Duncan James Evans (T. 1956-1959)  27th June 1942 - 4th September 2021

Duncan Evans started boarding at Epworth near Rhyl at the age of 7 and went on to join his
brother, Martin (T. 1952-55), in Tudor House. It was the large gym and all the apparatus
that appealed to Duncan; he was an extremely competent gymnast, especially on the bars
and thus he could still do somersaults until the age of 70! He enjoyed hockey and after
leaving Wrekin he played for Deeside Ramblers Hockey Club at Tarporely until injury and
work curtailed this sport.

Following school, he went to Westminster College in London to do a Hotel Management
Course and furthered his education by extending a stay at a winery in Bordeaux. He worked
for the Roberley Group in Liverpool, a job which included catering for the maiden launches
of ships on the Mersey, The Royal Restaurant, La Bussola, and the Rembrandt Club in Slater
Street, famous in the 60s with the new music scene. Eventually, Duncan was appointed the
Licensee of the Wild Boar Restaurant in Tarporley before joining his father and brother who
were partners in Swetenham Whitehouse Estate Agents in Chester. He remained here
throughout the rest of his working life, covering house sales and auctions, on-site house
contents sales, and opening up Swetenhams Auction House in Bold Square, Chester. He was
very well respected as an auctioneer and worked hard for various charities over the years,
auctioning, at dances, racecourses, and County Balls, wild and wonderful gifts people had
donated for such good causes.

Duncan was an entertainer; he loved auctioneering and gained an immense knowledge of
the antique market; his extensive  comprehension of the County of Cheshire enabled him to
successfully  place purchasers with vendors, often inviting them into his home for a sociable chat
about the area, schooling, and cultural opportunities in the vicinity. Once, he appeared in
the television program “The Other Man's Shoes” as well as doing various interviews on the
state of the property market for local stations.

Duncan joined a shoot in Peaton near Craven Arms, Shropshire in 1985 and continued to
enjoy the sport until his mid-70s. He tried fishing but decided his temperament was not
suited to quiet waters! Many holidays were spent in boats off the Rhosneigr beaches and at
16, he was the youngest member of the Sandimount Club in the village to have a tankard of
his own behind the bar. He skied from the age of 16 until his death, living to see all six
grandchildren learn the sport. 

Also, he loved cooking for friends and family and occasionally for The Chester City Club
Luncheon where he had been President and a long-standing member. 
At 52, he had a small heart attack but kept fit and healthy until his last few years when
walking became a hobby. Although an Estate Agent, he lived in the same house for over 50
years!

He was married to Sarah with whom he had three children and later six grandchildren
A popular man with a smile no one could miss.

Sarah Evans