This site is a tribute to Geoff Rofe, who was born in Dartford on June 04, 1926. He is much loved and will always be remembered.  Sadly Geoff passed away on Monday 23rd November 2020 at the age of 94 after a short illness in hospital.

As the current CEO of Badminton England, Adrian Christy, said when he heard this news "A SAD DAY FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN OUR SPORT AS WE MOURN THE LOSS OF OUR FORMER PRESIDENT, AND EXTRAORDINARY BADMINTON MAN, GEOFF ROFE, BEM, WHO I’M SURE FELL ASLEEP IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THIS MORNING, TO FOREVER DREAM OF BADMINTON. REST IN PEACE MR PRESIDENT"

Geoff, one of England’s greatest badminton supporters, was chuffed to be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM), in the 2020 New Years Honours list, for services to badminton and young people. He remained as passionate and committed to badminton today as he did when he began volunteering more than 50 years ago.

Throughout the whole of that time, Geoff carried out a wide variety of roles at local and national level.

Geoff joined the Kent County Badminton Committee in 1948 where he eventually became President of the county before he was elected President of Badminton England between 2010 and 2016. On completion of his term as President, he was given the honour of becoming an Honorary Life Vice President of Badminton England – something he was very proud to receive.

Starting out as a keen player, Geoff played in local tournaments and club matches in Kent before going on to run one of the most successful clubs in the county – Dartford YMCA. The club’s membership included six international players, county and junior players – something almost unheard of for a facility with just one court!

Proving his commitment and dedication to the club, he took on the roles of club manager, honorary match secretary and attended every single away match as well as home matches. All of this in addition to his full-time paid employment as a foundry worker.

Kent became one of the strongest counties in the country under Geoff’s guidance, boasting over 300 clubs and producing many top-class players - some of whom had the honour of representing their country having fallen in love with the sport because of Geoff.

Throughout his work with Dartford YMCA, Kent County Badminton and Badminton England, Geoff also acted as a mentor to many people, regardless of their age or playing standard.

Until this year, Geoff still performed key roles behind the scenes at the Yonex All England and English National Championships and other major domestic tournaments.

Geoff came from a strong badminton background meeting his wife late Nora at a badminton match. Nora plus son Dave also worked hard at running major events whilst son Ray is a former England international, junior national doubles champion, and England Junior coach.

Geoff lived in Dartford in Kent and was a director in the family foundry business there until retirement.

Geoff knew everyone in badminton and everyone knew Geoff. He cared passionately about promoting badminton in Kent and was still travelling to all our tournaments to support them prior to lockdown.

To keep his memory alive, Kent Badminton Ltd would like to set up a fund to introduce and support underprivileged and disabled youngsters within Kent to play badminton. Please click on the "Donate" button to contribute towards this goal. We would also ask you to donate old rackets (which we can re-string) or shuttles that you no longer use towards these sessions.

Geoff, we will miss you massively. R.I.P.

A lovely tribute from Badminton England is also shown here: https://www.badmintonengland.co.uk/news/badminton-england-mourns-passing-of-former-president-geoff-rofe/