News

Memorial service for Sir Peter Ustinov at Durham Cathedral

(1 November 2004)

Arrangements are now being finalised for the special memorial service at Durham Cathedral (Wednesday November 10th) to celebrate the life of Sir Peter Ustinov in his role as Chancellor of the University of Durham.

The service will be attended by members of the Ustinov family, close friends and associates, University staff and students past and present, civic leaders and representatives of many of the organisations closest to Sir Peter’s life and work.

The service is also open to the public. People are asked to be in their seats by 2.10 p.m. for the 2.30 p.m. service. Admission is from 1.00 p.m., via the Galilee Chapel at the west end of the Cathedral.

The event, featuring a mixture of prayer and reflection, readings as well as spoken and musical tributes, has been designed to reflect the personal qualities and values of Sir Peter who was the tenth Chancellor of Durham from 1992 until his death in March.

Music will be provided by the University of Durham Brass Band in Residence Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) Brass Band, the Cathedral organ, the Allegri String Quartet, with hymns and anthem from the Cathedral Choir, songs from the University Consort of Voices. At the end of the service there will be an especially composed “Fanfare for Peter”.

The Memorial Service will be introduced by the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, and the Vice-Chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman, who will lead the main tribute, with readings from the writings of Sir Peter by Shari Daya a research student at Ustinov College and a tribute from Professor Sue Scott, Principal of Ustinov College.

Sir Kenneth said : “We want the Memorial Service to celebrate the work and great qualities of Sir Peter who was a great friend and ambassador of the University. He was an eloquent champion of tolerance and understanding between different people, generations, faiths and nationalities. He is especially remembered for his work with children through UNICEF and his efforts to tackle all forms of prejudice.”

The Very Revd Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said : “The Cathedral’s link with the University dates from its inception in 1832. For the past two years we have welcomed Sir Peter to the Cathedral as Chancellor to preside over the University’s Graduation Ceremonies. “

”His gifts as an actor together with his keen commitment to combat all forms of prejudice will be remembered with affection, respect and thanksgiving not only during the service but for many years to come.”

There will be an additional special video tribute screened featuring some of Sir Peter’s memorable speeches at degree ceremonies in the Cathedral.

Prayers will be read by representatives of the University staff, students, graduates and chaplaincy, and of the Cathedral with the Blessing given by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Tom Wright.

A retiring collection will be taken for the work of UNICEF, a charity supported by Sir Peter as one of its Goodwill Ambassadors-at-large, and the University’s Student Opportunities Fund.

ends

Notes to editors

• In his 12 years as Chancellor of the University Sir Peter conferred degrees on more than 30,000 graduates. Since 2002 the ceremonies have been held in Durham Cathedral.
• Ustinov College was the new name given last year to the former Graduate Society of the University, a collegiate body exclusively for postgraduate students. It has 1500 members and has the greatest international mix of students in the University.

Media enquiries to: Tom Fennelly, Public Relations Office, University of Durham Tel 0191 334 6078 e-mail: t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk.

Media arrangements at the Cathedral:

The Cathedral Chapter Office (contact: Anne Heywood Tel 0191 375 1223) is handling detailed arrangements for media coverage inside the Cathedral.

A pool arrangement for film coverage of the service for TV journalists will operate with a feed available from the film company GFS.

Stills photographers will be allocated fixed positions (no flash permitted).

All requests for Cathedral coverage to Anne Heywood by Monday 8th November.

Requests for media facilities (including vehicle parking) on Palace Green should be directed to the University Public Relations Office (Tom Fennelly).