View source for Lord Robinson of Kielder and of Adelaide

Origins<ref>From the Newsletter for Friends of the Heritage Centre June 2020 - article by [[Stan Owen]]</ref>

''Lord Robinson of Kielder and of Adelaide (1883-1952''
[[File:Lord Robinson of Kielder Forest and of Adelaide, O.B.E. (1883-1952)..jpg|center|alt=Lord Robinson of Kielder and of Adelaide (1883-1952)]]

His creative energy, vision and persistence led to the formation of Kielder Forest. He was the guiding spirit of the Forestry Commission from its inception in 1919 and was its Chairman from 1932-1952. The black and white picture shows him in Kielder Forest around 1951 thinning trees.

''Lord Robinson - Cairn Unveiling''
[[File:Lord Robinson - Cairn Unveiling.jpg|center|alt=Lord Robinson - Cairn Unveiling]]

One feature that Wesley Turnbull and I did not see on our Forest Foray in September 2019 was the Memorial Cairn to Lord Robinson, who was the inspiration behind Forestry in general and Kielder in particular. The centenary exhibition of the Forestry Commission in the Heritage Centre displayed this picture of the unveiling ceremony on 29th September 1953, at which Wesley’s father was undoubtedly present. We were keen to visit this remote monument at Whickhope Nick but our approach was foiled by incredibly boggy ground. The following account is taken with permission from the blog of [[Dalton, Clive|Dr. Clive Dalton]], who now lives in New Zealand.

In 2000, [[Clegg, Donald|Don Clegg]] took me away for a bit drive oot from Stanners Burn and then along forestry roads, making away west towards the Cumbrian border. On the way, the road passed through what was known as Whickhope Forest as before the trees, it had been Whickhope Farm, farmed by the Beattie family.

[[File:Lord Robinson Cairn directions notice.jpg|center|alt=Lord Robinson Cairn directions notice]]
By the side of the road, this notice appeared directing us to a cairn, the final resting place of one “Lord Robinson of Kielder and Adelaide”. The notice was easy to see as the current crop of trees had been clear felled. We didn't have time to get to visit the cairn and pay our respects - but if we had known what we know now, it would have been an essential walk.

What a surprise, and what a mystery it was to find the sign. The mind boggled as to how anyone could have connections with two places on either side of the planet! I was especially interested, having resided on both sides of the planet. What could Kielder and Adelaide possibly have in common? It certainly couldn't be the climate!

A few old former forestry workers, who had worked on those blocks, knew of the cairn, and it had something to do with the start of the Kielder Forest. But recent enquiries through a friend at the Forestry Commission offices in Kielder and Bellingham were fruitless. They knew nowt! The Forestry Commission needs to place a memorial to their founder in in some public place like Leaplish.

The drive that had taken place in 2000 was not forgotten, however, and plans to visit the remote fells of Whickhope Nick were not shelved. At a later date, [[Clegg, Donald|Don Clegg]] and Paul Gough made a special mission to the cairn to get this photo, which shows [[Clegg, Donald|Don Clegg]] paying his own tribute to Lord Robinson. Clearly the stonework was done by a very skilled “waller” to lay the stones so perfectly in such a tight circle. It's a pity he was not named. The cairn is in a “ride” or cleared fire break between blocks of trees in the forest surrounded by sphagnum moss and heather. Nature has put a beautiful moss crown on the top, honouring the achievements of a remarkable man.

''Don Clegg at Lord Robinson's memorial''
[[File:Don Clegg at Lord Roninson's memorial.jpg|center|alt=Don Clegg at Lord Robinson's memorial.]]

''Lord Robinson commemorative plaque''
[[File:Lord Robinson commemorative plaque.png|center|alt=Lord Robinson commemorative plaque]]

The plaque inscription reads:

To the Memory of Roy Lister Robinson O.B.E.<br>
Baron Robinson of Kielder Forest and Adelaide.<br>
A member of the Forestry Commission from its inception in 1919 and its Chairman from 1932-1952.<br>
Born 6th March 1883 died 5th September 1952.<br>
His ashes are scattered in this forest which owes its existence to his creative entry and vision.

==References==
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