Newsletter 2009

Sir Robert Telford CBE, DL

Life President, Marconi Company and Patron,
Marconi Veterans’ Association

sirroberttelford_rgb1It is with great sadness we report the death at his home, in March 2008, of Sir Robert Telford, a well respected person and Life President of The Marconi Company.  A memorial service for Sir Robert was held in Chelmsford Cathedral on 30th May when many business and company colleagues and friends attended. Lady Telford invited all guests to the Shire Hall for refreshments following the service. The cathedral was full and a number of tributes were paid by former directors of the company and other staff during the service.

Although Sir Robert was officially retired, he came to his office on the fourth floor of Marconi House on a regular basis until a year or so before his death. He was saddened at the collapse of The Marconi Company and found it hard to accept that such a great organisation would end its life so suddenly having been established for over 100 years on a worldwide basis.

He was pleased that steps were being taken to preserve the heritage of Marconi by a heritage centre being set up in the front building of Marconi’s in New Street Chelmsford at a future date, but felt sadness that the majority of buildings on the complex where he had worked for well over 50 years were to be demolished under new ownership.

We extend our sympathy to Lady Telford and her family and give thanks that we were employees of The Marconi Company under the direction of a well respected President.

Peter Turrall