Recollections
Bob left King's a year before I arrived but I still caught the after-glow of a bright comet! He was a legendary figure even in his time at the school and it comes down to two things: his passion for his subject and his concern for his pupils. It helped that he was a big personality and that he knew so much about so many things. He was an old-fashioned schoolmaster in the best sense of being able to turn his hand to anything, and in appreciating that what goes on in the classroom and the exam room is only a small part of a proper education. He will be long remembered at the school.
Tim Keyes, Headmaster
ERB. Those initials stir so many memories of a treasured colleague. Here are just two.
When ever I needed someone to help with a task, agreeable or disagreeable, if he could, Bob would offer. Recruiting staff to police the touchlines during King's v RGS rugby matches I always knew that tall figure wearing politically incorrect baseball cap and dish-dash would be there. Whatever Bob's views on the game of rugby, he got on with people and there were never any problems in his part of the crowd.
When he shared the first Lower Sixth group at King's to follow the Diploma of Achievement, he was a delight. Intelligent, astute, quick-witted, humorous, and industrious, he was a perfect colleague. With him there, our students, and I, knew we were sharing a voyage of discovery as we generated exercises and games to develop communication and numeracy skills, examined philosophical and aesthetic issues, as well as trying out various survival skills. I particularly recall the fun we had with First Aid for the Stomach, cooking with a huge wok balanced on a small camping gas stove in the Geography Department Library - with someone up at a window to keep an eye open in case the then Bursar should come by. Then, the next lesson, discussing the aesthetic merits of buildings in the high Street. It was all grist to Bob's mill.
Inspiring others (students and staff), getting them to achieve more than they thought themselves capable of, but always having fun. That was ERB.
Tim Hickson (Hon OV 62-02)
I am sorry - and shocked - to hear of Bob's death. We shared a Common Room for 28 years and given his extrovert nature and ready turn of phrase he was one of the "characters" of it. In his classroom he at one time used a football style of yellow and red cards and I once went into his room where he was coaching Oxbridge candidates to find him with his feet up on the desk smoking a cheroot dispensing his always positive views. He was a natural for the "fete controller" dispensing a fluent stream of witticisms and information.
I wrote to him when he retired saying, among other things,that under him the Geography department had been among the few at the very top of the list.
John Turner (Hon OV 60-96)
He was a very bright candle who shone even on the brightest of days. Perhaps he was the comet which acted as a foil to my tornado like approach.
Alex Hirst (Staff 77-84)
A lovely man about whom I have many happy memories of his time at King's.
Margaret Radnidge (Hon OV 89-05)
In the classroom and in the common room he was an inspiration to those who came into contact with him, a superb teacher and a great colleague.
Keith Bridges (Hon OV 63-03)
I got to know Bob quite well after I became a governor in 1973. In late 1975 we introduced the scenario planning system we have used ever since to help set the school's rolling 5-year strategic plan. As I recall it, Bob was the first chairman of the staff scenario planning committee and he did the job with his usual flair, innovation and enthusiasm - immediately understanding exactly what we wanted. He was a quite brilliant individual with a great breadth of talent,as is reflected in the many tributes you have received.
I remember sitting at the back of one of his geography classes - at his prior invitation. He gave an outstanding lesson on Sao Paulo; indeed I thought it was a virtuoso performance. I went back to the staff common room, tellingBob's colleagues what an impressive lesson I had just attended. One of them grinned at me and said"Not Sao Paulo again, by any chance?"
How very sad to hear of his death at what must have been a relatively young age.
Donald Howell (S 53-61) Chairman of Governors
Very sad news. I remember him using marigolds to hand back my essays which had less than impressed him!
Aelred Down (Cl 86-93)
I am saddened by this news – Bob taught me right through to A level and was a teacher we all liked. He had a wicked sense of humour bordering on the eccentric and the Burkill walk was infamous – both arms by his side marching across the quad. Please pass on my condolences to his family. He is fondly remembered by me and was instrumental in ensuring my interest in Geography has continued through my adult life - an interest I have encouraged my own children into with all three taking the subject at A level.
