A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Anthony Cleaver

A Service of Thanksgiving is going to be held for Sir Anthony Cleaver at Noon on Tuesday 21st April 2026 in St Margaret's Church, next to Westminster Abbey.

Following National Service, Sir Anthony read the Classics - Latin, Greek, Ancient History and Philosophy at Trinity College, Oxford. In 1962, he joined IBM as a trainee instructor, rising to be Chairman and Chief Executive of IBM (UK). He then chaired a range of organisations including the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Medical Research Council, various companies and Birkbeck College and the Royal College of Music.

As Chairman of Engineering UK, he became the driving force behind the founding of the country’s ‘Big Bang Fair’ which was first run in 2009 and by 2015 had become one of Europe’s largest science, engineering and technology fairs for young people.

Sir Anthony was a quietly spiritual man who believed in service, showed devotion to others and showed great determination in everything he took on, not least in swimming the English Channel, his work for the Musicians' Company and his passions for causes of assisting with the Environment.

The service for Anthony is an occasion to share the memories and the legacies he left to those who knew him and loved him, and to celebrate his life and work and his devotion to his family.

To attend the service, click on 'request a spot' top right and register for the tickets required which will be sent to the email address you leave. The Abbey does not share the data you leave with third parties.

There may be a bag search before entering. We ask that you leave any sizeable luggage at a station left-luggage facility ahead of the service. There is one at Victoria Station for instance.

The nearest toilet facilities are located in Abbey Cloisters or at Westminster Central Hall.

The West door of the church will be open for attendance from 11.20 am and members of the congregation are requested to be seated by 11.45 am.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Nearest underground stations : St James's Park and Westminster.

Do I need to bring my printed ticket(s) to the event? Yes either please bring the printed ticket or have an image to show security on entry, on the phone. Please also bring a form of photo ID with you in case you are asked to produce it with your ticket on entry to the church.

What time do the doors open? 11.20 am.

What time is the service likely to end ? 1 pm approximately

Is there a dress code for the service ? Those attending may come in lounge suit or day dress. There isn't a requirement to wear dark colours as this will be a service of celebration for Sir Anthony's life. Anthony was known for always wearing red socks, so the family has requested that all those who own red socks wear them, and if not, perhaps a red scarf or similar.

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