Tribute to David Robinson
|
Peter David Robinson
16 June 1939 – 28 April 2014 David, or Robbo as he was often affectionately known, was born and grew up in the city of York. He later attended Sheffield University to study Electrical Engineering. After graduating he joined the Traction Division of AEI, Trafford Park where he was involved in the design of electrical systems for trains throughout the world. After a decade of service to that company he joined the staff of British Rail in Derby. It caused him great amusement that some of his earliest assignments with BR involved chasing up delays in contracts from his old company in Manchester, citing promises made by their Mr P. D. Robinson. |
David had always been quick to help others and one of the first things he did on moving to Derby was to join the Derby branch of International Voluntary Service (IVS) – the forerunner of Beasley Back Dane, which had just started organising trips into the countryside for disadvantaged children at Back Dane. The 147th Derby (Ockbrook) Rover Scout Crew had some years previously started renting Back Dane from the Swythamley Estate for 0/- (50p) a week and the upkeep of the premises.They were keen to have other groups help support this venture. Then, when in 1974 the Scouts felt unable to continue with the management of Back Dane, David was a keen advocate that Derby IVS should take over the running of Back Dane from them.
This they did, but it was a short-lived tenure as the cottage was burnt down on the evening of 27th November 1976. An unsupervised school group staying here, came back from an evening walk to discover that coals from the fire they had left in the front room had fallen out of the grate and set fire to the room. It eventually destroyed all but the kitchen and the small upstairs bedroom.
This they did, but it was a short-lived tenure as the cottage was burnt down on the evening of 27th November 1976. An unsupervised school group staying here, came back from an evening walk to discover that coals from the fire they had left in the front room had fallen out of the grate and set fire to the room. It eventually destroyed all but the kitchen and the small upstairs bedroom.
|
This disaster turned out to be a blessing in disguise when, the following year, death duties forced the break-up of the Swythamley Estate. As a going concern, Derby IVS could never have afforded to buy Back Dane, but as a burnt-out hulk there was little other interest in its purchase.
Much to David’s delight, IVS were able to acquire it, along with the field in which it stands. Over the next few years much of his time was devoted to rebuilding the cottage. Being a practical type, he was able to make many substantial contributions to the restoration. In addition to this work he also regularly helped out with children’s groups that visited the cottage. However, it was in 1984, when his campaign for a mains electrical supply to cottage became reality, that he was really able to make his mark. Being an electrical engineer he was at home wiring up the cottage. |
|
In addition to wiring in the lighting and power circuits, he undertook a number of other electrical tasks. One of the first was to install an electric pump in the well to give the cottage a continuous supply of water. (Previously, a petrol motor was used, and going down the hill with a can of petrol on a dark, stormy night – which always seemed to be the time to run out of water – was an irksome task.) The next was a system to ensure that our main water tank was kept topped up. These days it is done with a simple float switch, which starts the well pump when the water-tank level is low and switches it off when the tank is nearing full. It was not so straightforward back then and besides, David found it much more interesting to assemble a system from old washing machine parts, TV circuits and whatever other salvaged components he had lying around.
Another project was to wire up a system to ensure the storage heater was always charged up from Economy 7 electricity at the weekend. This was later modified to include a system to detect when people were staying here on weekdays to make sure that they too would benefit from it. (His system has since been simplified, but still retains much of his original wiring.) He was also responsible for designing and installing our emergency lighting system. |
|
|
It was sometime during this period that he took on the management of Back Dane. This meant that in addition to all his other roles here (foreman, electrician-in-chief, minibus driver and mechanic, children’s leader, purchaser-in-chief of building materials and foodstuffs, chef, etc, etc), he also managed all the booking for the cottage and its accounts. He took early retirement with the intention of taking a few months off to sort out some of his affairs before moving on to a part-time job. It never happened! Back Dane became his full-time, unpaid job and he spent almost as much time out here as in his own home.
