RogerPEERLESS(aka 'Scoop' of Merstham) This is the news we as a family haven't wanted to report. After being a local correspondent for this very paper for more than 30 years, finally wrapping up his 'Around Merstham' contribution in 2015, his passing has become the latest village news.
We're sorry to announce that Roger passed away peacefully on Saturday 2nd September, having been well looked after this past year at Coppice Lea Care Home in Bletchingley. We can't thank the team there enough for taking such good care of him.
Many will have fond memories of him locally. His sociability, love of all things Merstham, and of course his work for his Surrey Mirror column made him something of a local celebrity. He hadn't driven since a terrifying accident as a young man, so was always on foot and could be found pounding the pavement week in, week out, from Old Merstham to South, and across the Estate, gathering the necessary details to report about, support and promote the many local businesses and community services based there.
Nobody could love the village and its community more, and he gave generously of his time to preserve and protect everything it has stood for over the years. He lamented the loss of so many local businesses so it's both a blessing and a curse that he wasn't privy to the latest plan to evict all the commercial tenants on South Merstham parade and the fight that The Oriental is now having to remain open. He loved the food there, as so many do, and had high regard for proprietor Susan Wong, who has run the business from Nutfield Road for 23 years. He would encourage everyone to support her so in case you haven't already done so, please consider signing her petition 'Save the Oriental in Merstham'.
For those who would like to pay their respects and share their fond memories of 'Mr Merstham', his funeral will be held at Stoneman's 'Doran Court' in Redhill, on Monday 25th September. Mourners are welcome from 1pm for tea and coffee ahead of the service at 2pm. As space is fairly limited we would kindly ask that representatives attend on behalf of any clubs he supported or was a member of that wish to pay their respects. Refreshments will be available after the service at The Feathers Public House in Merstham from 3.30pm.
Family flowers only please while donations in his memory to Prostate Cancer would be gratefully received via https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/115223.
It seems only fitting that this notice is accompanied not just by a photo of the man himself, but of a sketch he made of the very parade of shops currently under threat in South Merstham. He was a man of many talents as I'm sure one and all would agree. Rest in peace, Roger. You will be so missed by your sisters, nieces, nephew, and all who knew him.
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