Memorial Service for Lord Allen of Abbeydale GCB

Royal Holloway, University of London; Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

Tuesday 18 November 2008

The Chapel
Founder's Building, 3pm

Refreshments will be served in the Picture Gallery after the service

All welcome

Please share details of the Memorial Service with Lord Allen's friends and colleagues

Parking will be available on campus

RSVP by 14 November 2008

If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Marta Baker, Events Manager T: 01784 443824
m.baker*at*rhul.ac.uk

Lord Allen of Abbeydale

Philip Allen was the first Chairman of the merged Royal Holloway College Council from 1985 until 1992, having previously served on both constituent Colleges' Councils. He played a crucial and pivotal role in achieving the incorporation of Royal Holloway and Bedford New College in 1985. It was he who mediated between the Councils of the two institutions, and it was his influence which expedited the application for Her Majesty the Queen's permission to use the Royal accolade through the complicated Home Office procedures with unheard of speed. Lord Allen became the first College Visitor in 1992 and held this role until 1997; in this role he presided at the College Graduation Ceremonies, the first of which was held in the College in 1992. At this first Ceremony he was awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the College. Lord Allen retained a very close link with the College and an active interest in College life.

Lord Allen had a distinguished career as a Civil Servant becoming Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Home Office. He also fulfilled significant responsibilities outside the mainstream of his work. He was a member of the Security Commission, Chairman of the Occupational Pensions Board, of the National Council of Social Service, the Gaming Board and Mencap. In addition he was a member of the Royal Commissions on Standard of Conduct in Public Life, Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury and a member of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Crown Agents.

Philip Allen was appointed CB in 1954, KCB in 1964 and GCB in 1970. He was created a Life Peer in 1976. Marjorie Coe, whom he married in 1938, died in 2002. There were no children.