Girton Town Charity’s Trustees and colleagues gathered to recognise Dr Robin Hiley who had completed 25 years voluntary service, during which he was instrumental in seeing through a range of important and inspired initiatives to improve life for the residents of Girton.
At the event, and following refreshments and speeches, Robin was presented with a sculpture of a Girton Goose made by Cambridge-born Matthew Lane Sanderson who created the Village’s Sculpture Railings.
The Goose reflects Girton’s long and unique relationship with geese, as they were an important source of feathers for quills used by scholars and scribes at Cambridge University Colleges.
A summary of his achievements included Robin fulfilling the Charity’s decision to sell its land on Wellbrook Way, resulting in a significant endowment from which the interest could be used to increase the provision of almshouses and range of schemes and grants to help residents.
Under Robin’s leadership, awards were made to numerous Village projects and Schemes and Grants introduced to benefit all ages, from pre-school and primary age children through to older residents. A Sensory Garden was created for all to enjoy and the William Collyn Community Centre designed, built and named after the charity’s founder. Earlier this year saw the completion of a further 15 Passivhaus almshouses at Dovehouse Court, adding to the Charity’s housing provision for the future.
GTC’s current Chair Ann Bonnett said: “In listing just some of the many achievements during Robin’s time with GTC, we can see what an enormous contribution he has made to our community and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. I’d also like to thank his wife Sheila for her support, not least for allowing her home to be the office for many years and taking endless phone calls. In conclusion, we all wish him a wonderful retirement and a happy 75th birthday which he is celebrating today.”
Others who were unable to attend sent messages highlighting Robin’s extraordinary commitment and determination over 25 years, leaving a lasting legacy for the Village.
