Obit: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)

Subject: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing
From: GUEST,Half of No Worries
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 10:46 AM

Roger Hope, previously a morris man with the Bishop Gundolf team Rochester and also a keen bird watcher, has been missing since soon after Easter when he failed to turn up for work at Upbury Manor School Gillingham. Worried friends would ask that any information as to his whereabouts be passed to the police at Medway as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Marion and Brian

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 02:48 PM

How awful! Sending positive thoughts that he'll be found safe and sound!!!

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 05:27 PM

I hope he turns up safe and well?

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 05:29 PM

We've a young man missing thread in the BS section, too. Unrelated, yet both worthy of and in need of our good thoughts and assistance. May they both be found, now.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: vectis
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 06:11 PM

How about a link to a photo of Roger so we will recognise him if we see him...

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Half of No Worries
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 06:22 PM

Photo link is a great idea.
Thanks for that.
Marion

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 07:00 PM

He is alleged to have been driving a Skoda. That maybe the other half of his worries. Seriously though we are trying to get the registration number. Incidentally, it's "Gundulf".

Roger is in his 60s, small, but spry-ish. I'll see if I can find a photo on the BG site.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Dave Jenkins
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 09:33 PM

I have a couple of photos of Roger if you cannot find any on the BG archives Richard. I notice that one has already appeared in the local press.
         Dave-Ex Gundulf

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundolf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 09:37 PM

Thank you Dave. Nothing on my network drive and nothing on the BG site. Dilligaf may have one.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 10:25 PM

There is a picture and info HERE.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: mg
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 11:19 PM

How sad. One thing I recommend is to start another thread for people wishing to send postiive thoughts and keep this for practical considerations that might be painful for the family to consider.

Have they checked the hospitals, and put out flyers etc? Are there bad canyon roads that a car could have slipped over, in which case people could search on foot for any evidence of a car going over...

Is there reason to suspect foul play? I sort of doubt it, but you never know. Had he shown signs of Alzheimer's? Was he depressed about a relationship, a job layoff? Gambling problems? Not sure where he was located. COuld he have gone on a trip and gotten himself very lost in the wilderness, which we have over here for sure, but I am not sure how wild your area is. Did he generally carry a cell phone? Could he have just gotten fed up with things and walked away?

I think the more people who are looking for him, the better off he is if there has been an accident or sudden illness etc. mg

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 02:10 AM

Thank you for your helpful thoughts, but this is Kent, England, MG. We have no "canyon roads" nor "wilderness" nor anything similar. I understand that Roger was depressed, but for no obvious reason of which I am aware, and I have heard that his medicine is not with him. Roger was socially normal (well, normal for a Morrisman and bird watcher) and in steady employment, which rules out Alzheimers.

I am sure he had a mobile phone. The North Kent marshes can be treacherous, but as an experienced birdwatcher I am sure he would not have been silly enough to try to walk on the ooze.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 02:23 AM

I am wondering if he was an keen bird watcher, were there any publicised bird migrations / activities that perhaps he went to see? A check with the RSPB might give some direction to the search.

Surely the police should be able to get his car registration info from the DVLA.

Says he used to be part of Bishop Gundulf Morris. When did he leave the side?

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Half of No Worries
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 03:56 AM

Many thanks to local friends who have passed on all the information and suggestions that they have to the police. (Roger's mobile phone was found in his flat). Thanks also to katlaughing for the link.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 04:28 AM

Good thoughts and wishes from Erica and Bryn

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 07:43 AM

Rogers employer would be able to say weather he had booked any leave in regards to holidays or indeed if he had packed his job in unexpectedly?
Passport control would know if he had boarded a plane. The passport office would know if he had a passport. Being a local Man too Rochester and with his Morris background "Lets all hope he may turns up unexpectedly at the forth coming Sweeps events.,

Regards Pierre.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Raena Bowling
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 11:53 AM

Roger, loved and trusted colleague had arranged to meet friends on Saturday the 25th April to celebrate his birthday in Upnor. He was last seen in Rochester on Tuesday drinking with a friend, lets hope he is looking at nice birds in this beautiful weather and will turn up on Saturday. Roger if you read this find my number in your local pub and give me a call as i know you havent got your phone.

