Main themes of this blog

Wilberforce Sixth-Form College

Diaries of my presentations to the college corporation as secretary to the student council, of visits by noteworthy figures, and of some group excursions.

University of Hull

Records of general events at the university, but particular focus on proceedings of the student union and various staff committees, plus appearances by famous guest speakers.

Wikipedia

The experience of being a long-time editor. The main focus is on articles relating to British politicians and aristocracy, with particular interest in heraldry and portraiture.

Miscellaneous

Commentary on current or historical events, plus spotlights on interesting phenomena ranging from themes in television and film to details of algal blooms in rural ditches.

The author

Robin Stanley Taylor is a mathematics student, Wikimedia tutnum and intermittent low-level public official. He was once a student governor at Wilberforce Sixth-Form College and more recently a student union representative at the University of Hull. In earlier times he was a frequent entrant for secondary school events such as UKMT’s senior team challenges and the RSC’s Top of the Bench competitions. He appeared on BBC Look North for School Report 2011, and again for a general election debate in 2017, as well as a referendum debate for ITV Calendar in 2016. An earlier project of his was Homework Direct UK. He also does amateur photography and heraldic art.

Recurring characters

The Lord Norton of Louth is Professor of Government at the University of Hull and has organised several talks on campus by political celebrities. I first encountered him in 2016 when he gave a lecture to some students at Wilberforce.

Dame Diana Johnson is the Member of Parliament for Kingston-upon-Hull North, which includes the university. She made a visit to Wilberforce College in 2016 and was part of a BBC election debate in 2017. Every now and again I spot her on campus.

Mike Hookem used to be a Member of the European Parliament for Yorkshire and the Humber. He took part in an ITV debate on the European Union referendum in 2016 and the aforementioned BBC debate in 2017.

Isobel Hall is President of Hull University Union, and was formerly President of Education. She chaired many a course representative forum. In 2018-19 she ran a successful campaign to increase students’ printing budgets.

Simon Taylor is the guardian of Paull Holme Tower. He has made a series of short documentaries about the tower and other old monuments, as well as some information films about the fire safety of modern high-rise residential buildings.