Alderman Roger Robinson was one of the longest ever serving councillors at the Town Hall

• THE volume of tributes and praise marking the passing of the very special and much-loved Alderman Roger Robinson, pay testament to his life’s work dedicated to supporting and enriching the day-to-day lives of his constituents.

Roger was for decades our councillor strongly emotionally bonded to his beloved Somers Town and St Pancras ward.

For much of that period the ward topped the indices for social deprivation which Roger threw himself into with passion and determination to sort out complex problems improving the lives for his constituents to the best of his ability.

Indeed, when one bumped into him on a regular basis doing his frequent informal ward rounds, he would actively canvass to be made aware of any worries or concerns.

He also understood the threats of development, zoning and transport infrastructure, especially the HS2 eye-wateringly expensive white elephant, and how these impact negatively on the lives of so many living in his ward.

Whenever one saw Roger, like as not he was rushing off to yet another meeting, often with groups he supported and sponsored. He was passionate about local culture, heritage and history and was largely responsible for finding a home for the now thriving Somers Town local history museum, the brain-child of Diana Foster.

A Space For Us People’s Museum in the heart of Somers Town is a hive of activity and creative history workshops, much developed from the transport links, the waterways and railways of previous generations, on which the area has been built. Perhaps a suitable tribute would be to expand the premises with a wing dedicated to Roger!

I recall fond memories of him relating stories about Glasgow and the Gorbals and his pride being a close relative of Manny Shinwell MP who was elevated to the House of Lords in his latter years.

He understood the physical and mental harms inflicted on people suffering the scourge of relentless poverty and exploitation. Like Shinwell, Roger was born in London but raised in Scotland. He served in the Army Intelligence Unit.

It is ironic, given the outrageous hikes in energy pricing and bulk gas provision locally, that Manny Shinwell served in the 1945 Attlee government as minister of fuel and power.

With personal experience, Roger was a strong advocate on behalf of disabled people and headed a charity in Chalton Street until its closure. He advocated, sadly unsuccessfully, against the perils of treacherous hire bikes littering pavements and equally treacherous potholes and trip hazards on Camden’s streets and walkways that are so dangerous for elderly and disabled people.

When Roger should have been relaxing at home enjoying a well-earned retirement, he was adamant he could not and would not abandon those who relied on him in so many ways. He continued to struggle into Somers Town and the town hall, oftentimes in obvious pain which could only have had a impact on his own health.

Roger will be remembered with respect, appreciation and deep affection, not only here on Ampthill but in the wider Somers Town community.

May he rest in peace and love.

FRAN HERON
Chair of Ampthill Square TRA
& Camden Town DMC