|
Sadly, very late in his sixties he developed a particular virulent form of Parkinson’s disease called Cortico Basal Degeneration. He chose his Seventieth birthday party, here at Back Dane, as the time to step down from managing the property. Unfortunately his condition continued to deteriorate and, for the last couple of years of his life, he was completely bedridden. In 2013, he received a number of awards for his forty years of dedication to Back Dane and the hundreds (thousands?) of disadvantaged children he had helped. The Derby Evening Telegraph made him one of their Community Champions for that year. Subsequently, he was selected from amongst the champions, as the winner of the Mayor of Derby’s Volunteer Award. As David was unable to attend the ceremony (the award being collected on his behalf by some of his friends), the Mayor, in full regalia, later visited him at his home to personally thank him for his voluntary work. A few days afterwards, the local City Council voted him the winner of the Derby Civic Award.
He died peacefully in his sleep a few weeks short of his seventy-fifth birthday.
Dave Moseley
He died peacefully in his sleep a few weeks short of his seventy-fifth birthday.
Dave Moseley
|
Funeral tribute by John Anfield
DAVID ROBINSON I am John Anfield, a cousin of David’s on his Mother’s side-and note that being family he was always my cousin David rather than Dave as everyone else knew him. He was christened Peter David which has sometimes caused confusion. I am speaking about David’s family background, whilst John Foxcroft is speaking about David’s role at Back Dane. David was born on 16 June 1939 in York. David’s Mother was Hilda. She was the youngest of three sisters, Elsie, Florence and Hilda, and my mother was Florence. Their surname was Precious, and their father was a small jobbing builder in the Heworth area of York. David’s father was Percy Robinson. Like his father, Percy was employed by the York based railway company LNER as a draughtsman, and after the war by British Railways. It is good to have David’s cousins Helen and Celia and other family members with us today, including Rev. Roger Dunlop. Roger is a Methodist minister from North London and we are really grateful to have the family connection. |
|
David was born about 10 weeks before the outbreak of the Second World War. His father Percy was in the Royal Engineers for the whole of the War. I think he was in North Africa and the Italian campaign, but he was always reticent about digging out his war memories. He came back from the war safely, but said he never again wished to travel abroad-and never did. I believe the only time that David’s Mother went abroad was after David had been working on part of the electrics of the Eurostar trains. He took her to Paris for the day – from York!
David was 3 years older than me and we played a lot together. However there was a famous 6 week period when we were banned from playing together-who did throw the first wooden brick will never be known! David’s father had an allotment in part of our garden. I had an elder sister Judy who sadly died 9 years ago, and my younger brother Philip has flown from Toulouse in France to be with us today.
David passed his 11 plus and went to Nunthorpe Grammar school. He was always very inventive. I remember the grandpa trap!-Grandpa Precious lived monthly at our respective houses. You will not be surprised if I tell you that David’s bedroom was never tidy! So as to prevent Grandpa walking in and damaging things, David set up an alarm system which went off when there was any unauthorised entry to his bedroom. He also erected an amazing overhead railway system that went from his bedroom window to the clothes post at the end of the garden and back again.
When David was 15 there was a major change in his life. Elsie, the elder maternal sister was already widowed, and she was admitted to a Mental Home in Epsom, Surrey where they lived. Her daughter Pam, our cousin, immediately came to York and moved into the spare bedroom at David’s house. This had a huge impact upon the wider family. David was an only child, and I think the experience of living with a strong willed female cousin was good for him! As cousins we spent a lot of happy time together. Sadly Pam died several years ago.
David was 3 years older than me and we played a lot together. However there was a famous 6 week period when we were banned from playing together-who did throw the first wooden brick will never be known! David’s father had an allotment in part of our garden. I had an elder sister Judy who sadly died 9 years ago, and my younger brother Philip has flown from Toulouse in France to be with us today.