With Love Cyril from your Doris (Raena). x

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Gill - Gundulf dancer
Date: 23 Apr 09 - 01:15 PM

May help but Roger's car is a dark blue Skoda Fabia with dent in roof. Everyone please keep an eye out hopefully he'll turn up by Saturday sure everyone wants to buy him a drink and he never could resist a free pint!

And for you Roger - hope you see all these wonderful thoughts and best wishes for your safe return. Been keeping in touch with Dave and Brian and we dont care if you've buggered off just let someone know, please. Your(sis)- Gillxx

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 09:53 AM

Roger is still part of Bishop Gundulf's Morris - he has not danced for us for a year or so, due to the usual "not getting any younger" things that we morris people get. He was due to attend our afternoon of dance this Saturday 25th at The King's Arms - we had proposed that this would be a party type day to celebrate his 6oth Birthday.

We too, hope that this is all something silly and that he will turn up on Saturday.

Fingers crossed.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 09:55 AM

Sorry - last post was by me, at work, without loggiing in!!

Kev

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 09:55 AM

my mum and dad are both concerned (sue and Eddie) and are hoping he's just gone for a while, but will be back....
my dad agrees that he'd never turn down the possibility of a nice pint...lets hope he turns up tomorrow!

we'll be letting the east kent lot know and to keep an eye out

all the best for his safe return..i've known Roger since I was teeny!

Charlotte (Dillie) x

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:01 AM

A thought: the new permissive path along the waterside in Rochester is flat and probably twitchable, and if you were to lean over the new concrete banks, it would dump you in Medway mud.

If I have time I'll have a look in the principal car parks for such purposes to see if I see a dented Skoda (can't be many of those in Rochester, eh?) on the way to Fort Amhurst tonight.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,jo (neighbour)
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 01:12 PM

his car was found a few days ago near river in rochester. hope he hopped on the train and just went off for a break xx

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 01:21 PM

Roger and Ezra are in my prayers.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 01:58 PM

All very worrying. The Medway has the 2nd strongest current in the UK.

Are the police checking the river?

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Raena Bowling
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 02:34 PM

Hi, to the founder of thissite can you please giver me a call on 07973 501427 i have news on Roger and do not wish to write it on this blog

Rae Friene and work friend of roger Cyill X X

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,John Hope - Only brother to Roger
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 02:52 PM

I regret to say that Roger is no longer with us. Sadly he felt it necessary to take his own life and our relatively small family will miss him dreadfully.

May I thank all those who have forwarded their wishes that he would be found safely and special thanks go to those of you who have undertaken your own search for him during this past week.

Best wishes to the Bishop Gundulf Morris team and thanks again for your help and support.

Kindest regards

John

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man Missing-Roger Hope
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 02:56 PM

John, I'm sorry to hear this. I hope your family can somehow take strength from all the good feeling here. That sounds trite but is sincere.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man OBIT-Roger Hope
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 02:58 PM

Thank you, John, for letting us know. There are no words, but please know you have our sympathies and appreciation for taking the time to come in here.

Subject: RE: Bishop Gundulf Morris Man OBIT-Roger Hope
From: GUEST,Gill - Bishop Gundulfs
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 03:31 PM

So sorry to hear the news. Rog was a wonderful character and I personally will miss the old bugger dreadfully. x

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,Christine-"nursie"
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 04:06 PM

John,so sorry to hear the sad news, I worked with Roger for only 3 1/2 years, I liked him, he had a heart of gold. God Bless

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 04:22 PM

I am so sorry, John. There isn't much else to say.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: Little Robyn
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 04:29 PM

That's very sad.
Robyn

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 07:36 PM

On behalf of Bishop Gundulf's Morris, we are all so sad to hear this news. We were dancing tonight at Fort Amherst and were told at the end of our stand. We were supposed to sing and play afterwards, but we decided to go to a local pub instead and sing and play songs that he sang and liked. What WAS planned as his Birthday bash at Upnor on Saturday will now be in celebration of his life. Our thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,Sue and Eddie ( ex Gundulfs)
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 08:19 PM

We were very sorry to here the news earlier on this evening and shall miss him very much. Although we had not seen much of him lately as we have moved from the area we always looked out for him at the Sweeps Festival and at Broadstairs and it won't be the same without him. Will anything be happening at the sweeps to commemerate him as we feel we would like to say our goodbyes. Can someone let us know of the funeral arrangements too please.

