Roger Butwell (1941-2025)
Roger started his train journey in Tamworth. He was the first son born to the late Harry and Joyce Butwell. Roger’s late brother Tony hopped aboard in 1946. Later, Harry bought a Jewellers Shop in Handsworth, Birmingham, where the four of them lived and worked.
Roger left school at age 14, then studied commerce at Aston Commercial School. After which he spent 2 years as a trainee horologist (clockmaker) maintaining and winding more than 150 public clocks around Birmingham. His favourite was the Big Ben replica known as Big Brum. Roger’s next stop was Tewkesbury aged 18, the place he would call his hometown for many years to come. He worked as a clock repairer at H. Butwells, the family jewellers in the 141 High Street - now Butwell & Jones. This is where he developed his lifelong, meticulous attention to detail. He also wound and maintained many Tewkesbury town clocks.
In 1961 he became one of the founder members of the Cruising and Sailing Club and was a keen videographer. Largely due to his parents’ involvement with Tewkesbury Cine Club. He starred in many films as well as playing every role of a film maker over the years.
Roger worked at Smith's Industries for a short time, when he met his wife, Wendy. In 1964 he became partner at H. Butwell & Sons, but they married on August Bank Holiday Monday 1965 – “it had to be on a bank holiday, so they didn’t have to close the shop”! They moved into their first home together, overlooking the River Avon in Hammerton Court, High Street - the next plot from their parent’s home in Lock Court. For 5 years there he ran his own business - clock repairs, sports trophies and engraving - in the workshop in the garden.
In 1970 a significant new passenger joined his train. Emma, his daughter and his son Matthew followed in 1974. During the 70s, Roger became involved with Jalopy racing - his love of speed and cars was always strong. Between 1977-87 Roger was back to H Butwell & Sons, whilst living in East Street.
This is when his passion for CB Radio began. He joined REACT and later Tewkesbury REVCOM was born. For over 30 years, it provided radio communications at many key community events. From the early 80s Roger introduced Public Address[PA] systems to his business. Often the first to arrive and the last to leave, setting up and taking down the PA to keep spectators advised of the proceedings. He really was dedicated and never ever missed an event.
1987 Roger & Wendy bought a new shop - Tewkesbury Trophies, serving clubs in the area. It is still thus named at 81-82 Barton Street and provides THS Woodard Award each year Four grandchildren arrived by 2006, and Roger & Wendy moved to Withy Cottage in Pamington T hey retired in 2001 when son Matt married at Tewkesbury Abbey. Always a special place for Dad: the abbey clockface was restored in memory of his mother, Joyce, two years before.
Four grandchildren arrived by 2006, and Roger & Wendy moved to Withy Cottage in Pamington T hey retired in 2001 when son Matt married at Tewkesbury Abbey. Always a special place for Dad: the abbey clockface was restored in memory of his mother, Joyce, two years before.
In 2002, they went to live in Paignton where he would fulfil his dream of buying a brand-new sea boat. In 2005 they decided to hop on and head back to Tewkesbury again where his involvement with and love of North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway [NGR] began. He adored driving the diesels and working on significant projects, one of which was the restoration of the Wembley Coach. He also had a passion for 16mm Live Steam locos.
Roger was a proud member of Tewkesbury Historical Society making many friends. He enjoyed sharing his historical knowledge and stories of his hometown. He also returned as a member to the Tewkesbury Video Camera Club, for years meticulously documenting the minutes of every meeting. If a job needs doing - it needs doing properly! He later embraced technology more and with help from family he mastered it! He loved his Alexa - and he’d always say “thank you” after asking her for help!
Matt concluded: “Unfortunately it wasn't all smooth steaming. He endured many ‘leaves on the track’, delays and incidents as his health declined, but he kept the steam pressure up for far longer than family and doctors expected".
Roger and Wendy opened their Diamond Wedding card from the King, on their anniversary in August. His journey ended peacefully just a few weeks later on 25th September 2025, but his train journey continues with all of you, his family and friends on board. He will always be on guard duty.”
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