find courage and diplomacy in the face of adversity.
Sending love and prayers to Alison and the family.
March 11 2021, 21:53
Name: Judi, Geoff, Lindsay & Shelley Dixon
We watched the recording of John’s funeral service and learned so much more about the man that we have known since the early 80s. He was so generous with his time and commitment to many groups in New Ash Green and the wider Kent area: Ash Church, NAG Cricket Club, NAG Music Workshop, the Ashgreen Book Company and the four choirs he was a member of, to mention but a few.
John’s love of Switzerland was infectious. Knowing that our family was about to holiday in the Interlaken area some years ago, he provided some useful “insider” knowledge about the best walks and activities in the area, which we still have.
So thank you John for your friendship, kindness and support and for sharing your beautiful baritone voice with so many of us in Kent and further afield.
February 27 2021, 14:17
Name: Margaret Apsley and John Woods
It has been our pleasure to have known John as a singing colleague in the Gravesham Choral Society, and The Dartford Choir of which he was a very supportive member, and especially as a friend. He was a loyal dedicated member of both choirs and of course he was blessed with a wonderful voice. He came to Ypres in Belgium on several occasions with The Dartford Choir and indeed drove us to Belgium to sing at the Memorial Church in Ypres. John will be very much missed.
February 26 2021, 11:28
Name: Colin Chapman
John was so helpful to me and it was always lovely to speak to him at 8.00 service. He certainly will leave a very big gap in many peoples lives and I feel extremely happy to give towards a cause at St Georges. He was a very very kind man, I was shattered that he was taken so early.
February 24 2021, 11:38
Name: Daren, Caroline and Natalie
John Harding was always kind and helpful in all our times at St Georges and was a fair and honest man X
February 23 2021, 17:08
Name: Bryan, Linda, Simon and Christopher Parlett and Vikki Wood
A kind, generous and thoughtful gentleman who helped us in his work and supported those we cared for in Nepal with his walking.
February 23 2021, 16:22
Name: Jacky Richardson
Difficult to come to terms with the loss of someone so liked and admired, not just by me and my family but by so many others.
February 23 2021, 10:25
Name: Helmut and Ute Hoffmann, Wuppertal, Germany
Thank you for sharing the funeral service!
We are very thankful for knowing John by the visits at your home in New Ash Green and our home in Wuppertal. We remember John as a very friendly and engaged man with a fine sense of humour.
We pray to God for strength, comfort and hope for you and your family. With love!
February 22 2021, 20:55
Name: Marion Whitehead
I have just watched the recording of John's funeral service and learnt so much more about him. He was a lovely man. I will remember him particularly for the way he ran the 'singing days' at Ash Church when he encouraged us through some most difficult works with such good humour. As other people have said, he was always supportive of the young singers who came along, encouraging them to achieve their best performances. Thank you John for everything.
February 22 2021, 19:22
Name: John and Jacquie Peal
John was so very important a friend and colleague during our time in Ash. Always dependable and sensible and with a great sense of humour. The world is a poorer place without him. We miss you, John, so glad we saw you last summer.
February 22 2021, 13:10
Name: Michael and Margaret Shaw
Taking inspiration from Shakespeare:
He was a man,take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again. Our thoughts are with John's family.
February 21 2021, 21:10
Name: Angela and David Hodgson and family
John was a friend to all the family for many years, as a teacher to our children at St.Georges, at Music Workshop and as a supporter and Choir Leader at Ash. He was unfailingly loyal, always doing the right thing, kind, amusing and leading the choir with a beautiful voice. He was very supportive of the renewing of the church fabric and always quick to act when a need arose. He will be very sadly missed and is summed up in a text from our children which said "He was such a lovely man"
February 21 2021, 14:05
Name: Clare Leeke
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. John was always so patient, kind and supportive each year during the annual exam season. No matter how many times I got things wrong or missed a deadline, he always had a smile and a kind word. It has been a great honour and pleasure to work with both John and Alison for most of my working life. Sending my sincerest condolences to you Alison, Eleanor, Oliver, Cecily and your whole family.
February 21 2021, 11:17
Name: Alison Dixon
I knew John as a member of The Dartford Choir. Each year we would travel to Ypres in Belgium to sing in St Georges Church for Remembrance Sunday and also tour the local war cemeteries. One year travelling in John's car, I had to act as his map reader. While travelling back from Passchendaele in the dark we became totally lost. After driving in the wrong direction for about 20 minutes, John suddenly remembered he had a sat nav under his seat! How we laughed.
