At the end of last month Liverpool Hope's refurbished Chapel at Hope Park housed its first collection of students being awarded their degrees alongside Rolf Harris and Ken Dodd.

Listen to Dave Jenkins interview with the antipodean polymath here:

 

With the interview I stopped the tape at a certain point, and Rolf asked me to record again for a message from him about pursuing your dreams.

Rolf, originally from Perth in Australia joined the students in their conferment of Degrees at Hope Universities Chapel. The day previous Hope also welcomed a star of the stage with Liverpool born and bred comedian Ken Dodd. While Rolf was awarded his honorary causa for his contribution to art and music throughout his life, Ken’s honour was given to him as recognition to his contributions to cultural life in the city and beyond. Ken began his speech by joking to the Chapels congregation that he can now be a post man.

Rolf, originally from Perth in Australia joined the students in their conferment of Degrees at Hope Universities Chapel. The day previous Hope also welcomed a star of the stage with Liverpool born and bred comedian Ken Dodd. While Rolf was awarded his honorary causa for his contribution to art and music throughout his life, Ken’s honour was given to him as recognition to his contributions to cultural life in the city and beyond. Ken began his speech by joking to the Chapels congregation that he can now be a post man.

Ken Dodd was greeted through Hope Park’s refectory with lots of autograph bound students and staff wanting to all greet the new Dr Dodd.
When he managed to have some time to himself, I spoke to him about how he felt about the degree and Hope University.

“It’s been an absolutely wonderful day of happiness and there is a lovely atmosphere here,” said Ken.
“Getting degree’s and awards shows good discipline. I am a man who struggles to be discipline, but in the line of comedy you must have it to survive.”

The following day for the winter graduation, during Rolf’s speech in the Chapel, his emotions shone through when he was talking about his parents influence.
After the ceremony, I caught up with Rolf before his lunch to talk a little more about the award.
“I am honoured,” explained Rolf.
“I was awarded with an honorary doctorate of letters for my presentation of art and music to the general public,”
Towards the end of the conversation Rolf gave some advice for students looking ahead to the future.
“Try and do what you love to do,” said Rolf
“Also try and work some way out of getting paid to do it, if you can do it as your livelihood, because when you finish work at the end of the day you keep going because you love to do it.”
Rolf was among many celebrating their efforts with the winter graduation seeing many students finish their studies with him.
“It was fantastic experience to have Rolf there,” explained Michelle Newton, 26 a Hope graduate with a Masters of Science in Environmental Management.
“I have grown up with him throughout my life and it’s amazing to receive my award on the same day that he does.”
Professor Pilay remarked on the days by saying, “I am delighted to see both Ken and Rolf to encourage the propagation of arts and culture.”
Both Ken and Rolf were part of a trio with Canon Michael Wolfe, the Chaplain of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral who featured in the rededication service to make him a Senior Fellow of the University.
For my whole interview with Rolf Harris log onto www.radiohope.ac.uk, or alternatively go to Hope Times Online, on Hope’s main webpage.

Last Updated ( Monday, 08 February 2010 )