I knew Terry from my very early days working with the YMCA. Terry was "on committee" and I was a little terrified of him because he said very little but when he spoke everybody listened and it was clear that he did not suffer fools gladly. Over the years I got to know Terry very well. When I became Chief Executive of the YMCA Special Programmes department, Terry was its chairman.   I had weekly meetings with him, driving to his office in Bury, and he would invariably offer good advice; he never lost his temper and would always make time for a special event or appearance at some event wherever in the country he was.

Terry got involved with the European Alliance of YMCAs  -a talking shop if ever there was one. Well , it was a talking shop and little else until Terry imposed himself gently but persistently - asking questions, wanting accountability and, above all else, wanting action and results.  Largely through his efforts the YMCA re-established itself in Eastern Europe in the years after the Berlin Wall came down.  He visited Russia on many occasions, travelling into areas and through places that aren't on many maps.  The YMCA is now a thriving and effective youth organisation in many Eastern European countries - a tribute to Terry's hard work and commitment.

From Europe Terry moved on to the world stage - joining the governing body of the World Alliance of YMCAs based in Geneva.  He became their go-to consultant on their magnificent premises overlooking Lake Geneva.

I will remember Terry as a special person in y life. Together we created many projects within the YMCA one of which, the YMCA Interrail programme, created cheap accommodation facilities for young people travelling Europe on the Interrail programme. From London through Copenhagen, Strasbourg, Lisbon and Lubeck and many other major cities the YMCA Interrail programme was popular with travellers and volunteers who helped run the points - including 2 young and impressionable Ratcliffe twins who proved themselves an asset to the project.

Terry may be gone but he will not be forgotten..A truly great man