After a long illness endured with great dignity, Roger died peacefully at home on Friday 18th June 2021 at the age of 90.
He led a full and active life and will be remembered, particularly by older residents of Kingsley, as being a prime mover in the building of Kingsley Community Centre. Without the efforts of Roger and a small group of friends, it is likely that the village would not have a Community Centre. They came up with the idea during gatherings at the Red Bull around 1970 and developed it into a plan to find the means of funding, a site and gaining planning approval. Moving forward, they assembled a small army of volunteers who helped with funding and then rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in with the actual work of construction.
Roger was born and grew up in Ince and spent the whole of his working life with Shell. After graduating from Loughborough University, he qualified as a Chartered Chemist and worked in research and development where he specialised in lubricants, becoming a world authority in that field. This also led to his work in crystallography.
Roger in racing trim in Sacre Bleu
Roger and his brother Brian were enthusiastic fans of motor sport and active members of the 750 Formula car club, racing their self-built special “Sacre Bleu”.
They were a familiar sight at meetings from the late 1950s to the early 1960s, where they raced with some success against the likes of Colin Chapman (founder of Lotus cars).
Following his marriage to his first wife Brenda, they moved in the early 1960s to Bank House, Newton, where their daughter Jane and son Simon were born.
Roger developed an interest in the community and as work progressed in the construction of the Community Centre, he was elected as the second chairman of KCA (Kingsley Community Association) from 1975–76 and served on that committee for many years.
He joined Kingsley Drama Group (now Kingsley Players) around the time of its formation in 1976 and became the lighting supremo, creating amazing effects for plays and pantomimes from initially very basic equipment. He was keen to share his skills with Mike Vickers and Kenton Barker, the current team of lighting and sound technicians.
Many will remember him as the voice of Kingsley events, the weeklong carnivals of the 1970s and '80s, the raft races and the firework displays, where he could be heard over the public address system.
His public life also included service on the Parish Council which extended over 25 years, during which he was chairman for three separate terms. He was responsible for the upgrade of the overgrown and in places almost impassable Nab footpath, creating the project known as the Millennium Way which included a hardcore pathway and steps between the levels.
Roger married his second wife June in 1979 and they started married life on Brookside before moving to The Hurst, then Dark Lane and finally Cross Cottage.
After he retired, he and June purchased a narrow boat and after Roger restored it himself to a high standard, they took to the water and enjoyed a number a holidays on this and a subsequent craft exploring our inland waterways.
He also became a keen boule player and during the Nineties and early Noughties could be seen on the petanc court that was to the rear of the Red Bull pub.
Roger was always happy to share his considerable knowledge and skills freely and will be missed by so many.
The funeral will take place at St Johns Church on Thursday 8th July, followed by cremation at Vale Royal Crematorium.
Because of government requirements it is necessary to restrict the number of people in the church by invitation only. June wishes to thank many friends who have given her help and support during Roger’s illness and after he died, and also the messages received.
The funeral cortege will travel through the village from Cross Cottage, along Top Road to Hunters Hill, Beechview Road, and Mansefield Road from where it will return down Top Road, The Brow and on to St John’s Church.
