BBC Radio Bristol listeners have raised ?10,000 to commission a set of stained glass panels as a lasting tribute to the station’s former breakfast show presenter, Roger Bennett, who died of cancer in July 2005.
Roger was the much loved host of Morning West for over twenty eight years and the longest serving radio breakfast show presenter in the country.
The panels will be placed in the Undercroft at St Mary Redcliffe Church, where his jazz band The Blue Notes played each week, and will depict local landmarks from Roger’s beloved Bristol, highlighting his career as a broadcaster and musician.
Radio Bristol’s Managing Editor, Jenny Lacey, says: “We felt it was important to have a lasting tribute to Roger as he was held in such affection by so very many people tuning into his morning show over the years, drawn by his warmth, humour and fairness.
“We’re delighted that the panels will be installed at St Mary Redcliffe Church because Roger clearly loved this glorious building and had many happy hours playing jazz there.”
Pat Terry, Administrator of St Mary Redcliffe, says: “The church is delighted to be the chosen site for this memorial to Roger.
“He was a popular member of the Redcliffe community for more than 40 years playing his saxophone with the Blue Notes, firstly in the old Ship Inn on Redcliffe Hill and more recently in the church’s Undercroft.
“The church was one of Roger’s favourite buildings in the city so it is more than appropriate for us to host this wonderful screen. As we are placing it in the Undercroft it will be seen not only by our regular worshippers but also by the many people from all over the city who visit the Undercroft for lunch or various functions.”
The panels will be dedicated at a special concert at St Mary Redcliffe on Saturday July lst.