Sue

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,neighbour
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 03:00 AM

Im so sad that roger couldnt talk through his problems.It was lovely to meet u John and if i can help in any way please ask.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

Jo (neighbour)

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,Dave Jenkins (Ex-BG)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 03:34 AM

It has not really sank in yet. Although I cannot be in Kent for the BG do today my thoughts will be with all who knew him. If someone could sing "the parting glass" at some time I would be most grateful. Keep me informed please via Gill of any further arrangements if possible.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 03:38 AM

So sorry to hear this news. I remember Roger as a friendly character who always had the time of day. My thoughts are with you John.
John Barden

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:54 AM

Don't know what to say. Sympathies to all who knew Roger. I am sorry that I did not get to meet and know him. My thoughts with the BG today at Upnor.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,Dave Jenkins (Ex-BG)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 06:13 AM

The Medway Messenger now has a report on the finding of Roger in the River. It is available online. Although very sad it does include a picture of Rog smiling. That is how I shall remember him.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 0
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 07:45 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news,
Kindest Regards.Pierre,

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 02:41 PM

Dave, the BG web site has now been updated. I have placed a piece about "Our Rog" on the first page - it uses the same photo that you mentioned in your post above. Gill is writing a piece that I will use to make a dedicated page to Roger for the months ahead.

We had a great day today, at Upnor!! We danced well, and we sang well!! He would have been proud - both the way that we wore the Green and Yellow and the way that we WERE the Green and Yellow!!!

We sang "The Parting Glass" last night in The King George V, and I sang "When All Men Sing" - both seemed appropriate and summed up the feelings of all that were there!!

Hope to see you soon.

Kev
Steward for Bishop Gundulf's Morris

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: sapper82
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 07:23 AM

Oh bugger. What can one say? Condolences and sympathy's all sound so feeble and in adequate at times like this.
All one can do is remember him as he was and celebrate his life, rather than the manner of his passing.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 04:56 PM

I'd like to echo what my mum and dad (sue and eddie) wrote above - he was a lovely man, one of the truly old school gundulf lot, who would always be kind, and knew some great songs to boot. People like roger are to me considered part of the wider folk family I've grown up with.

May he rest in peace. Let's have a pint for him at sweeps.

Charlotte xx

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 0
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 07:08 AM

Brian and I heard the sad news after our long spot at the Crabble Mill. We chose to sing Molly Mallone in the set as this now and will forever include the extra verse he wrote for it.
We have so many good memories of Roger.
Our condolences to John and his family and to all of Roger's friends.
Rest in peace Roger
from the whole Rodgers family xxx

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 0
From: GUEST,Half of No Worries
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 07:12 AM

Sorry ,the above posting is from me. Brian is adding his own thoughts as I type.
Marion

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 07:58 AM

Truly sorry to hear this.

Our thoughts, prayers, good wishes and condolences go to his family and friends.

Erica and Bryn

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 0
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 09:04 AM

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

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 0
From: GUEST,Roj
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 09:05 AM

It was me above - sorry

brian

Subject: RE: OBIT: Roger Hope, Bishop Gundulf Morris (Apr 09)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 09:31 AM

So sorry to hear the very sad news. Our thoughts are with Roger's family.

Roger was a lovely man and I've known him since I was in my teens.

Rest in peace Roger - You will never be forgotten.

Michelle (Frances Napper's daughter - ex Gundulf) and Roy (ex gundulf)

P.S. If anyone can let us know when the funeral is, I'd be very grateful.