David passed his 11 plus and went to Nunthorpe Grammar school. He was always very inventive. I remember the grandpa trap!-Grandpa Precious lived monthly at our respective houses. You will not be surprised if I tell you that David’s bedroom was never tidy! So as to prevent Grandpa walking in and damaging things, David set up an alarm system which went off when there was any unauthorised entry to his bedroom. He also erected an amazing overhead railway system that went from his bedroom window to the clothes post at the end of the garden and back again.
When David was 15 there was a major change in his life. Elsie, the elder maternal sister was already widowed, and she was admitted to a Mental Home in Epsom, Surrey where they lived. Her daughter Pam, our cousin, immediately came to York and moved into the spare bedroom at David’s house. This had a huge impact upon the wider family. David was an only child, and I think the experience of living with a strong willed female cousin was good for him! As cousins we spent a lot of happy time together. Sadly Pam died several years ago.
|
David and I did a lot together in York. We went for cycle rides. We were both musical and played piano duets. We had musical evenings at our respected houses with an ‘orchestra’ in our lounges. A few days ago I discovered David’s cello on top of a wardrobe in his house!
David went to Sheffield University and graduated in electrical engineering. His university friend Steve Balcombe is with us today. David worked for some years in Trafford Park, Manchester for AEI, then for BR Research in Derby where he worked until he took early retirement. He bought a new house in Derby. His Mother was very house proud and always worked very hard cleaning and tidying up on her frequent visits. It only took David a few days to get the house back to normal! David’s father Percy died in 1993, and his Mother in 1998. |
My wife Sue, and our son and daughter moved to Buxton in 1978 when I got a job with the Peak District National Park . We had already heard a great deal about Back Dane and very quickly made a visit to the Dane Valley.
We saw quite a lot of David in Buxton-he would come to see us linked to his time in Back Dane.
I have tried to give a picture of David as my cousin. He had a strong stable Methodist northern background. He was a gentle quite shy person, never happier than when on some practical project for others. He enjoyed his work, but his first love was Back Dane.
David’s illness has been long and very sad to observe. He has had wonderful support from his friends, particularly friends from Back Dane. I want to thank Dave and Tina Evans who have always been on call I thank his very long standing friend Joan Hill who often sat with him over the last months. I also want to thank Treetops Hospice for their support, and donations for Treetops will be gratefully received.
I thank Littleover Methodist Church for letting us use their beautiful church for this service. David made it clear that he wanted a church funeral. I also thank Rev. Roger Dunlop for taking the service.
We saw quite a lot of David in Buxton-he would come to see us linked to his time in Back Dane.
I have tried to give a picture of David as my cousin. He had a strong stable Methodist northern background. He was a gentle quite shy person, never happier than when on some practical project for others. He enjoyed his work, but his first love was Back Dane.
David’s illness has been long and very sad to observe. He has had wonderful support from his friends, particularly friends from Back Dane. I want to thank Dave and Tina Evans who have always been on call I thank his very long standing friend Joan Hill who often sat with him over the last months. I also want to thank Treetops Hospice for their support, and donations for Treetops will be gratefully received.
I thank Littleover Methodist Church for letting us use their beautiful church for this service. David made it clear that he wanted a church funeral. I also thank Rev. Roger Dunlop for taking the service.
|
Most of all I want to thank Mick Jones for caring for David in his final years. David and Mick were friends through Back Dane. As David became less able Mick gave more and more of his time to David. Most of you will know that for the last three years Mick has given David 24/7 care. He has without doubt extended David’s life. Mick wanted to keep David at home to the end and this happened. He fed and looked after all David’s needs. The last few months have been a little lonely as David could not respond to Mick’s jokes! Mick: we all thank you for what you have done for David. We know it is going to be a huge change getting your own life back-but I think there may already be a list of jobs at Back Dane with your name on them!
