02/10/2026
It is with deepest sadness that we have heard that our dear friend Stanley Robinson has passed away this week.
I met Stanley through his daughter Carole, who sent his poems to us to be read at Shorncliffe events.
We were so impressed with them, that I said we'd love to meet and chat with him to find out more about his writing. Luckily we took with us a camcorder and digital tape recorder. I said to my colleague "Stanley is 97, we don't want to tire him out. We'll stay for half an hour and let him rest".
We walked in and were greeted with the biggest smile.
30 minutes? Stanley gave us 3 hours of absolute Gold! We were stunned about his life, his one true love, his war stories and his take on the world. We laughed at lot.
He was so modest and felt he was a man of no consequence.
Stanley you were so very wrong!
So we created a film about him, his life and his poetry.
Its called Meeting Stanley. It is so moving and inspiring - I hope and teachers reading this will show it to students this Remembrance fortnight and get them to try their hand at creative writing.
Just listen to Stanleys philosophy in the final scene.
https://youtu.be/fRgy4IH8aY8?si=iP1ecGUVPIhBGpAg
Stanleys legacy is his poetry and stories which we are currently editing into a book for schools to inspire the next generation to write.
Also the Shorncliffe Trust is planning a poetry competition in 2027 to mark what would have been Stanleys 100th birthday. We will let you know more about it in the new year.
My dear Stanley, you will be remembered as a Husband Father, Grand father, veteran and most importantly a poet. We send our deepest condolences to your family and thank you for your poems.
