I first knew Roger whilst at Gillingham Grammar School in the 1960's, where he was for a while leader of the school orchestra, in which we both played. He left school and we went our separate ways, he being 3 years older than I. Upon returning to the area in 1975 as a qualified teacher employed at Upbury Manor School, imagine my surprise to find Roger was the school CDT technician, car mechanics instructor (remember ROSLA?), and most fascinating of all, a folkie!

We became firm friends and spent much of our free time together, singing at sessions, in a school staff folk group, and just going for a drink as mates. He invited us to go to Gundulf's stands, encouraging us to join in the singing.

He became a significant part of our extended family group when Marion and I were blessed with our two sons, Joe and Nick, becoming Uncle Roger to the boys, famous (in our house at least) for his "really wild" bedtime stories, populated by "really wild" characters and animals. Although I left Upbury in 1987, the friendship endured, and he continued to visit the house on a regular basis.
That he never made it to Australia when we lived there for a while was a source of regret, but he enjoyed the photos and videos when we got back, and could understand our enthusiasm for the place. It was after our return from Oz that Marion and I became more involved in music performance, and as ever, there was Roger encouraging and coming to the gigs to offer support. Indeed once, when my brain dried up and the words wouldn't come to "Constant Lovers", a song he had (clearly only partially) taught me, from the next room in The Neptune came a voice clear and true with the next line - it was Roger to the Rescue!

He introduced me to the unalloyed joys of the Man of Kent Alehouse, amongst other purveyors of fine, "proper beer, not that fizzy muck"

He taught me a bit about gardening (my failing, not his, that I'm still a novice). He engendered in the whole family an interest in and respect for the countryside, it's wildlife and all things traditional.

That he became rather withdrawn and sad over the last few years worried Marion and me, but we found ourselves powerless to help him deal with his gremlins. I (like so so many others I imagine) know that help was just a 'phone call away; that there must have been something I could have done to help.

I/we tried and failed. Roger will be missed more than he could imagine. He was, and will always be, an intrinsic part of my family's life and remembrance. He was a good bloke, a loyal and fine friend. He deserved better.

God Bless

Brian