Finally thank you all for coming. It is a fitting tribute to David that so many have come to give him a good send off. |
|
|
Funeral tribute by John Foxcroft
David—Back Dane—Robinson —-The two are inseparable. David came to Derby 44 years ago in 1969 to pursue his career with British Rail Research. He quickly embarked on a second “voluntary” career with Derby IVS and Back Dane. He retired from British Rail in 1995 after 26 years service, but he never retired from service to Back Dane until he was unable to continue due to illness just a few years ago, some 40 years of devotion and dedication. |
Back Dane was first rented and managed by the scouts for charitable purposes in the late 1960’s. The management was taken over by Derby IVS in 1974. Tragically it was burnt down in 1976, and there the story would have ended had not Derby IVS purchased it at auction in 1977. David and I were at the auction. It was rebuilt by volunteers and back in use by 1980. It had its first flush of a toilet in 1983. And mains electricity 1984. Since then it has had over 10,000 visitors. Throughout, and until his recent illness, David Robinson was the “volunteer manager” of this incredible project.
|
|
|
What is so special about Back Dane and those involved with Beasley Back Dane? I would like to read you a quote from an article written in 1985 by Phillip Whitehead, then MP for Derby North:
“Ever since I was first introduced to the pleasures of Back Dane I’ve felt a stirring admiration for all those who make it possible, and do so much to bring a more fulfilled life to young and old alike in Derby and its district…Many who do not have the opportunity would like it to be said on their behalf how much Derby IVS has helped them already. And I’m sure that the next twenty years will build on this present achievement”.
That was nearly 30 years ago. I would also like to quote from a more recent article by Leigh Skelton of Combat Stress written for the 2012 Beasley Back Dane report:
“It is quite difficult to put into words what the ‘Back Dane effect’ is, but I will have a go: firstly there is something about the cottage that makes people safe. The beauty and peace combine with a positive sense of isolation from our hectic world to help people, particularly those with troubled minds, to relax and feel at ease. Secondly, because there is a group focus, the veterans are quickly reminded of how good they are at team work and looking out for each other, this does wonders for damaged self esteem. Finally, time from people that care and understand. Because the cottage is relatively free from the distractions of the modern world, people in general have time to really focus on each other and listen”.
He continues:
“Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the kindness of everyone associated with the Beasley Trust over the years in allowing us to benefit from such a magical place. In particular David Robinson and Dave Cordon”.
I think these two quotes tell you something of why Back Dane is so special, and what an important role David has played in this success story.
Throughout the years David made many friends from all who worked with him at Back Dane, friends from Back Dane international workcamps, from local work weekends and from the many groups that have visited and experienced Back Dane magic. He has travelled widely visiting them. Many are here today and many more have sent farewell messages.
“Ever since I was first introduced to the pleasures of Back Dane I’ve felt a stirring admiration for all those who make it possible, and do so much to bring a more fulfilled life to young and old alike in Derby and its district…Many who do not have the opportunity would like it to be said on their behalf how much Derby IVS has helped them already. And I’m sure that the next twenty years will build on this present achievement”.
That was nearly 30 years ago. I would also like to quote from a more recent article by Leigh Skelton of Combat Stress written for the 2012 Beasley Back Dane report:
“It is quite difficult to put into words what the ‘Back Dane effect’ is, but I will have a go: firstly there is something about the cottage that makes people safe. The beauty and peace combine with a positive sense of isolation from our hectic world to help people, particularly those with troubled minds, to relax and feel at ease. Secondly, because there is a group focus, the veterans are quickly reminded of how good they are at team work and looking out for each other, this does wonders for damaged self esteem. Finally, time from people that care and understand. Because the cottage is relatively free from the distractions of the modern world, people in general have time to really focus on each other and listen”.
He continues:
“Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the kindness of everyone associated with the Beasley Trust over the years in allowing us to benefit from such a magical place. In particular David Robinson and Dave Cordon”.
I think these two quotes tell you something of why Back Dane is so special, and what an important role David has played in this success story.
