tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post5001271226376531701..comments2024-03-24T23:22:43.753+00:00Comments on Tony's Musings: RIP: Bob TillingTonyTheProfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10486414706261508994noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post-50587237353160862802011-01-27T13:24:07.824+00:002011-01-27T13:24:07.824+00:00I met Bob through the Jersey Acoustic Musicians Cl...I met Bob through the Jersey Acoustic Musicians Club, which has been held on a Monday night, with only a few breaks here and there, for over twenty years. <br /><br />Bob was a founder member, and I myself was a mere newcomer, but I remember being distinctly happy to see Mr. Tilling and his little battered guitar case at the start of the night as it meant we were going to hear some real blues and a few stories that beggared belief, but somehow were obviously true.<br /><br />He spoke of hero's of mine in the blues and folk genres as friends of his, and if I had a question about anything he was patient and happy to share his vast knowledge.<br /><br />The last time he came to play for us at the Ha'penny Bridge, he told us he wasn't well, but his music and spirit, and the way he made the room quiet whilst he told his story and picked his old beaten up Gibson guitar was in no way weakened or lacking in vitality.<br /><br />To hear he is gone, I am genuinely sad.<br />RIP Bob, we will remember you in song!<br />RJRick Joneshttp://rickjonesmusic.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095270985170721876.post-40014395066522564032011-01-26T23:35:43.113+00:002011-01-26T23:35:43.113+00:00Bob taught me at Victoria College in the 70’s and ...Bob taught me at Victoria College in the 70’s and I remember him well. I am sure many will have been shocked at his untimely demise. He had a booming voice; was it Bristolian? You certainly knew when “Barrbh” was breathing down your stained white collar.<br /><br />I attended his art classes as a pupil and I never really learnt very much about art or how to paint. Those with talent, which was not me alas, were given additional support to progress, whilst I and many other Vic boys concentrated on mixing watercolour paint and occasionally throwing clay at each other. Some will fondly remember the ovens in the basement where extra curricular teaching occurred. Pottery making was available on Saturdays.<br /><br />Bob always liked to play the hippy with his long hair and booming voice. He could be a little authoritarian at times but that was the era when such things happened and no one complained, especially if one was something special like a “Vic Boy”. Times change I suppose. It’s all relative really. We never thought to question the standard of teaching we received since our parents were pleased we attended the best school in the island.<br /><br />I remember being in the new art teaching block one afternoon when in marched old Mr Lewis, the porter. He was a short fellow. He could be strict but, like Bob, was caring deep down. Lewis came in and demanded we all empty our pockets. Some clever fellow had stolen something and Lewis guessed the culprit was in our midst. He was right of course. Everyone emptied their pockets as we had no choice. Bob watched and ensured that Lewis’ requests were met. There must have been about twenty or so fifteen year old boys standing to attention, hands by their sides, whilst Lewis sifted through a selection of coins, gum, Civil War collectors’ cards, hankies (no paper tissues then!) and accumulated dirt. No one dared move, let alone snigger. We just hoped it wasn’t us he was after. Fags and chewing gum ended up hidden in some strange places whilst Lewis’ back was turned. Anyway, Lewis found his boy. It was the usual suspect. A theft had occurred of a fine leather jacket and R. R. had it stuffed in a bag. R.R. got seriously caned by the HM and was threatened with expulsion.<br /><br />Bob carried a hard external appearance at times, but with hindsight I can see he had our interests at heart. I never realised he was such a good friend of Sir Philip Bailhache. One cannot imagine the archetypal Judge and hippy painter meeting on the cocktail set. It shows there is no snobbery at Victoria College and that a teacher and Governor can mix freely. Perhaps Sir Philip can encourage the powers that be to create a special Robert Tilling wing in the new island art gallery being proposed for the Weighbridge.<br /><br />Good-by Bob. <br /><br />Olim hoc collegium!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com