A Thanksgiving Service will be held next week for distinguished business leader and former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council Sir Terence Beckett.

Sir Terence was a member of Court, from 1989 a Pro-Chancellor and also Chairman of Council for almost a decade. He received an Honorary Degree from the University in 1995.

The orator at his Honorary Degree ceremony, Dr Michael Sommerlad, said: “He has worked on our behalf tirelessly, and I hope and believe that he has enjoyed the years he has spent with us. We owe him much, as indeed do this County and Country.”

Sir Terence was Managing Director, Chief Executive and Chairman of Ford of Britain before becoming Director General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Extensive obituaries have been published in the national newspapers:

The Guardian

The Independent

The Telegraph

The Times

A tribute was also featured on BBC Radio Four’s Last Word.

A Thanksgiving Service for Sir Terence and his wife Sylvia, who died last year, will be held on Tuesday 28 May.

If you would like to attend please contact the family by e-mail at: Thanksgiving@vita-energia.net,