Throughout the years David made many friends from all who worked with him at Back Dane, friends from Back Dane international workcamps, from local work weekends and from the many groups that have visited and experienced Back Dane magic. He has travelled widely visiting them. Many are here today and many more have sent farewell messages.
|
In May 2014 David was awarded the title of mayor’s community champion and the mayor, Lisa Higginbottom visited him at his home in full regalia. David was also awarded the Derby Civic Award 2012-2013. Fitting tributes to a wonderful person. |
Some years ago David drew up plans for the development of Back Dane but it has not been possible to implement them due to a lack of funds. I am delighted to tell you that David has left a legacy to the Beasley Trust, in time the details will be known. This may well present us with an opportunity to realise David’s dream. David I am sure you will be watching over us to make sure your dream becomes a reality.
David, our great friend, God bless you.
David, our great friend, God bless you.
|
Funeral dedication by Rev Roger Dunlop
We have already heard two wonderful warm tributes to David. Most of us will have known parts of his story but none of us know the whole of who he was. David was one of 20 Robinson cousins. Apart from him and 5 others in York, the others lived further away-Cheshire, Wiltshire, and elsewhere – so they were not able to meet very often. And as his cousin Helen’s son, a different generation, the opportunities to meet him were even more rare. But not as rare as you would expect since from my perspective David was very good at keeping in touch with family. |
|
For example for a number of years there was a mini ‘Family’ reunion of Helen and Peter, Celia, Nigel, his wife, Sarah, Pamela and her American husband, Gene, and Judi. On one of those visits David, Gene, Peter and Nigel went for a walk along the canal and sat down for a rest. A boater, going through the adjacent lock, looked at these men and said, “Are you “Last of the Summer Wine?!” They were all very amused, especially Gene, who told of the encounter to many of his friends when he returned home to America.
And what I remember about David from the times we met was how, despite a certain shyness, he was always so warm, welcoming and friendly in his quiet, gracious way. and he was able to relate well to all ages. He was always pleased to see people and to hear about family and friends.
I was the Methodist minister for nine years in Heworth and so I can say that David taught in my Sunday School! Admittedly quite a number of years before I was there. But it gave us additional opportunities to meet and in particular for me to visit his mother Hilda more often. When I was preparing for Hilda’s funeral service David spoke warmly of his early holidays as a family including time in Scarborough with the delight of the Peasholme railway coming out of wraps after the war. Not surprising that he should have fond memories of the railway! And he also said there had been memorable holidays at Maurice’s hotel in Weston Supermare and at various Holiday Fellowship and CHA guest houses at such places as Swanage, Lyme Regis and Torquay.
We have heard of course about his passion for Back Dane.
David first went to the Dane Valley when he was 3 or 4. He and his mother went to stay with his aunt, Edna and his cousins, Helen and John, who lived in Macclesfield and were having a holiday at Bearda Hill Farm, Swythamley, situated high above the valley of the Dane.
Later on it was David who encouraged his family to visit the Dane. His cousin Celia remembers an urgent phone call from David saying he had arranged for Dulux to provide a load of free paint but that the Dulux photographer was coming to take photos of the finished work – could she paint it that weekend?! David was clearly difficult to refuse with his gentle yet focused and kind manner so Celia and friend Jennifer dashed off to paint the kitchen at that very short notice!!
Celia also remembers in the early days at Back Dane, before the place had running water, seeing David heading for the river carrying a bottle of Fairy Liquid. When asked what he was doing he replied that he was going to wash his hair. Not surprisingly she expressed surprise at his choice of product pointing out that Fairy Liquid was a detergent. David replied, “and what do you suppose shampoo is?”
David was straightforward, practical, focused. He could easily have filled his spare time with engineering related passions – developed his love of model or steam trains for example. But his energies went into providing a lovely place for people to discover more about themselves, and more about this beautiful world, to step outside the daily struggle perhaps of living in a poor urban environment, to have their eyes raised to new heights and possibilities. Or having experienced the scenic delights and friendships of Back Dane, in the words of that wonderful passage about friendship that Joan read – David was empowering them to go and bear fruit.
