Retired engineer Professor Jeffrey Jupp has been appointed as chairman of The Friends of Bath Abbey.
Professor Jupp recently took over the role from former chairman Dr John Wroughton following an official handover during the Abbeys’ Patronal Festival. Dr John Wroughton retired as chairman after four successful years. During his tenure the Friends helped fund key projects such as the Creating Voices: oral history project, the refurbishment of the chandeliers, and a new Glockenspiel for the organ.
Following a successful career in Aircraft Design Engineering, Professor Jupp continues to act as an Aerospace consultant and is a visiting professor at the University of Bath. He began his career as an aerodynamicist in 1964 and worked in the industry until 2001 when he retired as Technical Director for the UK Airbus wing design and manufacture. He still helps out the Royal Aeronautical Society from whom he received Gold Medal in 2002.
Speaking about his appointment, Professor Jupp, said: “I am delighted to accept the role as chairman and am very much looking forward to using my experience in a way which will benefit the Abbey. I’m particularly pleased to take on the role at such a crucial time as the Abbey embarks on its visionary Footprint project. The proposed changes are something the Abbey badly needs and will benefit the worshipping congregation, visitors and the city as a whole. I see the Friends as playing a valuable part in supporting this over the coming years.”
Edward Mason, Rector of Bath Abbey and President of the Friends of Bath Abbey, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Jupp and we look forward to benefitting from his experience. I would like to thank Dr John Wroughton for extending his term of office by eighteen months which ensured there was a smooth transition between the two chairmen. Professor Jupp will be joining us at what is an exciting time for Bath Abbey, as we begin work on the Footprint project. On behalf of the Friends of Bath Abbey I would like to thank Dr Wroughton for his continued support, generosity and unfaltering enthusiasm.”
Professor Jupp and his wife Margaret moved to Bath in 1985 and have both been active in Abbey life for the past twelve years. Both Jeff and Margaret have volunteered at the Abbey during that time as door stewards, and were previously members of the Abbey Guild.
The Friends of Bath Abbey was formed over 60 years ago to help preserve, care for and add to the Abbey’s magnificent architecture and history in order to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy its unique atmosphere for many years to come.
For more information on the Friends of Bath Abbey please visit http://www.bathabbey.org/friends
About Friends of Bath Abbey
The Friends of Bath Abbey has been in existence for over 60 years. Their purpose is to help preserve, care for and add to the Abbey’s magnificent architecture and history in order to ensure future generations can derive great pleasure and enjoyment from it. The Friends of Bath Abbey have a wide programme of events and activities throughout the year for members.
Working with the PCC (Parochial Church Council – the body with ultimate responsibility and control), the Friends seek to ensure our contributions are useful, beautiful and long-lasting. The Friends often play a major role in restoration work and refurbishment. These range from practical improvements, such as supplying new signage or cleaning the East front, to more extensive projects, including installing new Quire Screens and refurbishing the Sanctuary and Norman Chapels.
About Bath Abbey Footprint
Footprint is an £18 million programme of capital works and interpretation which will provide innovative and sustainable solutions to our needs for the 21st century and beyond. This is a very exciting and meaningful project for us, and we wanted a name that encapsulates our vision and which also inspires.
We chose Footprint for its three different meanings:
• Footprint because it reminds us that the Abbey is a church, called to follow the way of Jesus.
• Footprint recalls the rich heritage of the Abbey and the new physical imprint the works will create.
• Footprint brings to mind the fragility of the earth and of the need for us to consider, at every stage of the development, our own carbon footprint.