I am unable to make the funeral this Friday but please let me know if a memorial service is organised as I would very much like to attend.
Tim Pain (Ch 76-82)
Sad news of Bob Burkill, a great guy and a greatchalk artist on the blackboard,
Tim Lovegrove (Cl 66-74)
Deeply, deeply saddened at this news.
Rick Ormerod (Ch 77-85)
Thank you for letting me know about Bob's death. I worked with him when I was Head of Art and always found him the font of wisdom, general live wire and all round good guy. He constantly told his students to aim high... for the Rolls rather than merely accept a mini! He will be severely missed by all who worked alongside him the best memorial to him will be the contact he had with the generations of students, staff and parents who will never forget the impression he made on our/ their lives. Please pass on my best wishes to Barbara,Katie and Kimberley. I do not have their address. I will be unable to go to the crematorium I will be deep in a series of examiners meetings in Coventry. The news has stunned me.. I guess Bob will be giving someone up there, or down there, a real earful!
John Exton (Hon OV 83-94)
He was an inspirational teacher and someone of whom I have very fond memories. I will be forever grateful for the confidence he showed in me in convincing me to apply to Cambridge where I spent a very happy three years reading Geography and Political Science. I am sure that without his encouragement I would not have had the self-confidence to apply.
I have always believed that Mr Burkill played a very large and very positive part in influencing my life and career after school and have always considered myself extremely lucky to have been a pupil of his.
Unfortunately I will be unable to attend his funeral but would be grateful if my condolences and best wishes could be passed on to his family.
Steven Pitt (W 82-89)
What very sad news; I remember Bob with fondness.
John Bowley (Cl 77-87)
This is very sad news.
Please can you pass my condolences to the family with a personal message.
Bob Burkill was the most influential person in my educational development as Kings between 1969 - 1976.
He gave me a passion for Geography that has lasted since and informed my career choice to become a Chartered Surveyor - and now my son is following suit. I have told many people over the years about the inspiration I gained through the teaching of Bob. I was not a naturally gifted pupil. Bob gave me a confidence and enthusiasm for his subject thatmotivated me to 'up my game' in allacademic subjects and go forward to gain an Honours degree. I attribute this in no small part to Bob and sometimes in life one person can make a real difference to the life of another - most likely without ever realising it.
I owe Bob the most profound debt of gratitude. Thank you Bob.
Paul Raine (Cl 69-76)
Please pass on my condolences.
Peter Baseley (Hon OV 73-03)
This is very sad news. Bob and I had many humorous jousts throughout my time at Kings, not to mention a few bruises from flying board rubbers. Yet I came out with an A1 at A leveland a lifelong interest in economic geography that remains to this day. Of all my teachers at King's, he was the one from whom I learned the most. I would be grateful for you to pass my comments to his family and to Marc Roberts, my old housemaster and to Malcolm Gill, who was such a great foil to Bob. I hope Alex Hirst is also in touch with this news.
If I could have got to East Yorkshire I would, but sadly I work in Redruth!
James Mills (S 80-87)
Very sad news. He was a great guy – teaching me geography from 1978-1981. He was very much one of those teachers whose enthusiasm and wit makes an indelible impression.
Andrew Griffin (Ch 78-83)
Blimey that is bad news, a superb man who I actually attribute to my getting my A -Levels , he once told me that I hadn't got a chance , knowing that I was a stubborn student and would work harder for it , he was the first person to congratulate me on passing my exams and he did so with a sincere and happy smile. As per Malcolm Gill's superb account of him below I was one of the Skodas' that he baited into working harder, he was a man with a great sense of humour and professionalism, it is not until you look back at memories of the school that you realise what an impact a character such as Bob Burkill made upon you then and even now. I am very sad to hear of his loss and send his family my sincere condolences.
Howard Stanton (S 84-91)
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Burkill's death.