And what I remember about David from the times we met was how, despite a certain shyness, he was always so warm, welcoming and friendly in his quiet, gracious way. and he was able to relate well to all ages. He was always pleased to see people and to hear about family and friends.
I was the Methodist minister for nine years in Heworth and so I can say that David taught in my Sunday School! Admittedly quite a number of years before I was there. But it gave us additional opportunities to meet and in particular for me to visit his mother Hilda more often. When I was preparing for Hilda’s funeral service David spoke warmly of his early holidays as a family including time in Scarborough with the delight of the Peasholme railway coming out of wraps after the war. Not surprising that he should have fond memories of the railway! And he also said there had been memorable holidays at Maurice’s hotel in Weston Supermare and at various Holiday Fellowship and CHA guest houses at such places as Swanage, Lyme Regis and Torquay.
We have heard of course about his passion for Back Dane.
David first went to the Dane Valley when he was 3 or 4. He and his mother went to stay with his aunt, Edna and his cousins, Helen and John, who lived in Macclesfield and were having a holiday at Bearda Hill Farm, Swythamley, situated high above the valley of the Dane.
Later on it was David who encouraged his family to visit the Dane. His cousin Celia remembers an urgent phone call from David saying he had arranged for Dulux to provide a load of free paint but that the Dulux photographer was coming to take photos of the finished work – could she paint it that weekend?! David was clearly difficult to refuse with his gentle yet focused and kind manner so Celia and friend Jennifer dashed off to paint the kitchen at that very short notice!!
Celia also remembers in the early days at Back Dane, before the place had running water, seeing David heading for the river carrying a bottle of Fairy Liquid. When asked what he was doing he replied that he was going to wash his hair. Not surprisingly she expressed surprise at his choice of product pointing out that Fairy Liquid was a detergent. David replied, “and what do you suppose shampoo is?”
David was straightforward, practical, focused. He could easily have filled his spare time with engineering related passions – developed his love of model or steam trains for example. But his energies went into providing a lovely place for people to discover more about themselves, and more about this beautiful world, to step outside the daily struggle perhaps of living in a poor urban environment, to have their eyes raised to new heights and possibilities. Or having experienced the scenic delights and friendships of Back Dane, in the words of that wonderful passage about friendship that Joan read – David was empowering them to go and bear fruit.
Later in John’s Gospel is another passage about friendship that reminds me of David. Just before Jesus was taken away from his close friends he said to them,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
Over the years David has gained many friends, and helped countless more people experience a deeper fullness of life. In part literally by preparing a place for them. The Bible struggles with the limits of human language to describe what heaven will be like, but the place to which we entrust David today will include the hallmarks of his beloved Back Dane in its beauty, its friendships and life of purpose. The River Dane is the longest, cleanest and possibly fastest flowing River flowing through Cheshire. The final chapter of the Bible contains these words:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
Over the years David has gained many friends, and helped countless more people experience a deeper fullness of life. In part literally by preparing a place for them. The Bible struggles with the limits of human language to describe what heaven will be like, but the place to which we entrust David today will include the hallmarks of his beloved Back Dane in its beauty, its friendships and life of purpose. The River Dane is the longest, cleanest and possibly fastest flowing River flowing through Cheshire. The final chapter of the Bible contains these words:
|
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
We give thanks for the healing restorative work that David did at Back Dane and indeed through all his relationships, and we entrust him now to amazing love of God. |
|
On the 7th August 2021, as part of the memorial to John Foxcroft, a brass plaque was unveiled in memory to Robbo in the sensory garden.
Brass plaque dedicated to Robbo, unveiled 7th August 2021
|
Plaque being unveiled by John Anfield - Robbo's cousin and former Back Dane Trust Trustee, 7th August 2021
|
Copper Beech tree planted in Robbo's memory a few years ago, with the Copper Beech planted by Robbo himself in memory of his parents in the background, 7th August 2021