Raymond Streat facts for kids

Sir Edward Raymond Streat (born February 7, 1897 – died September 13, 1979) was an important British leader. He worked mostly with the cotton industry and helped manage big organizations. He was known for his smart ideas and for helping the country's economy.

Early Life and War Service

Edward Streat was born in Prestwich, Lancashire. He was one of six children. He went to Manchester Grammar School until 1913. After school, he started working as an office boy.

Just a few months later, he joined the army. He became part of the Manchester Regiment. This was during the First World War. He fought in France and was wounded during his service. He became a Captain before leaving the army in 1919.

Working with Businesses

After the war, Streat worked for an insurance company in Manchester. He then applied for a job at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCC). He was chosen out of 600 people to be the assistant secretary.

A Chamber of Commerce is a group that helps local businesses. Soon after, in 1920, he became the main secretary. He was only 22 years old. This was a big job because the MCC was very important. It was one of the biggest and most powerful business groups in the country.

Even though his family had no connection to cotton, he led an organization that was mostly about the cotton trade. He married Doris Davies in 1921, and they had three sons.

Leading the Cotton Industry

Streat continued to work for the Manchester Chamber of Commerce for many years. In June 1940, he was chosen to be the chairman of the Cotton Board. This board helped manage the cotton industry in the United Kingdom.

He also had a strong connection with Manchester University. He was elected to the university's governing body in 1938. From 1936 to 1938, he was also the president of the Manchester Statistical Society.

University Leadership and Jodrell Bank

Streat left the Cotton Board in 1957. He then became the chairman of the council at Manchester University. He had been involved with the university since 1938. He was elected to the council in 1943.

In 1951, he became the university's treasurer. He played a key role in getting money from the government for the university. This helped build the famous radio telescope at Jodrell Bank. This telescope is used to study space.

Manchester University gave him an honorary degree in 1963. He had also been a visiting fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford. He was made an honorary fellow there in 1959. Streat passed away in Oxford on September 13, 1979.

Honours and Awards

Sir Edward Streat received several important awards for his work.

• In 1930, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
• In 1942, he was given the title of Knight Bachelor. This meant he could be called "Sir."
• In 1957, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.