He made a great impact on me as an eleven year old back in 1971, I remember well having to dodge the flying board dusters ! I also remember the collective name he gave to myself, the late Guy Reece, and Simon Pick – "the pass the brain section" !
All this sounds terribly "un-PC" now but I'm sure these were better days, and if we had more teachers of Mr. Burkill's calibre the world would be a better place. My memories are nothing but fond.
Gary Webb (W 71-77)
I am very sorry to hear this news and wish his family the best.
Grant Strover (Cl 87-97)
Thank you for passing on this sad news.
It is said that you never forget a great teacher andBob Burkill was one whom I admired enormously. He is still spoken about with fondness whenever I am at a dinner party or function with other OVs who had experienced his exuberant teaching style.
His lessons were always approached with a mix of trepidation, in case my prephad not been completed to his exacting standard and exhilaration, as although it was never clear wherethe lesson wouldtake us, it would certainly be at 100 miles an hour.
I will not forget all the classroom windows being flung open to represent "the cold wind of examination" or piles of books dropped on the floor as "simulated examination noise" during silent practice papers.
I alsoblame himentirely forthe sense of satisfaction that I enjoyed whenwe recently changed my wife's reasonably priced and practical French motor car, for a not so reasonably priced andcertainly less practical car with the "vier Ringen of Audi" in the grill.
As I will not be able to attendthe funeral in person Iwouldask pleaseif you would pass on thecondolences of a grateful former Geography pupil to his family.
Matt Speirs (H 86-91)
Very sorry to hear ofBob Burkill's death.He used tobe known as "Ernie" in the early 1970s I recall. He was an inspirational Geography teacher. I nearly switched to read Geography at Cambridge (from Law) but one of the reasons for my not doing so, was the realisation thatin doing A level with him and Bill Bailey, I had effectively already done the first year and moreof the degree course.
His influence and teaching still forms part of my outlook and thinking. I have started to re-read "Resources for Britain's future"- a collection of essays published by Pelican which he had us read: itis in many ways of as much relevance today as it was in1970 Britain. When I stood up at aWales in London meeting about the Welsh economy and commented that "time maps are the only ones that really matter", I was quoting ERB.
He did enjoy political controversy and there was much scope for it in the first half of the 1970s, with miners' strikes and the 3 day week. Many a "Geogers" essay was written by candlelight in the old prefab dining rooms, where we assembled to do prep when the power cuts struck. Many political exchanges took place in the Geography lessons, with ERB not hiding his support for the miners. But it was relevant to his subject and enlivening.
When in later years I passed through the town of Duluth at the west tip of Lake Superior, I recalled ERB telling us it must be one of the worst places on earth and I sent him a postcard to say he was right. (Sorry Duluth).
I still mention to people him telling us that when he and his mother first arrived in Worcester, she looked out of the back window and said that she felt truly at home as she could see coaltips in the distance."They're not coaltips -you're looking at the Malvern Hills" he replied. It always gets a laugh.
Jonathan Haydn-Williams (S 70-75)
I am shocked. He was still a young man, in fact he was always a young man!!
The world is a quieter place now, and that is such a shame.
A lovely lovely man!
Jeremy Pitt (Cr 76-81)
This is very sad news. Mr. Burkill was my favourite teacher at Kings and it was his inspiration that sent me off to study Geography at Cambridge, rather than History or PPE at Oxford (either of which I think the school and my father would have secretly preferred). That said, he didn't think much of my choice of college (Christs) - I think he attended Clare ?
He was a brilliant teacher and I felt he was a real friend. He set me on my course and I guess that is what teaching as a profession is all about.
Thank you for letting me know. I would like to be able to attend, but unfortunately I live in Western Canada, and work will not allow. If you get the chance to pass on my best wishes to his family, please do so.
Mark Townley (Cr 73-80)
Thank you for passing on this sad news. Bob Burkill was easily in my top three teachers of all time which is no easy feat given the competition at Kings.
