Geoff Sweetland 1947 - 2017

Geoff Sweetland

Clarendon School Ex Pupil

Those ex pupils of Clarendon School who are familiar with the website may have read the various comments from ex pupil Geoff Sweetland.  Geoff sadly died  in Australia on 9th February 2017.  His funeral was attended by Len Kerswill a long term friend of Geoff and also an ex pupil of Clarendon School. The following was written by Len and contributed to “Our Oxhey” in memory of Geoff.

Geoff Sweetland     5th February 1947 – 9th February 2017

Geoff  Sweetland, a larger than life character, grew up on the estate in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. He attended Little Furze Junior School followed by Clarendon Secondary School. In the later years whilst still at school Geoff helped his father Jim distributing the local evening newspaper.These were collected from the platform at Carpenders Park Station after arriving on the London train Geoff would often be seen diving from a bright orange van with bundles of the Evening News distrubuting them to shops and newspaper venders. He would also be seen, on Saturday nights selling bags of peanuts outside Watford FC at the Greyhound Racing meetings..

Eventually, Geoff got tired of being paid peanuts and began an apprenticeship as a carpenter on the two tower blocks of flats on the Meriden Estate, in North Watford.

To supplement his income Geoff became a bouncer at the California Ballroom in Dunstable. Dressed in his smart suit, white shirt and bow tie he caught the eye of a certain young lady, Lynda Driver. Going all out to impress her Geoff changed his title from ‘bouncer’ to ‘steward’. His position put him in close contact with all the performing celebrities. These included The Hollies, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, The Kinks to name a few.

In 1970 Geoff joined the Bedfordshire police force and married Lynda..

Later in life Geoff became a supervisor for Alcan installing double glazed windows.He also started his own successful ‘Home Improvement’ business with his wife.

But in 1982 they decided to emigrate to Australia as they  wanted a better life for their two two children, Paul and Kelly. They settled near Sydney running several successful businesses

Geoff died in hospital, two years after being diagnosed with a terminal lung disease but he was determined to reach his 70th birthday and this goal he achieved dying four days after.

Geoff was a life long supporter of West Ham United. At his funeral service attended by over 140 friends each was given soap bubbles and was asked to blow as the song ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ the West Ham anthem was played,

Geoff was very proud of his South Oxhey roots and felt his background gave him the determination to succeed in life.

Geoff, Husband, Dad, Grandad, Friend to many.  RIP

This page was added on 06/03/2017.

Add your comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.

  • I have many memories of Geoff as we were in the same class all the way through Clarendon. He was the big friendly giant who enjoyed a laugh. Also recall him helping out with the Corona man around the estate.

    Rest in peace Geoff.

    By peter willard (27/01/2020)
  • Knew Geoff back in the sixty’s, used to go on away Watford games together, and went on two holidays to Isle of Wight with him to Warners Puckpool Holiday Camp with his family and a group of us went a couple of years later to Pontins Little Canada, Puckpool is no longer there but Little Canada is in a different guise as an adventure camp. Lost touch when I got married in 1971. Still got a photo of us all from the last holiday

    R.I.P Geoff
    Bernie Roy

    By Bernie Roy (09/05/2017)