Popular solicitor had passions for rugby, butterflies and beer

by Mary Louis

EMINENT solicitor and Dover legend Maurice Sayers contributed extensively to his community.

Mr Sayers died, aged 83, following a heart attack on January 5. Family flowers at his funeral on Monday will include arrangements in the shape of a butterfly and a pint of beer - his passions in life included rugby, butterflies and beer.

Mr Sayers was for many years a pillar and senior partner of solicitors Stilwell and Harby in Maison Dieu Road. Known affectionately among legal colleagues as “MGS”, one of his greatest joys had been striding out with his dogs in the Alkham Valley countryside.

For about 25 years, the family farmed 53 acres with cattle and sheep at White Hill Farm there.

Mr Sayers was born in Bunkers Hill Road, Dover, the son of Elsie and Dover town crier George. He attended Barton Junior School and won a scholarship to Dover Boys’ Grammar School.

Aged only 13, Mr Sayers started working as an office boy for Stilwell and Harby. He went to work as a magistrates’ court clerk, took his professional exams, qualified in 1961 and returned to the Dover solicitors where he was made a partner in 1962, a senior partner in 1970 and worked there for 55 years in total up to his retirement in 1996.

As a child he was evacuated for two unhappy years to Ebbw Vale. He was conscripted to Turkey, where due to his excellent shorthand and typing, he was consigned to work in the British Embassy. Mr Sayers was president of Kent Law Society from 1979-80.

He met wife Pam at a town hall dance. They married in 1954 and have three children and eight grandchildren. Daughter Jenny lives in France, while son John, who runs HGT Construction, is in Kearsney. He is survived by remaining sister June.

Daughter Patsy was inspired to follow her father into law and is a partner at Stilwell and Harby, which she joined in 1988.

She said he was a legal “all-rounder” but especially well-known as a criminal lawyer at Dover and Folkestone magistrates’ courts. Upon his retirement, he was placed in the dock where tributes were paid to him.

Mr Sayers was associated with Dover Rugby Club - where he was known as “Moggie” - for more than 60 years as a player, member and officer.

He was captain from 1957-58, played for the first team and spent 19 years as secretary, six years as chairman and was president from 1990 to 2009. He set up Dover Mini Rugby Club which son John took over.

John and sons Harry, 15, George, 13, and Tom, 12, all followed his lead as keen players and supporters of Dover RFC. Mr Sayers played his last match aged 54, alongside his son.

He was also a founder member of Dover Sailing Club which amalgamated with the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club.

Mr Sayers was a past chairman of Dover Round Table and former president of Dover Chamber of Commerce.

The burial service is at 11am on Monday at St Anthony’s Church, Alkham. Donations to the British Heart Foundation.