An 81-year-old student is set to graduate from the University of Worcester next week.
Wendy Hill, from Ledbury, is among those graduating on Tuesday (March 4) after completing a Master of Research degree.
“My message to other mature people who feel the need to achieve something academically is go to an Open Day and talk to people – students and tutors – who will welcome you and advise you,” she said. “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 the Herefordshire and Worcestershire region. She researched and wrote about Alice Elgar – wife of the world-famous composer Edward. Married in 1889, the couple lived in various locations including around Worcester and Hereford. 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. Some of her poems were set to music by her husband.
“She has one small book about her, but I wanted to explore more about her as a person,” said Wendy. “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, daughters and partners of creative people.”
Now, Wendy’s thesis written for her Master’s studies is set to be published in The Elgar Society Journal. Wendy has an undergraduate degree from another university which she achieved as a mature student. This was many years before while her children were studying for O and A levels, so she said they all studied together. But she was drawn back to education decades later.
“I loved being a student again – it gave my life a focus and, as a widow, I needed that to ground me again,” said Wendy. “I found everyone really helpful and kind. I was mistaken for a tutor a few times!”
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 loved my year at the University of Worcester. My best memory of my time at the University is the kindness and having fun with my fellow students,” she said.
Wendy has 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 of The Elgar Society.
“I have given lectures, study days and talks on Elgar and will continue to do so,” she said. “I have been asked to do various book reviews for The Elgar Society Journal and they will be publishing my thesis. I have no career plans, obviously, but I hope to continue with my very active membership of Ledbury U3A.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]