Memorial service held Sheffield’s Dame Julie Kenny

A service has been held to celebrate the life of one of South Yorkshire’s most admired business figures.

Dame Julie Kenny was honoured publicly at a memorial at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday afternoon followed by a reception at the city’s Cutlers Hall.

Dame Julie was an entrepreneur and civic leader who played a key role in saving Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham, for the nation. She died in February aged 67.

Giving an address at the service, her son Laurence described his mother as a “fantastic role model”.

Dame Julie, born in Hillsborough, set up a successful security firm which Mr Kenny now works for.

As chair of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, she oversaw the major restoration of the Grade I-listed country house and its development as a visitor attraction.

Among her appointments were Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Master Cutler of Sheffield and High Sheriff of South Yorkshire.

Despite her achievements her son described his mother as having a “troubled upbringing growing up on a council estate”.

“She always wanted to create a better life for us kids, that was her focal point. She never missed an opportunity to say she loved us and tell us we could be anything we wanted as long as we were happy.”

She was made CBE in 2002 and awarded a damehood in 2019.

The Dean of Sheffield, the Very Reverend Abi Thompson, described it as an “honour” to take the service at Sheffield Cathedral, which was attended by friends, former colleagues and entrepreneurs as well as representatives of the many charities, organisations and business enterprises she gave her time to.

“I met her when she became the Master Cutler, and in a few moments I got a sense of what kind of person she was,” she said.

“She always had a steely look in her eye, someone not to be messed with.

“She was comfortable in every situation but she was formidable. A woman who could sit with the wealthiest and poorest and make them all feel special.”

Sarah McLeod OBE, the chief executive of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, also spoke at the service, having worked closely with Dame Julie.

The defence secretary and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP, John Healey, described her as a “remarkable woman who was proud of her roots”.

Donations were taken for a legacy fund set up by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in her memory.