By Alan Irving

Last updated at 16:34, Wednesday, 24 March 2010

ONE of the men closely associated with the success of Albright & Wilson’s in Whitehaven during its heyday has died at the age of 71.

Terry Palmer: Enjoyed many roles in community

Terry Palmer also worked hard to help Whitehaven as a town, but for 30 years was best known for the various roles he played in the international success of A&W’s Marchon chemicals plant, culminating in his appointment in 1983 as works’ director.

After being in charge of the site for around seven years, Terry moved to the Philippines where he represented A&W’s interests in a joint business venture.

Bath-born Terry came to West Cumbria in the late 1950s and, while working at Sellafield, met and married his wife, Glenda, a Cleator Moor girl.

His job at Sellafield was as site civil engineer on the Windscale plants before going to Marchon as deputy civil engineer in 1962. Six years later he was handed responsibility for the construction of an A&W surfactant factory in France and in 1981, after several senior appointments at Marchon, he was made site services manager, subsequently being elevated to acting works’ manager following the death of Martin Rowe.

At the age of 44, Terry was put in overall charge of the site as Marchon director and contributed greatly to its growth at a time when the plant was a major employer.

After his return from the Philippines, Terry also put his mark on helping to develop Whitehaven in a new role as both marketing advisor and consultant chief executive to Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.

This was in 2000 and on his appointment he said: “Whitehaven will be the prime marina in the North West – there won’t be another to touch it north of Conway (North Wales) because of the good access, 18 hours a day, and because it is right in the town centre.”

As well as promoting the port’s continued development and also attracting tourism, Terry also become involved with Cumbria Business Trust, providing opportunities for young people.

While living in Bigrigg for some years, he also worked at Westlakes Science Park where he was involved in new initiatives to bring new business into the area.

“Although Dad wasn’t Whitehaven born and bred, he was a passionate about the town and the area as much as anybody,” said Kara, one of his three daughters, adding: “He just loved it, especially the culture and the sport, especially going to watch rugby league at Whitehaven which Albright & Wilson also supported.”

Just over six years ago, Terry and Glenda moved to Staffordshire to be closer to their family and, after a courageous battle against illness, Terry died in hospital on March 13.

He is survived by Glenda, daughters Lisa, Kara and Zoe, and five grandchildren.

The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday).

First published at 15:50, Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk