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
