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Post by hon Vice President on Jan 21, 2010 23:23:20 GMT
I am surprised that this has not been mentioned here; but the league has lost a long time supporter and landlord. Roger's funeral took place today - he had been suffering from cancer and more than 400 people in attendance is an indicator of just how widely he was respected. We had seen little of him for a number of years, but his passing should be noted.
To us in West Sussex - well, to me, certainly, he was landlord of three pubs for which I played, a fine keeper of beer, a keen competitor too and owner of a booming laugh which was as likely to appear when things were going badly as when going well. The Richmond Arms in West Ashling was the first pub I played at and his enthusiasm for the game was one of the reasons I drove out there two, three times a week to practice. (clearly, the fact that he had a magic touch with real ales was another) Bulls Head and Woolpack also experienced his business skills, magic touch in the cellar and that laugh. And the catchphrase. The words Hard To Bear! sometimes in jest; sometimes with all seriousness will be his and his alone. If followed by the laugh; then all in jest. If not - then be warned! The competitive side was out...
Latterly, his time has been spent on other projects, but there will be many still in this league who remember and respect what he did for us and this minority game we play. Even when you are expecting bad news about someone you know or knew; when it comes it is still a shock - and, personally, hard to bear!
RIP Roger. And thank you.
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yorkshireterrier
Full Forum Member
I'm from Gods country you know - Yorkshire
Posts: 90
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Post by yorkshireterrier on Jan 22, 2010 21:20:04 GMT
I can echo everything that has been said about Roger. He was a true supporter of Bar Billiards in West Sussex and we owe him a debt of gratitude. It was no accident that the team of the 1990's in West Sussex and beyond followed Roger from the Richmond Arms to the Bulls Head to the Woolpack such was our regard for a truely outstanding landlord. There are few of his calibre around today. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every pint drunk at one of Rogers pubs and the Billiards venues he provided were the best around. RIP Roger
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