Son’s tribute to ‘ultimate showman’ Roger Tuby as family brings fair back ‘home’ to Spalding after poignant year
Tributes have been paid to an ‘ultimate showman’ whose family sees Spalding as ‘home’ thanks to its long connection to the town.
The Roger Tuby and Son Funfair visits Spalding today (Thursday, October 18) — setting up at Victoria Street car park for four days of fairground fun — and has been visiting the town for nearly 50 years.
However, the Tuby family of showmen — whose legacy dates back to 1870 in Doncaster — have endured a poignant year suffering two losses. Terence Tuby died earlier this year while the funeral of Roger Tuby Sr (79) himself took place this week following his death last month.
Roger Tuby Jr said: “Dad (Roger senior) was the ultimate showman - it was running through his veins.
“He brought the fairground industry into the 20th century.
“Spalding is an extension of our home and we have so many friends here from visiting for the last 50 years.”
Terence Tuby was the cousin of Roger Tuby Sr was hailed as a ‘true gentleman’.
The Tubys’ fair visit Spalding twice — in May and October — as well as touring towns across the region.
The fair offers a free day at the fair for children with special educational needs (SEN) and their teachers, which is organised in collaboration with the Spalding Lions club.
Mr Tuby Jr said: “My dad had so many friends in Spalding and with local businesses.
“We are great friends with Turner’s Fish and Chip restaurant.
“I have grown up with them and become friends since coming to the town so much.”
The Tuby connection with funfairs stretches back over six generations and the family business continues as strongly as ever.
Mr Tuby Jr said: “My daughter Zophia is 16 and has just finished her GCSEs in school.
“She is getting involved in the family business, helping with paperwork and looking after a kids' ride.
“I left school at 15 and followed in my dad’s footsteps and I have been involved all my life.”
He paid tribute to his dad’s ability to move with the times and keep the family’s history thriving in the present day.
He said: “He reinvested in new rides and kept everything to a high standard.
“I followed with running the business to a high standard as well.
“For example the lorries look pristine and that is where we get our good reputation.”
Roger Tuby Sr died on September 15 and his family had two services for him — one in his village of Hatfield in South Yorkshire and one at the crematorium at Rose Hill in Doncaster.
Mr Tuby Jr said: “I made a tribute and said a few words.
“We had an old fashioned lorry that we purchased last year and painted up.
“We took my dad to the church in it and it was a really nice send off.”
For further details about the fair visit the website https://www.rogertuby.co.uk/thur-17th-oct-til-mon-21st-oct/
What are your memories of the fair and Roger’s role in the town? Post your comments below.