That's what I will remember most about John, his laugh, his smile and of course his singing. Rest in peace John, you will be sadly missed by so many people.
February 20 2021, 21:55
Name: Rosie & Neil
I have donated to the bursary in John’s memory because in his life he was a generous, kind & caring person who always had a smile & good word for everyone. In setting up his bursary his love & support for people can continue. We shared a love of cricket & could easily pass time discussing test matches instead of getting on with work. He will be greatly missed in many areas of life.
February 20 2021, 10:41
Name: Frank Whately
John was a generous and lovely man. Though I haven’t seen him for many years, I remember him with great affection as a teaching colleague and cricketing teammate on the Devon tours. How moved he would have been - in his self effacing way - at Alison’s beautiful description of his extraordinary life. I was also taken by Eleanor’s recounting of her father’s thoughts to her five years ago. As I watched and listened to you talking with such love, John was there with his ever-present smile.
February 19 2021, 16:03
Name: Heather and Martin Pickering
John was such a kind and generous hearted man. We feel so privileged to have known him. I loved singing with John, but also enjoyed the years we supported the Silver Song Club for Age UK in Northfleet and Gravesend. Martin loved talking about cricket, and discussing their years at Oxford, working out when their paths would have crossed. Thank you for the music and the friendship.
February 19 2021, 15:57
Name: Amy Vinall
John was such an inspiring and kind man. The bursary set up in John’s memory is really close to my heart as ‘opportunities for all’ is something that resonates with me.
Thoughts are with the whole family during this difficult time. xxx
February 19 2021, 11:37
Name: Carole, Steve, Daniel and Jonathan
What a man! Intelligent, witty, kind, excelling in all fields - sport music, work and a great family man. A lover of the outdoors, especially of his beloved mountains in Switzerland. He lived life to the full and was taken away too soon, but at least he died doing what he loved. A fantastic funeral service in the difficult circumstances. Well done to Alison for holding it together and thoughts go out to you all - Alison, Eleanor, Oliver and Cecily. May God continue to bring you comfort.
February 18 2021, 16:38
Name: Catrin Rutland
Growing up with John as a role model could not have been more wonderful. I loved singing with him in Ash Church choir and loved the way he patiently taught us new pieces as choirmaster. The church may have been freezing during Winter evening rehearsals but he made the atmosphere warm. He was such a brilliant teacher at St Georges, giving so much of his time to music and sports clubs/matches/performances. His gentle and generous nature will be missed.
My heart goes out to the Harding family and friends.
February 18 2021, 15:58
Name: Carol, Cameron & James Clark
Whilst it is not possible to put a value on 30 years of friendship, we hope our small donation will help to recognise John's contribution to our church and the wider community and that his legacy will live on to benefit others in need. John will be much missed, not just as a friend, but as someone who quietly and selflessly worked to bring out the best in others and improve the lives of so many people. His life may have been unexpectedly short yet he managed to achieve far more than most people could even hope to accomplish. We are privileged to have known him for nearly half his life and send our very best wishes to Alsion and the rest of the family.
February 18 2021, 15:37
Name: Alan Vincent
I'll miss John more than words can adequately express. He was a wise, gifted and gentle man who touched and enriched many people's lives in so many positive ways. Hearing his beautiful singing voice again at his funeral in The Turtle Dove was deeply moving. He was a truly good and lovely person.
February 18 2021, 12:02
Name: Lisa Behague
John once made me feel very special by referring to me as one of the 'New Ash Green Behagues'. I think he should have said, I'm one of the New Ash Green Hardings! His local 'fame' far surpassed and outclassed mine (although I can imagine him laughing humbly at that comment)! John just seemed such an integral part of this community. I will miss seeing his friendly face. John sat behind me in choir rehearsals and I relied on him whenever I got lost in the score (which was often) as he never went wrong. I told him this once but he just laughed and said yes he did! No. I still don't believe that he ever did. I loved hearing him sing.
February 17 2021, 23:12
Name: Ian and Debbie Nurdin
Thank you John.
Thank you for the kindness, patience and active encouragement you showed our Mark and Melanie when they joined Ash Church Choir.
Thank you for helping Melanie learn the recorder - all shapes and sizes!
Thank you for your leadership and encouragement when we played cricket together.
Thank you for all the hard work you put in organising the Ash Church walks, often preparing the way with your trusty secateurs in the days before the walk.
Thank you for everything that you did for Ash Church and the Community - we are going to be the poorer without you in person but the richer for remembering you in sprit and all that you helped us achieve.
