Conferment of Honorary Freedom of the Borough

Roger Tuby was presented with the Freedom of the borough at the Mansion House Ballroom, Doncaster on Tuesday 19th February

Roger Tuby was born in 1945 to George Rhodes and lvy Rose Tuby. Roger was raised as a showman and has continued the family tradition of primarily organising fun fairs. The name 'tuby' has been synonymous, with fairgrounds in and around Doncaster for over 175 years, with Roger himself organising fairs for over 35 years carrying the Tuby banner throughout Yorkshire and beyond including into Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Having married his wife Lyn in 1966 they initially travelled to fairs with his father before Roger branched out and started in 1970 on his own business in 1970 organising his own fairs which he still does today. Still very much a family business Roger Tuby (junior) joins his father in managing the business together with Lyn and daughter in law, Sophie. Roger also has two daughters, Emma and Julie-Anne, who run their own businesses in London and Skegness.

Now regarded as one of the North's premier fun fair organisers 'Roger Tuby & Son Funfairs' commence their run of events before Easter each year, a journey which lasts until November when Roger returns home to be involved in the organisation of Doncaster's annual free firework display, the 'Big Bang' alongside the racecourse.

Despite his busy schedule Roger remains an ardent supporter of numerous charities, and in over 37 years has organised over a million free rides at his many fairs for the underprivileged, disadvantaged and for children with learning difficulties. For the last ten years he has also been a keen supporter of the children's charity helpline 'Childline' displaying posters at all his fairs and raising awareness of the charity across three counties.

Roger continues with the family tradition of 'Giving a bit back' to communities by providing numerous donations to charities within the towns and cities he visits. He is also a founder, and active member of the Thorne Lions Club.

Accolades for Roger's charity work stream in each year with letters of appreciation received from Save the Children, the Children’s' Heart Surgery Fund, the Civic Charity Fund, St. Gemma's Hospice and the South Yorkshire Flood Victims Fund, to name just a few supported over recent years. He is also Chairman of the Stainforth Business Forum, a member of the Doncaster Chamber of Trade, and has involvement in numerous committees for various charities.

Roger is determined to carry on his work for various causes and in 2008 is planning a couple of exciting and attractive new events for the people of Doncaster which will involve children's entertainment and fairground attractions.