Ellinor Margaret Hinks (6 February 1912 — 18 January 2004) was a Principal of Nonington College of Physical Education in Kent, UK.
In her time as Principal, she increased the number of students, expanded the college’s facilities, made it co-educational and built its reputation for dance, gymnastics and movement education.
At the time, teacher training colleges that specialised in physical education for women were beginning to react against the current Swedish gymnastics system.
Hinks made a series of films called ‘Movement in the Making’ which were widely used as teaching aids in colleges and schools.
[1] Hinks appointed college staff members Sally Archbutt and Hettie Loman, who were followers of Rudolf von Laban, noted for his analysis and notation of movement and educational dance.
Hinks was also a Patron and supporter of many organisations including the World Wildlife Fund, National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, RSPCA, Royal Lifeboat Institute, Tollers’ Design Centre, Croham Hurst School, Centre for Dance and Related Arts and the Laban Guild.
[1] In 2004, the year of Hinks’ death, a special scholarship was awarded in her memory by LUTSF allowing two women to travel to Bangladesh to visit the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed and, the Sreepur Children’s village.