In the beginning
The idea of nominating Roger for the award of an honour came from Colin and Lucie Henwood. A team of helpers was co-opted and work began collating a “brief” history of what Roger had achieved in his “craft”, who he had trained, how he was involved in the community, how he had made an impact on his chosen field of endeavour. Endorsements from players, past and present, colleagues and even friends contibuted to the nomination. This little book highlights what was said by whom, before and after Roger became Roger David Bucknal MBE.
I designed the book and took part in the "team of helpers"
Colin and Lucie Henwood got the ball rolling: in March 2014 the Henwood family were attending the Heritage Crafts Association Annual Conference in London when a plea went out to nominate craftsmen and women who, unlike the plethora of actors, rock stars, charity workers, civil servants etc. were not being widely recognised for National Honours. No words were said at the time but it transpired that all four of us experienced a light bulb moment!
Nearly two years and many hoops later we, and hundreds of others in the music industry and beyond, were absolutely delighted to wake up on News Years Day 2016 to the news that you were to be awarded an MBE for services to “guitar making, music and heritage crafts”.
