Civic heads pay tribute to Sir Terry Wogan
Buckinghamshire’s civic heads have paid tribute to the life and service of Sir Terry Wogan, who diedon Sunday (January 31) at the age of 77.
Sir Terry, a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire since 2007 lived in the county for 40 years. He was so honoured to represent the Queen in the county where he lived that he announced his appointment to his BBC Radio 2 audience.
Lord Lieutenant, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: ‘He was true to his word. Despite his busy broadcasting schedule Terry frequently undertook citizenship ceremonies, welcoming people from other countries just as he, himself, had been welcomed to these shores from Ireland.’
Sir Terry was a great charity worker, and Sir Henrysaidhe had runan annual match at Denham Golf Club to raise money for the Buckinghamshire Community Foundation of which he was a Patron, and he attended events in Buckinghamshire to help good causes whenever he could.
In 2012 Sir Terry was on duty at the Foundation’s stand at Greenlands, near Henley, to welcome The Queen during her Jubilee visit there. The same yearhe was awarded an honorary degree by Bucks New University in recognition of his contribution to the life of the nation.
‘Terry was one of those rare people who was completely unaffected by his fame, treating everyone the same,’ said Sir Henry. ‘He was the same in his private life as he was on the radio and television: charming, intelligent, entertaining, kind and generous. He will be as much missed in his adopted county as he will be by the many millions who tuned in to his broadcasts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Helen, and their family at this very sad time.’
Bill Chapple OBE, Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council, said Sir Terry’s death was a huge loss to the life of the county.
‘Sir Terry was a great enthusiast for Buckinghamshire and we all loved his particular charm and wit,’ said Bill. ‘We’re very thankful for his generous service to the county, and will miss him greatly. Our condolences go to Lady Wogan and the family.’