Roger Barrett – MdA 48-54

Submitted by Sarah Lower (nee Barrett)

Roger was born on 7 May 1937 to Stanley and Gladys Barrett and he had an older brother, Geoffrey, with whom he had a close relationship.   Roger died on 6 February 2024.

Roger’s primary education was in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire where his parents were encouraged to apply for a scholarship to Christ’s Hospital.  He attended CH from 1948 to 1954, he was in Middleton A, and he enjoyed academic and sporting success, excelling in rugby and cricket.  CH had a significant impact on Roger’s life, and particularly in his later years Roger referred to himself as a ‘CH man’.  He made friendships at CH that lasted throughout his life and he maintained a connection with the school.  He was a member of the Middleton A Society, the CH Club and he held positions of responsibility within the CH Agricultural Society.  Roger always enjoyed visits to the school and had hoped to make one final visit to Horsham ‘to say goodbye’.  In the 1970s Roger encouraged his brother Geoff and wife Mary to send their children to CH which they did.  Andrew (Thornton A, 1973 -1980), Caroline (CH5, 1974- 1981) and Sarah (CH6, 1976 -1981) were educated at CH because of Roger.

When he left school, Roger undertook National Service as a Non-Commissioned Officer, which he completed in 1957.  Roger rarely spoke of his time in the army, but his discharge papers reflect distinguished service, and Roger was recognised for his intelligence and leadership skills.

When he returned home to Chatteris, Roger supported his brother Geoff to breed Welsh pigs.  They bred and showed the pigs, achieving significant success including ‘best in show’ at the Royal Smithfield Show in 1958.

Roger studied for a National Diploma in Agriculture at Harper Adams in Shropshire from 1957 to 1959.  He worked for the Potato Marketing Board after this, before taking up the role of Lecturer in Animal Husbandry and Warden at Kesteven Farm Institute in Caythorpe, Lincolnshire where he worked from 1962 to 1968.  In 1968 Roger moved to London to work in agricultural journalism, joining the Farmer and Stockbreeder in Fleet Street.  In years to come Roger would share stories from this time in the swinging 60s – his digs in London, his sports car, and the parties.  It was a happy period in Roger’s life.

Early in the 1970s, Roger became an agricultural consultant, working initially in the UK and then internationally.  He worked across the world, notably undertaking major projects in South America and Nigeria, where he was an Agribusiness Adviser to the Minister of State in the Nigerian Federal Government, sponsored by the World Bank.  He often experienced difficult working environments, but he thrived on the challenge.

Roger always valued education and in the 1980s, he undertook a full-time MBA at Strathclyde University Business School.  He enjoyed the academic rigour and the student life.

Roger managed to combine his studies with one of his great passions –  the Templedruid Stud.  Roger bred Welsh section A, B and C ponies, and he became well known as a breeder of superb ponies who performed in all arenas, riding and driving.

Carole was the love of Roger’s life and her death in 2017 was devastating.  Roger’s own health was declining by the time of Carole’s death and the support of his friends, neighbours and members of the Church made such a difference.  But Roger remained kind and courteous to the end, and he is missed.