Getting to Know... Roger Hawes

What is your favourite food?

Crispy duck – Chinese-style, of course.

What’s the most played song on your iPod?

AC DC – Whole Lotta Rosie, with live video. Uplifting and ‘rejuvenating’ – a reminder of my youth maybe?

Favourite quote?

‘Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday’ – Dale Breckenridge Carnegie. American writer, lecturer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. Born in poverty on a farm in Missouri, he was the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, first published in 1936, a massive bestseller that remains popular today.

Favourite thing to do to relax?

Doing very little in the sun, in the garden or playing tennis in the sun, or snoozing in the sun. Spot the common denominator!

What is the one Thing you hate the most?

Getting things wrong.

If you could have 5 famous people for dinner – past or present – who would you pick and why?

I would invite Mr Chris Evans of 15 years ago for his unpredictable banter, intimate questioning and binge drinking, I would sit him next to Sex Pistols Sid Vicious and drug addict girlfriend Nancy, icons of punk rock ‘n’ roll gone wrong and a reminder for Mr Evans of what could have been. Sitting opposite and my partner for the evening would be Jennifer Aniston. No explanation needed – obvious really. Joining us at the table also would be footballing greats (when they weren’t drunk) George Best and Paul Gascoigne. My table of famous winners and losers.

If you knew the world was ending in 2014, what would you do differently?

Reflect on all my successes.

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be and why?

The day the world’s nations unite after being told ‘we are not alone in the universe’ there are others out there, here is the proof.

What was the last film you watched?

The Fast and The Furious – 2001, the first in a franchise about street clubs that race Japanese cars late at night. A Saturday night in with my teenage son.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Physically, groundwork and preparation for a large patio. Mentally, telling someone they had lost their job – days before Christmas.

What’s the best or worst gift you have ever given or received?

The best gift I ever received was my kids. The worst? Well that has to be not one, but two packs of handkerchiefs at the same time.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A spy, special investigator and a bodyguard all in one. Although any hint of violence could make me change my mind.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a fair person, hard working and dedicated to my job and family.

What is your favourite thing to do or place to visit in Dacorum?

Going to the ice rink, which is thankfully going to be here to stay.