Tributes paid to legendary Hucknall teacher Bob

Bob Donnison, known to many people as Mr Donnison, Donno, Bob or the bus driver, taught PE at the Holgate Academy in the town for 33 years.

As well as teaching sport, Bob, from Bestwood, also played football until his mid-thirties and refereed into his sixties.

He became a team manager in 1963 and then treasurer of South Notts Schools Football association in 1966, later serving as chairman until he stepped down in 2016.

Throughout 50 years of dedication, he helped and taught thousands of people and he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work in 2018.

He also received the English Schools’ Football Association Standard Awards for both 40 and 50 years of service.

On Facebook, Mr Donnison’s family wrote: “Dad will be remembered in so many different walks of life from teaching, football, cricket and his amazing memory with recollection of stories was second to none.

“He was a role model to many generations.

“Sadly, this is the end of a great innings and we now have to say goodbye to someone who positively touched so many lives.

“Forever in our memories.”

The post also led to many people who knew Bob or had been taught by him, posting their own tributes.

Lee Scoops Roberts wrote: “A great guy, one of a kind.”

Tracey Lester said: “RIP Mr Donnison he told me great stories about my three uncles who died.

“How upset he was when they were all killed, he made them alive to me with his stories.

"I can remember going with him and other kids at Holgate to watch my first football match, he was the best, a great person.”

Phil Barnes said: “Best teacher in Hucknall by a mile and the best referee I've ever seen.

“Those wall bars will be busy up in heaven.”

And Mark Clements wrote: “Robert was a special colleague and family friend for many, many years.

“He will be remembered with great fondness by us, ex-staff and pupils of the Holgate School and wider South Notts Schools Sports community.

“A true gentleman.”