ROBERT WILKINSON OBE 1933-2023
Bob , born Robert Purdy Wilkinson , grew up in Seaham , County Durham and was head boy at Ryhope Grammar School . He read politics and economics at the University of Durham , where he met June Palmer . They married in 1957 and celebrated 65 years together .
After graduating , Bob ’ s national service with the Royal Army Educational Corps took him to Trieste , after which he returned to Durham to study for a diploma in education . He was a teacher , briefly , and subsequently a stockbroker in the City of London . His interest was the enforcement of financial regulations and prevention of insider training , and he was appointed the first inspector of the London Stock Exchange , a position he held until 1984 , and subsequently Director of Surveillance . He was key to modernising the London Stock Exchange ’ s Regulatory News Service ( RNS ), and instrumental in establishing the Securities and Investments Board , now part of the Financial Conduct Authority . Bob was awarded an OBE in 1990 for his services to the Stock Exchange , and he advised many international governments on financial regulation matters .
Bob became a Governor of Sevenoaks School in 1990 and the Chair from 1999 to 2002 ; he oversaw significant changes including the switch from A-levels to all Sixth Formers taking the IB Diploma . He also served as Chair of Trustees of the Sevenoaks School Foundation from its inception in 2004 to 2012 . He was a great and longstanding supporter of the school , and three of his grandchildren , Jonty , Jeremy and Laurence , are all Old Sennockians .
Bob had a passion for cricket and could be seen regularly watching school matches at Solefields , and at the Vine Cricket Club – he celebrated 50 years ’ membership of the club in 2019 . Even when his health deteriorated , we kept him up to date with news of sporting events , especially rugby , football and cricket – he would have been delighted about England ’ s third-test win over Australia at Headingley !
Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him , particularly his devoted wife June , daughters Katie and Suki , seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters .
Jonty Warner ( OS 2005 )
SURYA BURATHOKI
It was with great sadness that we announced the death of our colleague Surya Burathoki in July . Surya joined Sevenoaks School as a Marshal in 2014 . He is fondly remembered for his kindness and graciousness , and for greeting everyone with a smile . Surya was a constant source of support when the school faced many challenges during Covid . He quietly battled cancer in recent years , but still joined us back on campus when he felt able . Surya is greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues across the school , particularly the Marshals team . Our thoughts are with Surya ’ s family .
146 OLD SENNOCKIANS