The extraordinary life and legacy of Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, one of South Yorkshire’s most admired figures in business, heritage, and public service, is to be celebrated with a public memorial service at Sheffield Cathedral. The event, held on Thursday 3rd July at 3.00pm, will be followed by a reception at Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield.
Dame Julie’s family, organisers of the memorial, hope hundreds of people whose lives she touched will attend to pay their respects – from friends, former colleagues, and entrepreneurs she encouraged into business, to representatives of the many charities, organisations, and business enterprises she gave her time and boundless energy to.
Sheffield-born Dame Julie was a trailblazing entrepreneur and civic leader whose work has had a profound and lasting impact both regionally and nationally. From founding and leading Pyronix Ltd., a successful security manufacturing business in Rotherham, to her transformational role as Cahir of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, Dame Julie was deeply committed to preserving the past while inspiring the future. Her public service included appointments as Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire, a Commissioner of Historic England, Chair of RISC, the UK’s Security and Resilience Suppliers Community, and Commissioner for both Rotherham and Doncaster Councils. She also served as Master Cutler and as the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. In recognition of her extensive service to industry and heritage, she was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2019, and was previously awarded a CBE in 2002.
Her family commented: “We extend our heartfelt invitation to all those who were touched by her compassion, leadership, and generosity of spirit to join us in celebrating Dame Julie’s life. She meant so much to us, but also to so many others. This service is not only a moment for remembrance, but a reflection of the community she cared for deeply and worked tirelessly to support. We hope it will be a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy. The memorial service will feature tributes from colleagues, friends, family, and civic leaders, as well as music and reflections on Dame Julie’s life and work.”
Members of the media are welcome to attend. Further information and images are available, and interviews can be arranged up to 12.00pm on Wednesday 2nd July. Please contact Laurence Kenny: Laurence.Kenny@icloud.com