Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Sydney Chapman
Wednesday, 10th June 2015
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Work of Sir Sydney Chapman was held at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey, on Wednesday 10th June 2015.
Sir Sydney, who died aged 78 in October 2014, was a Conservative Member of Parliament for over 30 years, representing the constituencies of Birmingham Handsworth and Chipping Barnet. He led the hugely successful Plant a Tree in '73 campaign, which led to the founding of the Tree Council. He served on the Council of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from 2009 - 2012, and was a vice-chairman of the Council of Christians and Jews. In 1992, he was appointed Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household, and received a knighthood in 1995.
The service was conducted by the Venerable Andrew Tremlett, Sub-Dean and Rector of St Margaret's.
Tributes were paid by the Right Honourable the Lord Ryder of Wensum, Philip Porter and Christine Bateson, sister.
Roger Shrimplin, Honorary Secretary, Royal Institute of British Architects, read Wisdom 3: 1-5, 9 and Pauline Buchanan Black, Director-General, The Tree Council read Revelation 21 : 22-25:5.
Prayers were said by the Reverend Stephen Griffiths, Team Rector, Cherwell Valley Benefice and the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO, former Chairman, Council for Christians and Jews.
The service was sung by the Choir of St Margaret's conducted by Aidan Oliver, Director of Music. The Organ was played by Thomas Trotter.
