Council pays tribute to dedicated former councillor

Roger Seabourne served as a district councillor for more than 30 years, first as a Croxley councillor in 1992 and later for the Penn and Mill End ward in 2014 before retiring at this year’s (2024) election in May.

He served as the Chair of Licensing Committee and Regulatory Services Committee, and also served on numerous committees, including Local Strategic Partnerships, Licensing Sub-Committee, and Equalities Sub-Committee. He was also the Lead Member for Community Safety for a long time.

Outside of being a councillor, Roger taught at Rickmansworth School and was a Governor in the 1990s at Malvern Way and Little Green School. He also did work for charity abroad.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “We were so lucky to have Roger at Three Rivers District Council for more than three decades. I always respected his knowledge of local government and his immense dedication to public life.

“Roger was a Titan at the district council. He was universally liked and respected by residents and members but did not take fools gladly, always wanting the best for our residents and pressing officers to go further. I am sure he will be greatly missed by many across Three Rivers. My thoughts and condolences are with Roger’s friends and family at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Deputy Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am very saddened to learn about Roger’s passing. Roger and I were not only ward members for Penn and Mill End for a decade, but also very good friends.

“I will remember the laughs that we shared. He was an avid traveller, and I will miss hearing about his trips and adventures abroad and his love for golf. He will be greatly missed.”

Cllr Raj Khiroya, Chair of Three Rivers District Council, added: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Roger. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

“With a career in public service for more than 30 years, Roger’s unwavering dedication helped shape the district that we know and love today. He was the embodiment of what public service should be. His profound influence will be missed but not forgotten.”

"Former councillor Seabourne had a long and distinguished record of service to the community spanning decades to which I pay tribute. He was a man of great principle. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," said Cllr Stephen Cox on behalf of the Labour Group.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservative Group, Cllr Oliver Cooper said: "Roger was hugely respected in the local community. Roger took to public service at the council and Rickmansworth School with a straight bat, an open heart, and good humour. He will be remembered by generations of residents and pupils whose lives were enriched by having been nurtured by him."

Cllr Chris Mitchell, of the Green Party Group, said: “I knew Roger for over 30 years. He was our councillor in Croxley Green for many years and served us well. His daughter was in the same primary school class as ours and we knew each other through the school. Roger will be sorely missed as he was a lively and great character.”

More tributes to Roger Seabourne can be found here.