Thank you for your calm and measured approach to the many church meetings you attended and sometime lead, for your wisdom and pragmatism and for keeping us on the financial straight and narrow.
Thank you for your enthusiasm as you embraced new things, especially taking on the role of Church Warden. Thank you for the times we spent together, in thought and contemplation, for your wise words and practical approach to the issues before us - I learnt so much from you and I hope I can continue to do your memory proud in the way I carry out my duties and responsibilities.
Thank you most of all for being such a good friend to us as a family, you were always approachable and willing to offer words of help and advice and indeed comfort if the situation required.
Despite what we have written, there are no words to truly express how we feel at your passing. We will take so much encouragement from knowing you were comfortable in your faith and so happy with all that you had achieved in your life. You were taken from us far too soon but you will never be forgotten.
Our love and prayers are with Alison and all of the family at this time, God bless you all xx
February 17 2021, 18:15
Name: Joanna Love
Such a kind and gentle person who had time for everyone. He gave so much to so many people. It has been a privilege to have known John and I will miss him and his beautiful singing voice.
Thinking of Alison and his family.
February 17 2021, 17:34
Name: Andy Noakes
It's hard to remember life before John came into it. He was my best mate's Dad, my next door neighbour, my cricket coach at one point and fellow team member in later years, choirmaster along with my Dad, he just always seemed to be there. He was always encouraging to me both in the choir and on the cricket pitch. He always found something positive to say about my bowling and anyone who has seen me bowl will know that's not an easy task but John always managed it. Love to all the family at this time
Andy xxx
February 17 2021, 16:37
Name: Alan and Val Studley
We have lovely memories of John and Alison during their time in Liverpool. John was such a lovely, caring, gentle man. It was a privilege to have known him, and he will be greatly missed by so many people. We will continue to pray for the Lord’s comfort, support and love to surround you. With much love to you all. God bless you.
February 17 2021, 14:25
Name: Jacquie Hall
We will remember John as a great giver in so many ways, to the church to the community and so much more. He clearly did so much good during his life and no doubt this will continue through this lovely memorial. With all our best wishes to Alison and family.
February 17 2021, 13:32
Name: Judy Burrows
Dear John, we will miss you so much in so many ways. Always kind, patient and helpful and such a wonderful voice.
February 17 2021, 13:01
Name: Lorna and Steve Nolan
With our deepest sympathy on the loss to you all of John. Many blessings from the Nolan Family.
February 17 2021, 12:19
Name: Jill Beety
To me John was a patient , friendly and gifted fellow chorister who was generous with his time and always reassuring.
He was very helpful to me when I needed his help with the programmes.
Jill
February 17 2021, 12:16
Name: Jan and Alan Stopford
Fond memories of our choir friend John. He was a pleasure to know with his positive approach, warm smile and fantastic voice. Such a lovely service today. Our thoughts are with you and your family Alison.
February 17 2021, 11:56
Name: Sue Brooks
Thank you John and Alison for your warm welcome, gentle guidance and support when I had the privilege of taking services during an interregnum at Ash.
February 17 2021, 11:39
Name: Carol Wilton
My abiding memory of John is of his conducting our local Church choirs at the Chorus of Praise.
With warmth and quiet humour he brought out the very best in us, and the singing was glorious. At least, it felt so to us! Bless you John, now singing with the angels.
February 17 2021, 11:05
Name: Gary and Sally Durman
We have just attended the funeral of John and what a Celebration of his life it was. Please pass on our thoughts to the whole family and we know the strength of God will see you through this difficult time. I recall memorable occasions when we lived at Nunhead in the prefab where my family got to know the Hardings and remained friends. Both families moved to Brockley and that is when John and I would go to Hilly Fields to play cricket and football. When John visited our family home he would scare my sister (Paulette) when he arrived in his duffle coat. There was something about that coat she did not like! He taught Paulette how to play the recorder and me to hold a cricket bat properly. Happy days. We remember fondly, your wedding in Blackheath, another memory. Love Sally and Gary.
February 17 2021, 11:04
Name: Richard Spackman
A remarkable man who lived live to the full. Despite only knowing John for a few years he had such a positive impact on me. With a smile on his face and laughter in his heart, John never stopped encouraging me and my fellow members of the Governing body we served on together. John was an inspirational man who I am so grateful to have known. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
February 17 2021, 10:59
Name: Matt Pennell
Last time I met John he asked me about my Dad, who'd just been in a car accident. This was so typical of John - he was one of the few who genuinely thought of other people before he thought of himself. He was such a thoughtful and caring man and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Much love to the family.
