Dr Sheila Margaret Shinman

Dr Sheila Shinman (née Harris) passed away in 2023. A renowned researcher with a love of travel, Sheila’s work paved the way for childhood development and socialisation across the UK and beyond. Here, we pay her tribute.

Adventures in academia

Sheila was born in 1927 in Kettering, though both her parents came from Hull. The family moved to Cambridge, where Sheila went to school. Despite moving south, the Harris family always felt a strong pull towards their Yorkshire roots.

In June 1948, Sheila came to King’s. Once settled, she acted as Secretary of the Arts Faculty Society and was on the Executive Committee of the Union Society (now King’s College London Students’ Union). As part of her degree, she also studied English and History.

Sheila enjoyed her student days, maintaining a close connection with King’s and the other universities she went to. These included Cambridge, where she completed a PGCE, and Brunel University, where her research led to a PhD in 1978. She also completed a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) for Speech and Drama and taught French, Spanish, Drama and Mime in schools.

A meeting of minds

While travelling, Sheila met Sidney Shinman (her husband to be). The pair first met in former Yugoslavia and were married for nearly 50 years (until Sidney’s death in 2003). They had two daughters, Susan and Ann.

Sheila and Sidney were both avid supporters of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Sheila also supported War on Want and Save the Children. She was a member and Elder of Uxbridge Friends for many decades.

A pioneering career

As a young mother in the suburbs, Sheila developed a passion for early childhood socialisation and development. She was instrumental in the development of Pre School Playgroups, and of the National Childminding Association (NCMA - now known as PACEY), through her work as a Researcher/Advisor.

Sheila’s first book, A Chance for Every Child (based on her doctorate research), was published in 1981. In the 1970s, she joined Home-Start and Home-Start International as a Consultant and Researcher. As part of this role, she wrote an activity book, Family Album, which was published in 1994. Sheila also produced multiple research papers on behalf of Home-Start throughout the 2000s.

Living life to the full

Widowed in 2003, Sheila proved herself an independent traveller. Her adventures led her to Canada, the States, Israel and Ireland, among many other trips.

Sheila also developed strong local bonds with community groups from her home on the Yorkshire moors, and was a Trustee for some. She found entertainment with her budgie Toby, who spoke ‘English, French, German, Yiddish and Chaffinch’, as he would tell visitors.

A keen and talented botanist, pianist and thespian, Sheila lived life to the full, enjoying her garden, her friends, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She is missed by many.

King’s College London is honoured to recognise the generous bequest left by Sheila M Shinman in her Will. Her support will help fund the creation of new classrooms and teaching spaces for students, as part of the planned expansion of the South West Wing at Bush House. The university is grateful for this kind gift, which will benefit generations to come and stand as a lasting tribute to Sheila’s connection with King’s.

We would like to thank Susan Shinman, Sheila’s daughter, for providing the details for this obituary.