What I mostliked about Bob's lessonsis the way he taught us about seemingly every subject in the world whilst at the same timeinspiring us andgetting us through our exams in the subject he wasactually supposed to be teaching. I learned as much from Bob about history, arts and "culture" (high and low) as I did about Geography.
What I most liked about Bob himself was what a great laugh he was. My best memory of Bob was watching The Empire Strikes Back with him on a Geography field trip listening to his "views" on Yoda.
David Tyack (S 84-89)
I can still remember my first lesson with Bob Burkill (some 25 years ago) and can say without doubt he was the most inspiring teacher who ever taught me.
Ben Jones (Br 82-89)
I would be grateful if you can pass on my sincere condolences to Kate and her family. I trust Bob's final departure from this World will be as colourful as his time spent in it.
MRG's profile says it all really – geography lessons with 'Yasser' (as he was known to a few of my generation – once again due to the ever-present shamal) were always something to be looked forward to. I suspect he would have been pleased to know I was fortunate to attend the Le Mans 24 hour race in 2003, when Bentley competed (and won) under the leadership of Derek Bell – another OV who often featured in our more wide-ranging lessons. I suspect Mr Bell did not realise the profound effect he had had on our ongoing education!
Alistair Hill (Cl 88-97)
Really sorry to hear this news. He was a good teacher and not afraid to show a bit of character.
At the start of our first lesson, the very first thing he stood up and told us was:
"Now, listen 'ere, lads, my names Burkill, that's B-U-R-K-I-L-L"
[writes up in big letters on blackboard]. "It's NOT" [writes up B-U- R-K-H-I-L-L and then draws a big cross through it]. "Now don't you forget that, lads, or I'll give you a million lines!"
Bob - or Erbie as my cohort took to calling him - was also interested in trains. He organised a trip I went on to an open day at Bristol Bath Road diesel depot. This was a particularly fond memory for me because it was shortly before the big Bristol resignalling project, and the only time I ever saw a certain ex-GWR style of colour light signals before they became obsolete. Our trains also travelled over the old Midland line from Yate to Bristol via Mangotsfield: this was closed when the resignalling came, with trains then diverted via the route over ex-GWR lines via where Bristol Parkway was later opened.
The resignalling date for the central Bristol area was 9/3/70*, so this trip can't have been long before then. My only regret is not having had a better camera.
* Signalling Record Society - Great Western Signal Box Register.
Adrian Putley (Br 67-74)
Inspirational and SO funny.
He's what made me go to UCL to studygeography.
And it tickles me because the kids love geography too.
Kate [Ogden] Mythen (Co 81-83)
Ooooooohhh - I am SO sad. He was inspirational to me and never got tired of answering my questions. he used to enter class bowing to me, and calling me 'The Shah'
He definitely gave me a sense of social awareness as my geography teacher. One of those teachers who really WAS inspirational - and a brilliant sense of humour.
I'm glad you put me in touch with him a couple of years ago, for we did exchange e-mails. I sensed he wasn't well then, sadly.
Mark Meyrick (Cr 69-74)
Sad to hear about Bob Burkill. I remember him well. He never swung his arms when walking, but held them straight down and in his latter years at the school always wore a gadaffi scarf! I think he retired to run a pub in Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, but I could never find the pub when I went there!
Mary Brodrick (Hon OV 81-02)
Very sorry to hear this as both Basher Bailey and ERB both had a hand in my very patchy Geography - to A level no less, although I feel I was only ever a Peugot.
Charles Lock (S 73-78)
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr Burkill. He was an inspirational teacher. If there is a get together later in the year I would be interested in attending if you could keep me informed.
Vanessa [Haines] Fisher (E 89-91)
It is sad to learn of his passing , I do remember him so well. May his soul rest in peace and may his family be enriched by the warmth he so freely gave to others and his zestful life.
Stella Din (Co 85-86)
I was saddened to hear of the recent death of Bob Burkill.
