We shall miss Roy so much. Now he is no longer there, I am suddenly realising the extent to which, over the years, with the melding of his unique house, garden, and self, he managed to impart his whole essence into that special area of Syleham. We knew him only in 'retirement' and have lovely memories of his opera evenings, where the audience was treated to interval refreshment of unexpected sophistication and you wouldn't normally expect to participate in the celebratory opening of an exotic purpose-built cactus house in a small Suffolk village!
Roy had much humour and a gregarious side, but I always had the impression that living on his own was not a lonely experience for him, as, because of the rich variations in his own life's journey, a huge pleasure in reading, music and art and his ever- present political concerns, he must have found his own company endlessly interesting and inspiring. He had obviously developed deep and satisfying feelings of companionship with all the well-loved and tended growing things in his wonderful garden - the same with all the familiar books, music, paintings and ornaments that surrounded him inside the house. Each visit to Roy was an invitation to step into this aura and share it for a while.
Thank you, Roy, for the privilege and pleasure of your company.


Jane and Adrian Knott