Speech Day

A renowned record producer recently set about inspiring the next generation with his rousing story of opportunity and overcoming adversity.

Robin Millar CBE was the special Guest Speaker at Cundall Manor School’s annual prize-giving ceremony. Robin, who has produced 44 No.1 hits and over £400 million of sales worldwide, spoke eloquently of the need for everyone to seize the opportunity in front of them while detailing his journey through the music industry.

Robin also talked about his progressive blindness and how that affected him from an early age. Robin has a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa and was registered blind at age 16 with no sight since 1985. He initially trained in law before his love of music provided him with a rewarding career in the business.

During his speech, Robin encouraged pupils to overcome any adversity life throws at them and become more resilient while also giving back to their community. Charity plays a big part in Robin’s life and he spoke movingly about the value of standing up for causes you believe in and doing the right thing.

Robin has Chaired fundraising Committees for the British Lung Foundation, Artists Against Apartheid, Oxfam and UNHCR and has raised £30m through a series of campaigns and events. He is a former Patron and Creative Chair of Unite for UNICEF, and Patron of the UNHCR ‘Voices for Darfur’ Appeal. He is a long-time trustee of the Vietnamese Boat Peoples’ Appeal.

Robin, who is Executive Chairman of Blue Raincoat Chrysalis Group, one of the UK’s best known independent music companies, representing the music of 200 artists, including Tina Turner, Blondie and Ultravox, was made a CBE in 2010.

Headmistress Amanda Kirby thanked Robin for his wonderful speech. She said: “It was wonderful to give Robin a warm Cundall welcome. Robin’s CV speaks for itself, but his enthusiasm and message of opportunity and resilience are fantastic messages for all our pupils to hear.”

Chair of Governors, Sir Thomas Ingilby also spoke alongside Head Boys, Freddie and Caspar and Head Girls, Phoebe and Violet.

A full awards presentation followed celebrating another wonderful year in the school’s 60- year history.

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