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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Peter Barnes

Letter: Lady Boothroyd obituary

Members of the Lords and Commons enjoy a smoke at The Savoy Hotel on No Smoking Day, London, Britain - 14 Mar 2007Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (651017b) Betty Boothroyd enjoys a cigarette on No Smoking Day. Members of the Lords and Commons Pipe and Cigar smokers club gather at The Savoy Hotel for their annual luncheon endorsing smokers rights. Members of the Lords and Commons enjoy a smoke at The Savoy Hotel on No Smoking Day, London, Britain - 14 Mar 2007
Betty Boothroyd … time for a quick cigarette. Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock

During the 12 years (1994-2006) that Betty Boothroyd was chancellor of the Open University, she presided at many degree ceremonies across the length and breadth of the UK.

Gina Bridgeland’s memories of the ceremony she attended in Harrogate are typical of Betty’s stagecraft, which made them such special occasions for so many. By that time, most of the venues had strict “no smoking” policies and it was the responsibility of one of the awards and ceremonies team to find a quiet corner for Betty to light up a Rothmans, between the end of the official lunch and the start of the ceremony procession.

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