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Calls grow for Robin Gibb to be a sir
SIR ROBIN?: Calls are growing for Robin Gibb to be awarded a posthumous knighthood
SOCIAL media campaigns calling for Bee Gees star Robin Gibb to be awarded a posthumous knighthood are gaining momentum.
On Facebook, more than 520 people have joined the page MakeHim SirRobin, and through causes.com has gained more than 600 supporters, since the Manx-born star died in May.
A separate Facebook group, Knighthood for Robin Gibb, is ‘liked’ by almost 500 people. And a petition, set up by Betthany Shinn, of Michigan, in the United States, and available to sign at www.signon.org has 630 signatures.
The creator of MakeHim SirRobin, who is keen to gain further support, said: ‘While I am fully aware that under current British law knighthoods are not awarded posthumously, I would like everyone to consider that Robin Gibb was still living at the time the application for knighthood process was started by his family and sponsored by MP John Leech of Manchester.
‘I should hope that this, such as in the famed case of golfer Sir Henry Cotton, will be considered when reviewing this case.’
Sir Henry accepted the offer of a knighthood in 1987, but died later that year and the honour was bestowed posthumously.
Meanwhile, the petition was launched to recognise Robin’s role, as president of the Heritage Foundation, in the campaign for a RAF Bomber Command Memorial, unveiled in London in June.
It has been signed by people from all over the world, but particularly from the USA.
Teresa Ganim, of New Jersey, said: ‘Robin Gibb’s contribution is felt worldwide, his contributions to the music industry will outlast all of our natural lives and beyond.’
Rebecca Chamberlain, of Kentucky, said: ‘His musical contributions as well as humanitarian efforts alone should garner the honour of knighthood.
‘His support for the British troops and his tireless championing of the memorial for the RAF’s Bomber Command should certainly seal the honour of a posthumous knighthood for this exceptional British citizen, beloved the world over.’
Robin was involved with many charities, including Rebecca House hospice – which he and his wife Dwina opened.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
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