Born in Cambridge and still annoyingly good looking, you’ll find Roger playing tennis, touring on his Harley or skiing and when time permits, running his own business.

Slowing him down for ten minutes, we talked to Roger about some of his hobbies, interests and soul days back in the seventies.

You're into the Harley Davidson thing – How did that come about?

My ex brother-in-law had one and I started riding with him on my Suzuki. He let me have a ride on it one night and I was hooked. Next thing I know I'm off to Florida to buy one.

I joined the Fenlanders Harley Owners Group in 1993 and have been Chapter Director since 1994. I currently have three Harleys in the garage”

You're Married To Julia - Is She A Soul Fan?

Not really, she is very open and unbiased about her music though.

 

“I Can’t Get Enough Of It In The Winter”

 

Is she a biker?

She can be when she wants to. She's so good on the back that you don't know she's there, if you know what I mean.
 
Do you have any children?
 
Not with Julia. However, I have my son Nik, aged 29
 
You're Sporty - Tell Us about your other hobbies and interests?

I've been a skier for 22 years. I Can't get enough of it in the winter and I just want to be in the Alps all the time. Julia and I started playing Tennis again several years ago and I play around four times a week. Julia still beats me though.

 

When did you first start listening to soul music and in particular Northern Soul?
 
I was fifteen and influenced by my cousins Linda & Steve Franklin. I'd always been into rock music before.
 
Can you remember one of your first soul gigs?
 
Yes – JJ Barnes Live at the Mallett – and he was superb!
 
 

“I Played Jazz Funk With Max”

 

You had a mobile disco called Soul Motion
 
Yes - I started Soul Motion when I was sixteen and ran it until I was 22. Later I played Jazz-Funk with Max at The Mallett. I started a small soul club at Dales Brewery with a mate called John Beer (quite apt), called Cleopatra’s.

We had a great time with it as we could play stuff that people didn't necessarily have to dance to.  I also used to do mobiles with Shane Carter who came to work the Mallet with me for the remaining years when we ran Jazz-Funk in the main hall.
 

Do you still have your record collection?
 
Yeah, I have the vinyl and still prefer to play my old fusion albums than CD's. 
 
What other kinds of music do you like?
 
I love most Jazz (except Trad), white and black R&B, Good old Heavy Rock like Led Zep or Deep Purple and my favorite all time band is still The Doors - True Rhythm & Blues tinged with rock & jazz and the best lyrical poet ever born.
 
You run your own electrical business. How long have you been your own boss?

Since 1981

 

What's the best thing about running your own business?
 
Getting it right

 

And, the worst thing?
 
Waiting for payment

 

What's the best advice you've been given?
 
Don't just be an electrician, be a very good one
 

And your favourite holiday or romantic weekend away?

 

Two weeks ski-ing the Trois Valleys in the French Alps while based in Meribel

Do you cook and what’s your signature dish?

 

I don’t cook – Julia is a fantastic natural cook and she spoils me every night

Some Of Roger's Favourite Things…

Favourite TV Programme  Scrubs
 
Favourite Film  Bladerunner
 
Favourite Northern Tune (well one of them) Don Thomas – Come On Train

Pictures From Top Down : Roger on holiday in France, Howard Mallett Patch, Roger at The Mallett in 1974, Advertisements from Get Down magazine, Original Motown Publicity Booklet, Brenda Holloway, Peanuts & Karen with Dennis Maxted - Manager at The Howard Mallett Club