I’m Rob Skinner. My family know me as Robert. My wife calls me Ert. (The part of ‘Robert’ that I don’t always use…)
I’ve been working in PR since 1987, mostly in financial services. But these days I’m enjoying early retirement, cycling, reading and occasionally practising my Welsh (dwi’n dod yn wreiddiol o Gaerdydd). And blogging.
Do please post a comment!
Ertblog 
Dear Rob,
I have just read your piece about Doug Smith; This morning someone told me that they had heard that he had died so I “googled” his name hoping it wasn’t true. I have known Doug and Diana since 2003. My partner, the top Photographer Robin Humphreys who died (was killed) in June 2011, aged 63, had known and worked with him for years in Parliament. Like you I last saw Doug in July 2012.
It is the end of an era now with Robin and Doug both gone.
Yzabel.
07703-345831.
So sorry to read of your own, earlier loss, Yzabel. Thanks for your moving comment.
Hi Rob I was thrilled to see the old George’s bookmark on your blog. I got a Saturday job there as a 16 year old in 1970 – but eventually got the sack because I was an uppitty little snob and refused to stick to the task assigned to me (selling David & Charles books on steam engines) preferring to wander into the foreign literature and history sections. Also I was constantly READING the books and this was frowned on. Loads of fond memories though, including going for lunch after work at the Cadena – tomato soup and a roll for 1/6. There was a sign hanging from the ceiling ‘ All salads this way’. Still haven’t learnt to obey orders or sign up as a salad… what the sixties have to answer for!
What a lovely comment to read, Vicky – thanks for sharing! I would have been the same had I worked in a book shop. Growing up in Cardiff I loved the old Lear’s bookshop in Royal Arcade and still miss it when I wander down the arcade on my trips back to my hometown.
Dear Rob,
I’m so pleased to find your blog and very sorry that I wasn’t able to attend Bob’s funeral. As a local councillor we communicated on a number of occasions over the years and he kindly sent me two of his books, one published, the other not. I’d be happy to forward them to you if you could contact me on the email address below. Kind regards, Lis
Thank you, Lis. It is very kind of you to comment. I imagine one of his books was about the history of local government in Penarth? I will contact you on the email address.
Dear Rob – I have just happened upon your blog! I am back working in the city after many years and got talking about St Mary Axe with colleagues so decided to look it up and found what you had written. Wow I remember that time so clearly when we worked together with Clare, Gill, Paul, Mavis etc. Once the office was deemed to be structurally safe, going back in to try and pack up files etc. And then never working back there again. To see the photos too was amazing. Hope all is good with you. Take care. Jackie Power (nee Kirby)
Hi Jackie – how lovely to hear from you! So sorry to be so slow to reply. So many memories of those long-ago days. Hope all’s well with you. Rob
Dear Sir,
I write you, Sir, in the hope that you can provide me with the name of the hymn sung in the Triennial Service which on youtube.com has this address:
The hymn in question is to be enjoyed at 46:36
It is absolutely a 19 on a 10-scale … wonderful! … but what’s its name, please?
Hoping to be hearing from you, Sir. Thanks a mighty lot!
Imagine my surprise when the jumble of haphazard letters with few vowels actually meant something.
Enjoyed your write up of Peak Tours Channel to Med. I wrote a similar, if shorter, account which might amuse you. It’s in four parts starting here: https://ctccambridge.org.uk/blog/2019/06/18-31-may-channel-to-mediterranean-part1 BW, Seb
Thanks, Seb! I’ll enjoy reading your account.