Amongst many great teachers at King's in the 1970s, he was my favourite. I remember him teaching me at 'O' level, 'A' level and for Oxbridge in his room in the Geography block. It was Bob, more than anybody else, who encouraged, guided and cajoled me into achieving far more than I could otherwise have hoped for.
His personality was every bit as big and colourful as his ties. He had the rare ability to make learning fun. Each lesson was carefully designed to ensure that the maximum amount of information was imparted while allowing time for a few minutesfor stand-up, usually politically inspired.
He was also my Careers Master, a job which he carried out with his customary good humour. After I'd scored (remarkably) zero for both 'Interest' and 'Aptitude' for Music and Art, he told me: 'Stephens, you're a cultural desert…' words failed him for a few moments, and then '…a complete Philistine!'
After leaving school, I saw Bob on only a handful of occasions, most notably at a number of King's School fetes where, as MC, he showed that he'd lost none of his enthusiasm or flair for presentation.
I'm sure I'm only one of many OVs who remember Bob with the very greatest of respect and affection and I'd be grateful if you could pass on my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jon (Wootton) Stephens (W 71-78)
Never taught by him, I do remember him examining me for my King's scholarship when I was considerably smaller than I am today in what felt more like a pleasant chat than a formal geography oral!
Then of course he was guest of dinner at the School House supper one year... if you're watching from somewhere Bob, will you forgive us the sprouts stains on your white DJ please? ;-)
Jim Fawcett (Br 85-94)
Bob was truly an inspiration to me, influencing both my enthusiasm for geography through my education and my passion for working with diverse cultures around the globe through my career. He sowed some formidable seeds.
"Bob Burkill....
An inspiration, to live with passion, exuberance and flair, to challenge the status quo with a foil for mediocrity, always inquisitive and receptive to diversity, with an unwavering commitment to humanity.
Bob taught me that quick wit and scathing humour are excellent tools to both build David's and fell Goliaths.
All while dressing with panache!
Bob introduced me to his version of world geography at O-Level, inspired me with his views on human geography at A-Level and then sent me on my way for further studies into social sciences with an Honours Degree in Geography at the University of Exeter (where I spent memorable moments as an OODS member with Bob's brother John).
Now I realize that my education never really stopped. I now reflect that I continue to practice what he taught; for more than thirty years now I have made my home in North America, I have experienced living in many great cities, I have my own multi-cultural kids and have been blessed with the opportunity to work with diverse cultures in interesting countries all around the world.
Bob; thanks for opening up a wonderful world to me!
On a final note....
Today I am reminded my M3 should roar a little more and my hanky should be worn to adorn."
Richard Preece (W 65-74)
Thank you so much for sharing this sad, sad news.Although 'Mr Burkhill' never taught me,he was a significant part of my life at Kings, and my mum regularly talked of him. Not to mention his bravura theatrical performances. Unfortunately I shan't be able to attend the funeral as I now live in California, but I shall be sending prayers and bright, colourful wishes.
Alison (Bella) [Nott] Merlin (Co 81-83)
I was very saddened to hear the news of Bob Burkill's passing. During my time at King's he was one of the most inspirational of teachers, making Geography both fascinating and entertaining. I cannot claim to have been his best academic pupil, but nonetheless Geography lessons were entered into with a sense of enthusiasm rather than a schoolboy apathy. His boundless energy, enthusiasm combined with a wickedly quick and dry humour would have us literally bent double with laughter and unable to speak. His monologue on a typical British town would often end up with a character assassination of Basingstoke "where people drive Vanden Plas Allegros". If you became a target of his humour there was often a car insult involved. I remember being the target one day and told "Alright White, I know your sort, you'll be coming back here in a few years, blonde girlfriend on your arm, driving a BMW with machine guns for headlights!" His humour and energy were so much of the man I knew and respected, but he also gave me a love of geography that I have to this day. Generations of King's pupils owe him a debt of gratitude as they will have left the school with a ray of his enthusiasm and a smile on their face.
Please pass on my sincere condolences to his wife and daughters.
