Roger also wanted to tell the story of Dacorum for future generations , which led him to act as Chairman of the Dacorum Heritage Trust for many years , and to become a founding member of the Dacorum Museum Advisory Committee .
Roger James Hands
17.07.1937 – 14.05.2024
We are sorry to report the passing of Roger James Hands , Emeritus Trustee , on 14th May 2024 .
Roger was elected as a Box Moor Trustee in 1979 . His determination that future generations should be able to enjoy the local environment was the motivation for him seeking election . He enjoyed the challenge of serving as Chairman of the Trust from 1988-96 and remained committed to the principles of the Trust ’ s historic foundation . In 2020 , the inaugural status of Emeritus Trustee was conferred on Roger , in recognition of his long service to the Trust .
Roger was born in Edmonton in 1937 and attended Enfield Grammar School . He and his wife , Joan , moved to Boxmoor in 1964 . He was a founder member of a nursery and landscape gardening business that won numerous medals , including the Silver-Gilt at the Chelsea Flower Show .
Roger was a keen fisherman and a founding member of the Boxmoor Trout Fishery . Indeed , the natural springs that feed the lake brought a lifelong passion to protect the local chalk water streams . This led him to chair the Dacorum Environmental Forum ’ s Water Group .
Photo by Chris Ward
Indeed , this shared love of history , with his late wife , Joan , led to the writing of several local history books . Most notably was their book ‘ Royalty to Commoners : Four Hundred Years of the Box Moor Trust ’, which was published in 2004 . This major work was the culmination of years of research and chronicles the history and development of the Box Moor Trust from its earliest secret beginnings in 1581 up to the early years of the 21st century .
Roger is survived by his sons David and Stephen , four grandsons and a granddaughter , and one greatgrandson . His family are spread around the globe , as far as Portugal , USA , Qatar and Australia .
A COUPLE OF EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY …. Wildflower Walk at Roughdown Common : Monday 10th June
Join us for an evening walk among the wildflowers of Roughdown Common , including the wonderful array of orchids . Start time : 7pm . All welcome – suggested donation : £ 5 per person .
Afternoon Tea in the Old Barn Garden : Wednesday 26th June Join us for a short walk through the meadows before enjoying tea and cake in the Old Barn Garden and a chance to see the wildlife pond and the creatures within . Aimed at adults who are less-abled – wheelchair accessible . Start time : 1.30pm . Suggested donation : £ 5 per person .
To book visit www . boxmoortrust . org . uk
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