February 17 2021, 10:55
Name: Sam Twist
A very beautiful service, lovely stories from all aspects of John's life.
February 17 2021, 10:46
Name: Estella
Such a kind man who had so much time for others and was such an encourager. I have so many fond memories of singing with Ash Church choir and the opportunities John gave us to sing great works in wonderful 'Instant' concerts. I know he will be missed and send love to and prayers for all the family.
February 17 2021, 10:46
Name: Anne Senneck
Remember him well from St George's school particularly cricket matches with our boys. A really lovely man.
February 17 2021, 10:03
Name: Sheila Oag
John was one of the calmest people I knew, his leadership albeit far too short, of the Governing Body at Saint Georges was one that inspired those around him. I feel very privileged to have worked with him for so many years, God bless John.
February 17 2021, 10:02
Name: Natasha Armstrong
John was the calmest and kindest presence, who along with Alison, helped me many times at Saint George’s. Always with a smile and a friendly word for anyone he encountered.
This warm presence will be missed by our whole school community and beyond.
The entire Harding family are in my thoughts today and always xx
February 17 2021, 09:06
Name: Eve Moyle
John will be missed by many people of different organisations for all the support he has given to them.
February 17 2021, 08:17
Name: Mandy Malas
John’s passing will leave a hole in many people’s lives who came into contact with him in his many roles in life. He was a gentle man and a true gentleman. I shall miss his expert conducting of the motley group of singers in our local churches. He brought out the best in us with his smiley encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with Alison and the family.
February 17 2021, 07:55
Name: Emily Crosby
Thank you John (and Alison) for being so welcoming to me when I first came to Ash Church as a young adult. Singing in the choir with you was such a joy, and a memory I return to often. Your kindness and enthusiasm for community was a true Christian example.
I will go for a long walk tomorrow in your honour.
Much love to the family,
Emily (née Fuller)
February 16 2021, 22:04
Name: Amanda Harkett (nee Bailey)
John, your musicality and your kindness will stay with me forever. You taught me so much whilst in Ash Choir and I am forever grateful for your encouragement and support. I will always remember our shared glances when no one else was watching your conducting with such fondness. I carry you in my voice and training forever more. My eternal love and support to Alison and your entire family.
Amanda x
February 16 2021, 22:00
Name: The O' Grady Family
Sincere sympathy on the sad passing of your husband, dad and grand-dad. May his gentle soul rest in peace and let the wonderful memories of life you shared sustain you through the dark and tough days.
February 16 2021, 21:27
Name: Sam Lane
I was so very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was the most kind man and I will remember him as always smiling.
Sending all my love to his loving family
X
February 16 2021, 20:36
Name: Louise and Mike Banks
John was a special man, generous of spirit, funny, and a really amazing role model. He will be sorely missed. RIP xx
February 16 2021, 19:56
Name: Margaret Palmer
My thoughts are with Alison and the family at this sad time. John will be greatly missed in so many ways, especially his presence at church. His beautiful singing voice will always stay with me.
February 16 2021, 17:35
Name: Sandy Campion
I have known John and Alison for a long time including the time I was Secretary at the school and John was Clerk to Governors. John was a lovely man and will be missed by many.
February 16 2021, 16:20
Name: Virginia Taylor
A wonderful man. Brilliant Choir Master who restored my confidence to sing. Sadly missed.
February 16 2021, 15:25
Name: Danielle Elisak
We were so sorry to hear about John. What a lovely man, and so well known around the Village. He coached both our sons when playing as juniors in NAG and Hartley Cricket Club. They both loved being part of that team and John’s care, patience and sportsmanship has helped shape them into the young men they are today. For all his wonderful wisdom and the great memories he helped to create, we will be forever grateful. Our thoughts are with Alison and all the family at this difficult time. With love and best wishes from Danielle, Anthony, Joe and Dominic Elisak
February 16 2021, 13:55
Name: John MacKenzie
Sitting alongside John in Kent Chamber Choir for a number of years, he and I developed a close relationship. A lot of 'banter' passed between us about all sorts of subjects - life in general, the political situation, walking holidays, the weather (of course!) and not least, football, in particular needle matches between Sutton United (for whom John used to play in goal) and my home town of Barrow!
John was one of the loveliest people it has been my privilege to know, such a genuine man and such a fine singer. I, like many others, will miss him enormously.
February 16 2021, 12:09