Sidney (Sid) Harvey Siegel

Sidney Harvey Siegel (1944 – 2024), Sid, was the son of Dorothy, and Sidney Reuban Siegel who had died in action on D-Day in June 1944, before Sid’s birth on 27 December.  After his mother’s marriage to Alan Oates, Sid became the older brother to John, Peter and Sherry.  After living at The Red Lion, Wirksworth, which his parents managed, the family moved to Oxfordshire.  Sid went to Woodlands private school in Matlock where he passed his 11+, before attending Witney Grammar School.

Sid started work as a clerk at the Midland Bank.  He married Monica Benfield in 1966 and they had two children, Claire and Katie.  Following Sid’s career in the Midland Bank, they lived in Witney, Chinnor and Farnham, before Sid’s promotion to Regional Personnel Manager in Maidstone, when they moved to Southborough.  After working in Chatham, Sid became manager of the Tunbridge Wells branch.

In 1992 Sid and Monica separated and in the same year, Sid was made redundant.  He bought the Post Office and shop in Edenbridge which he managed for around 15 years.  When living in Crowborough, Sid met Denise and they spent 25 years as companions, sharing interests, visits to National Trust properties and holidays abroad.

Sid was interested in many sports, including motor racing and rugby.  He played cricket and hockey and was a member of Edenbridge Golf Club.  Throughout his life Sid supported Derby County Football Club.  Sid owned many cars, a Standard 10 was followed by several MGs including an MGB GT V8 and Frog-Eye Sprite.