MIKE'S OUTSTANDING INNINGS IS CUT SHORT.

12th Feb 2024

                           MIKE'S OUTSTANDING INNINGS IS CUT SHORT.

                        Mike W. Robinson 18/3/1960- 16/12/2023, aged 63.

We are deeply saddened to report that Mike Robinson's battle with cancer ended on 16^th Dec 2023. Mike was diagnosed with bile duct cancer of the liver in November 2022. Chemotherapy took place but, with a compromised immune system, he contracted an infection in October 2023 from which he did not recover. He died on 16^th Dec 2023 at the Wellington Hospital, St John's Wood, a stone's throw from Lord's, with partner Fiona, daughter Molly & son Sam, at his side.

He always made light of his condition &his doctor wrote " he was a gentleman of great courage who faced his illness with immense fortitude".

A Cragside primary schoolboy Mike joined the RGS in Horsley House in 1968, aged 8. Simon, his cousin, joined in the same year. Sport played a key role, he played cricket for the school, the County & South North & badminton at St George's, Jesmond.

Mike Anderson (RGS 1973-78) remembers " we played cricket together at the RGS & for Northumberland all through school, in the 1^st X1 1976-78 & at SNCC where the best U17 X1 the club had ever had, won the Northumberland league & Friarside Cup in 1977. Mike was captain & scored 65* in the final which was won by 9 wickets. As a team we developed a special bond"

" He was RGS 1stX1 Captain in both lower & upper 6^th years, a testament to his leadership skills. In 1978 he was House Captain of Horsley & won full colours for both cricket & badminton. Both of us were selected for the North of England schools & played one game at Milnrow against the West of England".

"Mike was organised, conscientious, bright, involving, challenging, keen to win & he got the best out of people"

Mick Thompson (RGS 1973-80) reflects " I was two years below Mike but a few of us were lucky enough to play in the 1978 RGS 1^st X1 which he captained so ably, the County schoolboys of that year & be part of the previous year's league & cup wins for South North. Mike, with Mike Anderson, was one of the finest batsmen of our generation. Modest, positive, interested in others, so proud of his family & a leader"

Richard Calvert (Dame Allan's & SNCC) has fond memories of Mike as " a quality cricketer", an elegant batsman", " a formidable opponent" &" a wonderful team mate".

Mark Dolder (Dame Allan's & SNCC) remembers " Mike was very organised. A stylish & deceptively strong batsman playing the ball along the ground. He captained a team from the front, calmly, determinedly & with a smile".

"Modest, inclusive, friendly, supportive, brave & competitive, someone I was proud to share the field with".

Duncan Stephen (SNCC 1^st X1 Capt. 1977-79) remembers Mike's 4 catches v Blyth & a partnership of 98 for the 2^nd wicket v Alnwick in September 1977, when Mike top scored with 64 & in 1978 showing courage, concentration & agility to take 12 close to the wicket catches, something no other 18 year old outfielder has done since then.

In September 1978 Mike returned to RGS for a 7^th term to take the Oxbridge entrance exams in late November. He was successful in gaining a place at Magdalen College, Cambridge to read Economics from Sept 1979, one of 16 RGS students to win Oxbridge places in that year.

At Cambridge he captained the Univ 2^nd X1, the Crusaders, & may have had a chance of a Blue if the numbers of County contracted players, including Derek Pringle who made his England debut, had been fewer. Friend, fellow Crusaders opening bat & Darlington native, Ian Burnley remembers Mike's lists for everything !..... & later golf at Ashridge or Berkhamsted.

Mike joined accountants Coopers & Lybrand in 1982. Two years later Ali Temperly joined the audit team & remembers a thorough, hard working, rigorous boss who was also fun, kind & patient.

He became a partner in 1993  & was pivotal in setting up the Milton Keynes office, where he later became Senior Partner.

Mike retired from PwC in 2017 but simply became more involved in badminton & golf. Following a conversation with a serving board member Mike was invited to join the Badminton England Board of Directors. He accepted & was appointed Chair Of Finance, Risk & Corporate Services in June 2014.

He served as Finance Director on the Badminton Europe Council for 4 years & chaired BEC Governance & BEC HR Committees, He was a Trustee of the National Badminton Museum & took on the role of Chair, Badminton England in 2019.

He was Chair of the Chalfont & District Badminton Association for 10 years also Director of Badminton Wycombe. In 2023 he was re elected for a 4^th term on the BE board the last 4 years as Chair. He was also Chair of Berkhamsted Golf Club........some list ! A tribute to his many personal & professional talents & remarkable energy.

Sue Storey, Badminton England CEO said  " The whole badminton community are deeply saddened by Mike's passing, a man who gave so much to the world of badminton. He was utterly dedicated, totally committed, boundlessly enthusiastic & worked tirelessly to transform the organisation & the sport"

210 people gathered at Amersham Crematorium on Mon 8^th Jan 2024, 150 seated 60 standing, to say a sad farewell. The vast majority returned to Berkhamsted Golf Club for the wake. It was a cold day, snow flurries began in late afternoon.

The service included tributes from cousin Simon, Cambridge friend Ian Burnley, Coopers colleague Alison Temperley, daughter Molly & son Sam. Badminton England produced a book of condolence signed by 47 from all over the badminton world.

The 3-minute reflection time included "Give A Little Bit" by Supertramp, a favourite of Mike's accompanied by screens showing reels of MWR photos.

At the wake pictures & documents were on display including those so kindly supplied by Oliver Edwards (RGS History & ex MIC Cricket)- NOVO magazine extracts of Mike as House Captain of Horsley, 1stX1 cricket reports & averages 1976-78, a 1979 Prize Day programme extract referencing Mike's place at Magdalen College, Cambridge & a picture of the wooden display panel in the Main Hall RGS on which is engraved his name as a Cantab entrant.

"It was an emotional day but all together a very warm & loving tribute"

At SNCC members of the U17X1 1977 & 1^st X1 1978 have donated to cover the cost of a memorial bench in Mike's name, to sit on the Pavilion steps next to Nigel Wardropper & Gavin Wake, fellow members of that successful 1977 U17X1 also sadly departed.

The world's sea lanes permitting, friends & family will gather at South North to view the bench & remember Mike on Friday 10^th May 2024.

This is all so sad & much too soon.

Duncan.