On September 22nd, just over 4 months after Robin passed away, The Heritage Foundation honoured Robin’s life by unveiling a blue plaque at his long-time home in Thame, Oxfordshire. Robin had lived at The Prebendal for almost 30 years, and many family and friends gathered to celebrate with his with Dwina, his son RJ Gibb and his daughter Melissa.
The ceremony began with dedications from close friends of Robin, Mike Read and Sir Tim Rice. Following this, a message was read from The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, who is President of the Outward Bound Organization – a charity for which Robin was a proud Ambassador.
David Graham then introduced the Heritage Foundation President, Vicki Michelle, which was followed by Dwina Gibb saying a few words of welcome before the gathering took a break for Afternoon Tea.
David Jensen introduced Paul Gambaccini who gave a moving appreciation of the career of his close friend.
Appropriately, the afternoon was full of music. The first artist to sing was Isabel Suckling, who performed on Robin and RJ Gibb’s “The Titanic Requiem”. Isabel sang “Christmas Day” from the Requiem, and also “Ava Maria.” There were many other musical contributions during the afternoon:
- Errol Reid and Wayne Banks who were members of Robin’s touring band sang “To Love Somebody.”
- Cecilia performed the acoustic version of a Bee Gees classic “Rings Around The Moon.”
- David Hook sang two songs from “The Great American Songbook.”
- Mary Jess performed “Don’t Cry Alone”, also from The Titanic Requiem.
- The recently recorded new version of “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” by The Soldiers, and featuring vocals by Robin, was also played.