Roy Helmore was Principal of Cambridge College of Arts and Technology (CCAT) from 1977 to 1986, a forerunner of what is now Anglia Ruskin University. Roy fought tirelessly to establish and defend CCAT as a recognised provider of Higher Education services and in 1980 was honoured with a CBE. The Helmore Building, which sits at the very heart of its Cambridge campus, is named after him.
In 1982 he became a Fellow of Hughes Hall and was an immense help to Hughes Hall during the period when the President, Desmond Hawkins, and the Vice-President, Howard Bradley, were engaged in expanding the College and establishing its full College status within the University of Cambridge. He was an extremely popular Fellow, who worked hard to present careful argument and provide sound advice to the Fellowship, and was instrumental in making sure the College moved forward at an important time in its development.
During his time at Hughes he was the Chair of the Library Committee and the Gardens Committee. Roy, together with a group of Fellows, reshaped the grounds around the old buildings to create a garden where students could study quietly or enjoy a celebration together surrounded by greenery and blossom.
In 1994 Roy became a Life Fellow of Hughes Hall, and in 2008 he was appointed an Honorary Fellow of Anglia Ruskin.
Roy was, among his many talents, a very able water-colourist.
A service of remembrance will take place at St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden, on Thursday 1st June, at 11am. More details on the Obituary.
The family has requested only family flowers but donations, if desired, can be made to Hughes Hall here. Please select the ‘Roy Helmore Fund’ in the Designation drop down.
