AN 81-YEAR-OLD student at the University of Worcester is set to graduate tomorrow (Tuesday, March 4), writes Lydia Gee.
Wendy Hill, from Ledbury, is among those graduating after completing a Master of Research degree.
She said: “My message to other mature people who feel the need to achieve something academically is to go to an Open Day and talk to people – students and tutors – who will welcome you and advise you.
“I am very proud of myself.”
The grandmother-of-three chose to focus her Master’s studies on one of the less-well known historical people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. She wrote about Alice Elgar – wife of the world-famous composer Edward.
Though Edward Elgar’s works are well-known classical anthems today, including Land of Hope and Glory and Nimrod. Alice was also a published author in her own right of poetry and fiction.
Married in 1889, the couple lived in various locations including around Worcester and Hereford.
Wendy said: “She has one small book about her, but I wanted to explore more about her as a person.
“I had always been interested in Alice as so little was known and written about her and I felt she deserved more acknowledgement and recognition.
“I feel that her contribution to his creative genius has not been acknowledged properly in common with many wives, sisters, daughter and partners of creative people.”
Some of Alice’s poems were even set to music by her husband.
Wendy has had a longstanding interest in the Elgar legacy – she was honorary secretary of the Elgar Society from 1996 to 2006 and is currently chairman of the West Midlands Branch.
Now, her thesis is set to be punished in The Elgar Society Journal.
Wendy added: “I have given lectures, study days and talks on Elgar and will continue to do so.
“I have been asked to do various book reviews for The Elgar Society Journal and they will be publishing my thesis.”
Wendy chose the University of Worcester for her studies, partly due to its proximity to her hometown, but was also attracted by the course.
“I love being a student again – it gave my life a focus and, as a widow, I needed that to ground me again.
“I found everyone really helpful and kind.
“I was mistaken for a tutor a few times.
“I loved my year at the University of Worcester.”
Visit: worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries call 01905 855111, or email: [email protected] for more on the University of Worcester and the courses available there.
