Bloxham School is saddened to hear the news of the passing of Robin Hillman (Staff 67-99), who was Housemaster of Wilson between 1981 and 1995 and Head of Science between 1973 and 1982.
Robin arrived at Bloxham in September 1967 from Marlborough Grammar School, having been appointed by Derek Seymour as Head of Chemistry in order to introduce Nuffield ‘O’ level Chemistry. Later, in 1969, he introduced the Nuffield ‘A’ level, marking the start of a long and very successful association with the Nuffield courses. Robin elevated Chemistry at Bloxham to new heights by writing a series of textbooks with colleagues Mike Cane and Colin McCarthy, as well as numerous articles in educational journals. He was also a member of numerous examination committees and played a big part in revising new exam syllabuses. His successor as Head of Chemistry, Jeff Freeman, commented that ‘I remain impressed by a man whose apparent frantic pace of life overlaid an intense degree of careful planning and a meticulousness of preparation that engenders only wonderment.’
Robin learnt his tutoring skills under John Fiori in Wilberforce before joining Ralph Ullmann in Wilson in 1974. As Wilson Housemaster himself for 14 years, he was tirelessly caring in his stewardship of the house. Laura was a constant support to Robin throughout his time at Bloxham and served as the first Assistant Housemistress of Stonehill, as well as teaching languages both at Bloxham and Tudor Hall.
The frantic pace at which Robin lived his life and his total commitment to his charges took a toll on his health, and after 14 years running the house he deserved a reduction in his workload, spending the next four years as a tutor in Egerton before he and Laura retired to Brittany in 1996. There they welcomed a procession of Bloxham visitors and tended their beautiful garden at Bubry – Robin really did have green fingers, with a passion for fuchsias in particular, owning 500 different examples of the genus; he was a finalist in the BBC’s Mastermind of Gardening in 1993.
His Christian faith was absolutely central to Robin’s life, and he played a leading part in the School Chapel, assisting at Communion and delivering sermons (Robin was a lay preacher). His hymn singing, though, was not of the same order of excellence! Robin was a generous friend and host who always took a compassionate interest in anyone with whom he came into contact. It came as no surprise to their many friends that he and Laura threw themselves selflessly into the life of the parish both in Brittany and then in Evesham, to which they moved to be close to their children.
It was somehow appropriate that a man of such strong belief should pass away on his way to a service of Compline in Holy Week. Our sympathies go to Laura and to their family. [SJB]
