From Stuart Elms:

Roger Johnson in CAMRA

I first came across Roger in the early 90's at the Sussex Beer Festival in Hove Town Hall when he was a volunteer working on the tokens table and I happened to overhear a B&SD member ask him where he came from.

When I later took over the roles of Sussex Branches organiser and then the Worthing Festival, he became an always reliable fixture in that role.

Later, when I took on the role of organising the distribution of the quarterly Sussex Drinker magazine Roger was already doing pub deliveries with another member. As volunteers gradually dropped out he and I together took on all of the pubs in the Arundel and Storrington areas together with all of those to the north of the downs and a few others - some 45 in total - which we did over two days ! ! .

Part of that pleasure was our banter, mainly around beer, football, holidays, music, politics, and the stop for coffee at the likes of the White Horse Sutton, White Hart Stopham Bridge in the summer, the Badgers at Coultershaw Bridge, Angel Petworth and regular stops for a quick chat with Joan & Bill Edwards at the Five Bells West Chiltington.

Roger did not really take to micro pubs, preferring the likes of the Selden Arms which was his favourite local pub in Worthing where he was known to enjoy strong dark beers such as the 9% Belgian Hercule Stout.

Roger himself

Roger was not only a really nice, genuine, pleasant and ever helpful person who was always interesting and very knowledgeable. .

Roger was a true gentleman, well known and popular with his many friends locally in Worthing and nearby towns. Roger had many other diverse interests that included a significant educational role at the RSPB Pagham Harbour centre after he retired.

Football

Roger had for many years played a significant role within the Worthing FC Supporters Club. On match days he could be found in the tea hut. He also went to away games as well as supporting the club's female teams.

He would also speak up for and support any ‘non league’ or minnow club in difficulties, Southwick 1882 FC being a very recent example.

Travel

Roger was widely travelled and in recent years had been to India, where he was blown away by the many different curries and the hospitality: also Scotland with regular visits to his beloved Highlands and its railways.

Music

Roger loved live music from diverse genres; supporting the Ropetackle Centre in Shoreham and also the Duke Of Wellington pub where he played his ukulele each month, a gig that later moved to the nearby Yacht Club to accommodate the increasing numbers.

Roger also supported a number of local folk music clubs and also worked at the Glastonwick Music and Beer Festival at Coombes Farm nearby to Shoreham.

Roger was a great admirer of John Baine, better known by his stage name Attila the Stockbroker who combined early music and punk.

Politics

Roger had strong views on many local, national and worldly issues which he loved to talk about when the opportunity arose ! .

Stuart Elms February 2021