The club is saddened to pass on the news that Roger died peacefully at home on 5th June after a very long illness.  His wife Hilary, to whom he was married for 49 years, was present at his bedside. He leaves behind five children, William, Joanna, Leonie, Harriet and Natalie. President John Willmott visited him last year and reported then that he was unfortunately declining.  He had a fall and broke his hip which seemed accelerate this decline.

Roger was the Men’s 1st XI manager during our glory days when we won the European Club Championships for 3 years on the trot in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Having got the hatrick, the EHF had to let us keep the trophy which is still proudly displayed in our trophy cabinet! He then moved on to manage the GB men’s hockey team that won the bronze medal in 1984 at the LA Olympics, the silver medal at the London World Cup in 1986, followed by the gold medal in 1988 at the Seoul Olympics.  Along with Roger, four of the players plus the assistant manager and coach were from Southgate and formed part of the gold medal winning squad- very ably led by Roger!

Roger was also a respected FIH Tournament Director officiating at a number of tournaments including Champions Trophies.

In 2004, he was elected GB President and was instrumental in developing the Framework Agreement between the Home Countries which gave clarity to GB Performance and Business matters and ensured openness and transparency in the selection of GB athletes.

There will be a small family funeral next Tuesday with a memorial service on 28th June at Alcester, (near Redditch) where he lived with wife Hilary.  John Willmott will attend as a friend and to represent the Club.