Simon White (Ch 71-82)
I was very sad to learn of Bob's passing, he was certainly an inspiration to me and a major influence into my decision to read geography at Leeds University
With my birthday falling on the last day of August and many of my peers 12 months older than me, I had to embark upon the trying process of deciding what I wanted to do for the future, with my peers and family it was not an easy process. I can recall approaching Bob, I was lost, indecisive and short of confidence. Bob made time for me with his very busy schedule, he sat down with me and was extremely patient with me indeed, what I knew later(but not at the time of course) that he asked me a series of questions in a manner where I ended up making my own decision! Brilliant!
Bob was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by all
Rest in peace Bob.
Antony Eden (K 86-96)
Very, very sad news – an individual who truly deserves to be described as "legendary". This term is far too frequently used these days but, in the case of ERB, entirely appropriate. He inspired my interest in Geography, right through to "S" level, and his teaching style was a combination of fun entertainment and real professionalism. I recall the chalk drawn Avro Lancaster above the newly installed bank of three beige BBC micros in one room, the long narrow poster of a Rolls Royce above the board in another, frequently gestured to when work was handed back. The worksheets with handwritten notes complemented by splendid cartoon drawings were a blessing to any pupil's book. Does anyone else recall the times when, if anyone who had forgotten items of kit, you watched on as their pencil case was slowly emptied over the desk with comments regarding "accidents do happen?" Today, as a teacher, I have always found myself in the shadow of Bob and using his memory as a role model. Yes, as a profession we are sadly stifled in our own personalities and dreadfully restricted in what is "allowed" by way of classroom technique these days, but Bob I know would be truly grinning if he saw any of my lessons from afar, especially the car analogies, and then feel truly contented that he had created his magic that will last in classrooms beyond KSW into the future. Certainly, my own methods are a tribute to his memory which will live on for many years to come. Sir…thank you for the inspiration
Nicholas Jeynes (Cl 74-83)
I had the misfortune to set off into A-Level French, only to discover this was not the right choice, and finished up taking Geography A-Level in one year. Bob Burkill spent one of his free periods each week for months going back over the previous year 's notes I had taken down from another student, and was an immense source of inspiration to me, to the extent that I got an A Grade in one year!
People refer to special teachers, who have been an inspiration, and I certainly rate Bob Burkill at the top of my personal list.
I was lucky enough to meet him at an Open Day when we brought Matthew to see the school the last term before he retired, and was pleased to re-make his acquaintance then.
I note your email refers to celebration of his life, and if this occurs would most definitely wish to attend.
If you are in communication with Bob's family, would you please pass on my most sincere condolences? He will certainly always be someone I will remember as a great source of inspiration and with great fondness.
Linton Connell (Cr 64-72)
I am truly saddened to hear of Mr Burkill's death. I am sure many people will be passing on their condolences to his family, and would like to add mine.. He was a true inspiration.
Clare Ilsley (S 93-95)
I was very sorry to hear of Bob's death. Gilly's profile paints a picture of him precisely as I remember - as one of the most colourful characters and infectiously enthusiastic teachers during my time at King's - and reading it brought a lump to my throat. Please pass on my condolences and best wishes to his family, if a suitable occasion to do so should present itself.
Rob O'Keeffe (K 90-95)
Sad to hear about Bob Burkhill. I'll never forget his Audi, hit suits and his remarkable way with words. "Boswell, you're as much use as a chocolate fireguard" – mainly. He did truly inspire me more than any other teacher though, and I'd never had completed Geography GCSE without that inspiration, let alone A-level.
Tim Boswell (W 85-92)
I am extremely sorry to hear of Bob's 'departure'. I remember him as one of the most lively and infectiously enthusiastic people I have met in teaching and I learned a huge amount from him. He was capable of standing up and giving a lecture on almost anything at a moment's notice, particularly if it was on a coach full of queasy Geography students on a mountain pass in Switzerland.
His extravagant dress sense is also a fond memory as is his fondness for model trains.
