Tribute paid to founder of Berkhamsted Sports shop

Reg Herbert, passed away on May 4, aged 90, and his son Adrian Herbert, has paid tribute to a man who who will be 'greatly missed'.

Reg moved to Berkhamsted in 1970 and founded the original Berkhamsted Sports shop, on the High Street, now the home of the Mad Squirrel Brew shop, he also played prominent parts in Rotary and Masonry.

Adrian said: "It was the first sports shop the town had had and it’s success meant another shop at 250 High Street which is still Berkhamsted Sports to this day.

"The original shop focussed on fishing supplies and live bait.

"I can remember during the three-day week in the seventies, standing behind the counter with a 150 watt light bulb and a paraffin heater.

"What he hadn’t allowed for was the power going off to the main fridge, used for live bait, namely maggots. The next morning, they were everywhere!!

"He would heartily approve the original shop is now owned by the Mad Squirrel Brew shop."

Reg, who had two children and six grandchildren, was very well known in the town as a sportsman, representing the tennis club first team for many years.

Adrian added: "He also played Cricket, Squash and badminton, all to exceptional standards. It was no wonder both his knees were to go in his later life.

"He played a significant part in the Rotary Club, before moving into Masonry where he represented the two towns lodges as Grand Master.

"My best memory of my dad was his terrible jokes!

"He was always making them and sometimes they were funny and sometimes they were not, in this day and age they could have been called inappropriate!

"He had great humour and wit, told bad jokes, loved Wales Rugby team and West Ham United with a passion.

"He will be greatly missed, but will now be reunited with his wife, Beryl."

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