Former Mayor of Ipswich among recipients of University of Suffolk's honorary doctorates
A champion against loneliness is another being honoured
A renowned local dialect expert and a champion against loneliness are among this year’s honorary doctorates at the University of Suffolk.
Charlie Haylock, who is known for his knowledge of the Suffolk dialect and Ann Osborn, chief executive of the Rural Coffee Caravan will join former Mayor of Ipswich Hamil Clarke MBE, nurse Cathy Ryan MBE and broadcaster Zeb Soanes who will all be recognised as Honorary Graduates at the University’s graduation ceremonies in October.
Well known for entertaining people with his take on the unique Suffolk dialect, Charlie Haylock helped actor Ralph Fiennes perfect the accent for his role as archaeologist Basil Brown in the 2021 film The Dig about the Sutton Hoo discoveries.
Commenting on the award, Charlie said: “I feel very honoured to receive such an award. An Honorary Doctorate, I am overwhelmed.
“I do what I do because I love doing it, and obviously other people appreciate what I do too, otherwise I wouldn't be receiving this prestigious award.
“I feel very humble, and at the same time, very proud. It just leaves me to say, ‘Thank yer koindly t'getha’.”
Ann Osborn is chief executive of the Rural Coffee Caravan which visits remote parts of the county, bringing people together who would otherwise be on their own.
Ann commented: “I am thrilled but utterly overwhelmed by this award and have imposter syndrome, but I’m accepting it for a lot of reasons.
“It’s for the entire Rural Coffee Caravan team, because I’m so proud of the work we’ve done together; also on behalf of anyone who achieves personal goals despite other people telling them they cannot be successful, and because it has always been a dream to graduate from university.
“To get this from the University of Suffolk, in the county I love, is just incredible.
“Going into the world of work without any tangible qualifications and little confidence, I am pleased I managed to go on and do something so positive with my working life.
“Never in my wildest imagination did I think this Award would happen to me.”
Hamil Clarke MBE has twice been Mayor of Ipswich and the university says this honour acknowledges his contributions to community development in the town.
He was a founding member of the Ipswich Caribbean Association 40 years ago and was a borough councillor for a quarter of a century.
He also helped establish the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) and now acts as chair of board of trustees.
Hamil said: “The University of Suffolk continues to transform countless lives and paves the way for brighter futures and I am immensely grateful to be associated with such an institution.
“I express my appreciation and remain committed to striving for greater knowledge to inspire future generations to thrive.
“My belief is, sharing knowledge and experience is important so that others can work towards a more just, equitable, and prosperous Suffolk.
“I am pleased to accept this degree from the University of Suffolk which fills me with great pride.
“This university is an institution that values education and intellectual learning and I shall continue to use all of my knowledge to help others to learn.”
Lowestoft born broadcaster Zeb Soanes is a Lowestoft born broadcaster, who, for over two decades was a newsreader and voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4.
Sunday Times readers previously voted him their favourite male voice on UK radio and on television, and his was the first voice to launch BBC Four.
He is currently leading a campaign to erect a statue of his hometown hero, Benjamin Britten on the seafront opposite the composer’s birthplace.
“Suffolk remains such a deep part of who I am. To be honoured in this way by the University of Suffolk, means the world to me,” he said.
The final recipient of the University of Suffolk's honorary doctorates is Cathy Ryan MBE - a nurse who's also worked to raise money for charity.
She's focused on causes including supporting education for orphans in Africa, observing health care for Aboriginal communities or providing and improving care for those with dementia and those needing end of life care at home.
She qualified as a State Registered Nurse (SRN) in 1978 , starting as a staff nurse at Ipswich Hospital, moving into private care, management, education, consultancy and eventually back to the NHS front line.
She was given the title of Queens Nurse in 2016 and awarded an MBE for Services to Nursing and Fundraising in Suffolk in 2020.
Cathy said: “To be given an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk where it all started, almost 50 years to the day, is just so fantastic.”
Professor Helen Langton MBE, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk said: ““Here at the University of Suffolk we are looking forward to welcoming this year’s honorary graduates, recognising their individual achievements.
“They represent the diversity and spirit of Suffolk and will be excellent ambassadors for the University and the county.”
Former Honorary Graduates at the University of Suffolk have included Ed Sheeran, Jo Brand, Nik Kershaw and Mark Murphy MBE.