Robert Rooke (never Bob) who dedicated his life to Torquay

SERIES OF SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE who lived in Torbay in the 20th century - not regularly recalled - as researched by Ian L Handford (President - Torbay Civic Society)

This month a man I knew well who spent his working career at Torquay Council. Many of you may recall seeing a small dapper man striding down from Morgan Avenue to Abbey Road on his way to the Town Hall suited and sporting a bowler hat and in latter times a brolly or stick - a splendid Dickensian sight for the mid 20th Century.

Robert Henry Rooke was born at 16 Wellington Road, Ellacombe on December 19, 1902. His father was Frank Rooke, of Dawlish, and his son's name was recorded as “Rourke “(the Irish equivalent of Rooke). Fortunately the Newton Abbot Registrar (at that time it covered Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torbay) recorded it correctly. His mother was Constance Mary Harris, of Dawlish, and his parents married in September 1901 and spent their honeymoon at Liskard in Cornwall before a year later Robert arrived.

Educated in Torquay, it is believed Robert attended a grammar school here while residing with his parents at Ellacombe until they all moved to 24 Morgan Avenue which eventually was Robert's home for life. As a teenager he joined the Scouts and as an adult would convert to Catholicism. He never married and few people knew him personally, other than the scouts movement. In the 70's through a Catholic friend we eventually met and often then had long discussions about Torquay.

On completing schooling in 1920, Robert was already dreaming of being Torquay's Town Clerk and having applied to Torquay Corporation was initially employed as an office boy in the Town Clerk office. By 1924 he was secretary to the sitting Mayor and his earnings were just 17/6p (75p) per week, an amount paid monthly into his bank which gave huge satisfaction to Robert who saw monthly pay as a salary with added status. His credibility and loyalty to our town would be unequalled as his responsibilities continually increased so that he was an integral part of the administration. its staff, councillors and even other officials now turned to him when they needed advice. He also learned shorthand and in fact achieved 120 words per minute - unheard of for a man.

Note was an important tool when attending up to 20 internal committees of the council generally held at the old Town Hall, St Marychurch, and not yet at Castle Circus. Eventually, St Marychurch Town Hall was sold and turned into apartments and in fact one of our earliest Blue Plaques was put on this building to honour its architect George Bridgman. when oddly it became the only plaque with a mis-spelt name – Mr Bridgman was given an extra "e” (Bridgeman) in his name.

Robert Henry (Vincent now a Catholic) was also Honorary Secretary of Torquay National History Society, the Come to South Devon Movement and a part time lecturer at South Devon College in Torre. He escorted all VIPs visiting including Royals around our town and could relate many stories - one the Victorian lady visitor staying at the Palm Court Hotel who sent her carriage to Abbey Sands to have the offending bathing machine removed by George from the beach as it spoiled her view. Robert was involved in all aspects of Government legislation and councillors then receiving no stipend, still had to be versed on new issues as volunteers. Robert indeed (he was never Bob) was now always the person to offer advice.

In 1968 Mr Rooke became only the third officer of Torquay Council (more when a Borough) appointed a Freeman before in 1969 he retired. Now his church would be his salvation. His mother had died in 1941 and father in 1955 and at the wonderful age of 94 my friend and dedicated career employee died peacefully at Carisbrook Nursing Home on February 6, 1997 before a Requiem Mass was held on Thursday February 13, 1997, at the Church of the Assumption, Abbey Road, Torquay.

IAN'S COMMENT. An extra-ordinary private man who dedicated his life to the work of our Torquay and then Torbay Council
NEXT WEEK - CONSTANCE LLOYD (Wife of Oscar Wilde)