Mike Robinson was born in 1946 in Fort Victoria, Southern Rhodesia, now Masvingo and Zimbabwe. He grew up with two older brothers, who introduced him at an early age to cricket, and a younger sister. Most of his education took place in Africa. He was a quiet, rather serious small boy. His first secondary school years, still in Zimbabwe, were at a very tough boarding school. A good sportsman, he hurled himself around the dry unyielding rugby pitch and excelled himself upon the cricket field. But life was hard for him. Such schools are not easy for the more sensitive boy.

His big break came when he attended Sidcot School in Somerset for his A level years. There he was enveloped in a totally different culture. One of kindness and respect. He was astonished to find himself in such an environment. Academically Mike flourished and he continued to enjoy sport enormously. He was described by John Hulme as the finest opening left-handed batsman he had ever seen. He was feared by bowlers. 

Due to the difference in the start of the school year, Mike did an extra term at Sidcot, when he was Head Boy.

He then returned to Africa and went to the University of Rhodesia. Mike’s first job was as a District Officer, stationed at Kariba. A knowledge of the local language and the law was required, and Mike did well.

He then married and had two children. For some years he had to combine his work and family with duties as a police reserve in the Rhodesian war. As the war intensified, Mike moved with his family to Johannesburg in South Africa.  There he had to pass more exams to establish himself as a Company Secretary.

A big change – from the bush to the city.

Tragedy struck when his son David was murdered aged 18.

David had gone for a run and never returned home. His body was found some ten days later.

Some wilderness years of grief set in for Mike and near family.

Within these years, he divorced. It was a deeply distressing time for him.

Mike then met his second wife Shez at the Compassionate Friends, a Bereavement group.

It was a marvellous match. And so began 26 years of healing and hope.

Mike was a man of Africa. He loved being under the African sun, walking through the bush, drinking in the sounds and sights around him.

Being at Sidcot stayed with Mike all his life. Writing to me recently, he had clear memories of people and places and events from that time. He loved to receive class or sport group photos from me.

Mike died in August 2024 after a short illness. He will be greatly missed. He was widely respected by those in the local community and seen as the wise one. He leaves behind his wife Shez and grandchildren.  

No more will he tease me, ever his little sister.   

Wendy Haslam (Robinson)

September 2024