A  Tribute to the late Richard Roach the President (2015 to 2026) of the Peterborough CC

 

Richard was born 12/11/1935 in Gillingham, Kent and during WW2 he was evacuated to Queens College Taunton to avoid the constant bombing where he received his early education. His family relocated to Edinburgh and Richard attended the famous Heriots School thus beginning a love of Rugby.

Circa 1948 they then relocated back to Bermondsey in London and St Olaves School near Tower Bridge where he learnt to play the violin and Richard was quoted as “watching the bridge opening & closing daily”.  He met his life- long friend to be there John Bromley who ironically was to die just two weeks before Richard did.

On leaving school he enrolled in a catering school (not his choice) but met a young lady called Yvonne who was to become his life- long confidant, friend and wife who sadly passed on 28/02/2017. He was conscripted into the Army Catering Corps before enlisting in the regular Army. On discharge he worked in 4 London hotels before joining the newly opened Manchester Airport hotel as Assistant Manager. In circa 1965 he relocated back to London and then in May 1970 he relocated to Peterborough to become Manager of the iconic city centre Bull Hotel.

It was this move that attracted the attention of then club secretary Bernard Kelly (Toby to one and all) who read an article in the local newspaper about this new Manager, his love of music, playing the violin, family and cycling.  He then disclosed was a past member of London based Catford CC.  It was about this time that Richard was invited to join the Peterborough CC and was introduced to members like Joe Ippolito, Richard Kelly, John Savill, Terry Wright, Roger Howland, Rex Lewthwaite, Len Young, Reg Seamer and yours truly. He went on to become a Volunteer Fireman (Voles) for some 17 years regaling us of tales of rescuing nurses and carrying them out by “Fireman’s Lift” in training!

In July 1971 Richard in company with the now late Rex Lewthwaite raced the National 24 Hour TT around roads close to then house in Byfleet promoted by his old club the Catford CC. As I had moved to Croydon in January that year (just 30 miles away from me) I volunteered to do the night shift for my clubmates so their wives & young families could get some respite. Both riders completed the race and Richard got the loudest cheers as he decided to wear his old Catford jersey in the finishing circuit. Ironically no Catford riders finished the race. He went onto be club Chairman, a registered timekeeper; race marshall, judge and probably Tea Boy as he was always willing to help. In 2015 he was elected as Club President a position he was so proud of.

Richard sadly passed on Feb 10 2026 in Peterborough Hospital aged 90 years. RIP & Thanks to Julian and family and Joe Ippolito for confirming some details.