I also remember his liking for a game of 'Fantasy Island' at dull moments during field trips, when we would be encouraged to express our utopian dreams.
Martyn Gower (Hon OV 89-97)
I very much regret I won't be able to attend on Friday to pay my respects to a very fine teacher and a very lovely man. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and I'm sure he will be dearly missed.
Jason Gorman (Cl 82-89)
I was very saddened to hear of Bob's death. He was a superb teacher and I can still remember individual lessons that he gave – my foreign travels are still heavily influenced by what I learnt from him and his observations have been passed on ad nauseam to family passengers en route through Europe!
David Kirrage (H 71-77)
Please pass on my condolences to Bob's family. I have fond memories of his geography lessons, always informative but highly entertaining!
Nick Fairlie (H 72-77)
I was sorry to hear of Bob's death. He taught me Geography for 2 years at A-level and because of his enthusiasm for the subject, which rubbed off on me, I went on to read Geography at King's College London after that. He was a source of great support both in and out of the classroom, which in my case as I joined Kings only in the 6th form, was very much appreciated. I made many great friends at King's Worcester and later at King's London in the Geography Dept and I have a lot to thank him for. Please pass on my sympathies to his family. However I am sorry I cannot join in the celebration of his life as I now live in Sydney.
Richard Johnson (W 78-80)
Very regrettably I can't make it to the service but I would like you to pass on my best wishes to Bob's family. I remember him as an excellent deputy house master of Chappel house, always challenging with a razor sharp wit but very supportive at the same time. A great loss.
Nick Fay (Cl 79-86)
I have very fond memories of Bob and his geography teaching, inspiring me to go on and doa geography degree, but not even he could inspire me enough to go into teaching!
Sarah [Back] Smith (Co 82-84)
I was extremely sad to hear the news about Bob Burkhill's death. He was a truly inspirational and extremely supportive teacher and his classes were unforgettable. His enthusiasm for geography and politics was infectious - although I can't say that I ever developed a love for the Audi or the BMW!
Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the memorial service on the 30th April as I am currently working in Tanzania with VSO. However, please do pass on my condolences to his family.
(Incidentally, my first visit to Africa was on a geography field trip to Tunisia with Bob Burkill in 1994, so it is no doubt an indirect result of Bob Burkill that I am in fact working here today!)
I would be delighted to make a contribution to the Bursary Fund, but will be in a better position to do so when I return to the UK later this year.
Rachael Stokes
(Creighton 94-96, A-Level Geography student with Bob and member of the Politics Society)
Bob was a remarkable teacher and man. He left a mark on we who knew him and were taught by him. That mark was a complex of kindness, caring, excellent humour, joie de vive, style and superb teaching. He could make the most tedious subjects interesting and anybody who did not look forward to his lessons may have been worryingly numb from the neck upwards. He was very much a man of the seventies when I knew him and his approach to clothing was clearly one of "I make this look good! ". The Capri and small cigars, the anecdotes, the exclamations and enthusiams completed this impression. But Bob had something missing ; he never became famous as the biographer of King Zog of Albania, the first man in the country with a flush toilet, known ever since as Zog the Bog.
Seriously, my condolences to Barbara, Kate and Kimberly. I feel your loss of a lovely man.
Neil Haddock (Cr 70 - 77)
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Mr Burkill. He was a fantastic teacher and had a knackfor making his lessons equal portions of something to be feared and to look forward to! He humiliated me in front of my new classmates in my first week at Kings when I didn't know the meaning of the word "perestroika" and I was mortified and not altogether sure about my slightly eccentric and scarynew geography teacher!However after my 2 years at Kings he was by far my favourite teacher. It was he who pursuaded me to go to University and I will be eternally grateful to him for that - there is no doubt my life would have looked very different if he hadn't given me the confidence to "go for it". I was unable to make theEvensong in his memorybut I was thinking ofyou all and will always remember him fondly. He was one in a million.
Abi [Thomas] East (Eliot 89-91)