Branch Award: Jan and Geoff Robinson

Richmond Branch owes much of its continued success over the past 25 years to Jan and Geoff Robinson. During that time both have served on the Branch committee. They have an extensive knowledge of dancing and dances and are always happy to assist and take part in Branch activities.

Jan was Chairman from 2006-2009 and Geoff has ably chaired the committee for the last 10 years. Jan became Secretary in 2013 and so the organisation of events has largely revolved around them in recent years. As Branch Chairman and Secretary respectively Geoff and Jan Robinson have given much time and effort to ensuring the smooth running of the Richmond Branch. Regular attenders at the Branch class, they encourage dancers of all abilities and welcome new members enthusiastically.

Both have been willing to adopt and embrace new ideas such as having the branch take part in the local Georgian Summer Festival, moving into new technology, supporting a beginner’s session at the start of each weekly class and ensuring that the dance “ The Lass of Richmond Hill” was accurately displayed on YouTube and danced by Richmond dancers. Every July for many years they have organised an outdoor summer dance in their delightful garden in the centre of beautiful Swaledale. This event is always popular and attracts visiting dancers and spectators from a wide area. 

In addition to their commitment locally both are wonderful ambassadors for the Branch, travelling frequently to dances elsewhere in the region to encourage other dancers to support Richmond Branch events. 

It is therefore appropriate that their endeavours on behalf of Richmond Branch are suitably recognised in this joint Branch Award.  

~ Fiona Turnbull, Hon. President