MEMORIES OF JIM

from Martlet 67 - Winter 2020

JIM ROBERTS 1932-2020 COLLINSON

One memorable story JR would tell often was set in Auckland 1997. He was running late for the OMs Dinner there, it was his year as Club President. He was stopped by a ‘large’ Islander Police Officer for speeding! JR quickly got out of the car to plead ignorance and the officer noted his OMRFC jumper and said “I guess you were a ‘back’ as you were driving very quickly?”

JR immediately saw his window of opportunity and told the officer that he had not only played wing, but had played for England a long time ago and that his last game was in 1964 against Wilson Whineray’s all-conquering team! The officer paused, then shook his hand before asking where he was heading to. He then gave him a ‘blue light’ escort direct to the venue; upon arrival he asked for JR’s autograph and thanked him for being in New Zealand!

Windsor Roberts, Collinson 1979-85

Jim was a huge part of our Club history at Old Millhillians, but also our identity. He was our last surviving full international player, but more than that, he was a truly lovely man. All our players were honoured recently to have Jim present them with their shirts before a match – his strength of character shone through in every firm handshake. We were all truly devastated to hear of his passing, but he will not be forgotten. We are massively proud to be able to call Jim Roberts an OMRFC player.

Ben Nash - Chairman OMRFC

The first teams used to have little cartoons drawn for them when they had their team dinner. As I had some meagre talent in drawing I often drew the cards. I drew one of Jim Roberts confronted with a policeman on a motor bike. The policeman was saying ‘I don’t care if you are on foot, Mr Roberts. Thirty miles an hour is still the limit.’ Only a few years ago I saw Jim at an MHS rugby match and reminded him of the card. ‘I’ve still got it,’ he said.

David Butler, Scrutton 1948–54

Jim captained the School cricket XI in 1950 and we opened the batting together, or, I should say, he opened the batting and I accompanied from the other end. Subsequently we both served on the OM committee and enjoyed each other’s company on the OM “European dinner” tours.

Robert Harley

Jim was a very popular character. One classical year I played for the OMs XV with Jim on the wing. Needless to say I was totally out of my depths!

David Marks, Winterstoke 1943-48

Jim Roberts was one of many OMs of his era who gave much back to the school and its community of OMs. He was President of the Club 1996-97, a Governor of the Foundation and Chair of the Life Guardians Committee.

Thanks to him and Roger Gardener, Life Guardians (formerly Life Governors) continue to play a valuable role today as Governors of the Foundation and Trustees of the McClure Memorial Trust, which helps fund the current McClure bursary at Mill Hill School.

Peter Wakeham, Burton Bank 1960-65

FROM THE ‘PEN’ OF JIM ROBERTS

September 1945

It wasn’t long before I found out about school discipline. Being a soccer fanatic, I had brought a soccer ball with me and at the first opportunity, I took it on to Collinson Field and kicked it about.

Very soon the Head of House came out and told me in no uncertain terms that Mill Hill played rugby and soccer balls were not allowed. ‘Don’ let me see it again’ he said. A day or so later, I did the same thing and out came the Head of House, and he reminded me of what he had said a day or so earlier, confiscated my ball and I received three whacks with a slipper. It was the first of many.

‘And so I turned to rugby, very reluctantly. I remember the first occasion I was involved, which was about my third day and it was on the Park. As I had played right wing at soccer, I thought that I should be right wing in rugby. However, Steve Ruhemann, another new boy, who was very bright but a rabid communist, also wanted to play right wing (strange), and as he was somewhat bigger than me, he prevailed. However, I played right centre and got my own back by never passing him the ball. I soon became interested in the game, but was moved to fly half by the Under 15s master and thereby formed a partnership with the great Johnny Williams and under the captaincy of the then very large Ronnie Aye-Maung. I don’t think I have kicked a soccer ball since.’

Years later, my younger son was Head of House and found the old Punishment Book. Looking through it, he found 1945, and my name many times with the misdemeanours committed, one of which said ‘Typical Roberts attitude to all forms of authority ... 6’. (I assume that the 6 meant ‘six of the best’). Despite that I loved it at Mill Hill. Also, I found that a huge benefit I gained from Mill Hill, was that I could join the Old Millhillians Club.