We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Honorary President and former Chairman Bernard Atha.
During his time as Chair of Leisure Services with Leeds City Council, Bernard was instrumental in securing support to make it possible for Northern Ballet to relocate from Halifax to Leeds where we established a permanent home on a site secured for us by Bernard. Since then he has been a true friend and champion, not just for Northern Ballet, but for all arts in Leeds, including Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre, receiving a CBE for his efforts in 2007.
Since retiring from the Council and from our Board of which he was Chairman for 14 years, Bernard maintained his strong relationship with the Company and regularly attended performances and other company events.
We are extremely grateful to Bernard for everything he has done for Northern Ballet and the legacy he enabled for our future. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and other organisations whose possibilities became so much greater thanks to Bernard’s dedication.