Robin was a true Club legend and had been a part of Thamesians since its beginning. As a nationally renowned javelin thrower both at school and club level, and a successful medal-winning sprinter also at both levels, Robin's natural athleticism, speed and strength allied to his ball handling skills, made him a formidable figure on the rugby pitch.
As well as a flying winger, Robin was an excellent scrum-half with a fast long pass and the ability to break from the back of the scrum running deep over the gain line. He was an established member of the Club 1st XV for many years. These abilities made Robin an especially good 7's player and he was a key part of many winning 7's teams including being a member of the successful team that won in Birmingham in 1975 at the National Old Boys Tournament (pictured), the highlight so far of the Club's playing history.
More than just a player, Robin was a real character, a comedian, a prolific tourist who lived life with a positive attitude and a twinkle in his eye, quite often with a mischievous trick up his sleeve. Robin spent a lot of time, when Thamesians moved to the current clubhouse, establishing the bar as a successful money spinner.
More than just a player, Robin was the epitome of a Club man and will surely be badly missed.
Alfie
Long after Robin’s playing days were behind him, he remained a massive presence at the club. When I joined the club in the late 90’s he was part of the group of Old Thamesians, prominent among whom were Dusty, JT, and David Gridley, who were all determined to see the club survive as a playing entity. It is not an exaggeration to say that without their efforts, there would be no club today.
When the pavilion was refurbished in 2005. Robin was the bar manager, and with the help of Melanie (his daughter), Shireen, Claire, Mark DeBrett and Clare (Mark’s daughter), he set about ensuring that the players had the motivation to stay around for the evening! Sandra Redmond’s fabulous social events of the time were only possible with the backdrop of Robin’s efforts behind and in front of the bar.
As well as creating such a welcoming home, Robin was also a meticulous bookkeeper, providing detailed handwritten analysis of till records versus cash to be banked. The clubhouse was spotless, and he extended his caretaker role to well beyond the veranda picking up and clearing any litter on the Green.
On the pitch the club went from strength to strength with Robin’s son, Jonno, playing for the first team and exciting the debate about who was the quicker in his prime.
Apart from his tenure as club manager, Robin will be best remembered by the later generations of players for his commitment to the close friendship between Thamesians and a French team called Dassault, the sports club of the French aircraft company. This relationship continues to this day albeit the club has since merged with Suresnes. Robin toured to Paris every two years, and I often shared a room with him (mostly to ensure that neither of us had to endure Brent’s snoring). When we hosted the French, Robin was at the forefront of the welcoming committee. As recently as the 2020 tour he gave a great rendition of Wild Mountain Thyme when the women’s team undertook their first tour to Paris. He created a wonderful folder of memories of the French tours which was presented to them earlier this year. There have been many messages of condolences from his French friends over the last few days.
Everyone will have their own memories about Robin. It was special to me when Gordon Tucker and I enjoyed a couple of great days out with him watching the women’s team in seven’s tournaments between lockdowns, and even though he was expressing worries about his health he was still fantastic company.
Robin also provided a written history of both Thames Valley Grammar School and Thamesians RFC based upon his personal recollections. His love of the club is abundantly clear in reading these words
Rather than ramble on, hopefully the photos below will save a thousand words. The black and white ones were sent to me by Robin’s friend from Bordeaux, Bernard Bonnaure.
JD
