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Despite
winning a whole host of gongs, it is taking on his new role in Huddersfield
which has made the former Star Trek actor particulalry proud. He
is clearly absolutely delighted. He says: "It is just the most
delightful and unexpected honour I have ever received."
Patrick
Stewart goes on: "It was something that came as complete surprise.
As an actor, a successful actor, you always hope that certain awards
may come your way. But I never expected or, indeed, had ambitions
for a distinction such as this.
"In
fact, I had absolutely no hesitation in accepting when I was approached.
I knew immediately that this is exactly what I wanted to do.
"At
that time, I wasn't even certain I would be relocating to Yorkshire,
I am now, I'm here! I'm looking for somewhere to live in Yorkshire,
and so this really couldn't have come at a better time."
This
is something of a homecoming for Stewart. Indeed, it was in Huddersfield
that Patrick Stewart first found his passion for the theatre after
a matinee at the Theatre Royal. He
also gave his first theatrical performance there. Coincidentially
the theatre (which is now long gone) looked out over Huddersfield
University.
Like
the theatre, Yorkshire made a lasting impact on Stewart. He reminisces:
"When I was a boy I used to cycle from Mirfield to the Dales.
To be in that environment and that wonderful air was just so pacifying
for me. I used to get very emotional when I had to turn South and
head away from there.
"Being
here is a reminder of my roots that made me the child that I was,
the man that I became and shaped my life."
Although
being Chancellor of a university is largely a ceremonial role, Patrick
Stewart hopes to be very hands on. He says: "I don't just want
to turn up on graduation day. I would love to do as much as the
university permit me."
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| Patrick
Stewart trying on his robes as Chancellor . |
He
adds: "Other than getting to wear this beautiful costume and
of course be present at the graduation ceremony, I would like to
use whatever commercial status I have to represent the university
as widely as possible.
"I
would like to be involved in fundraising and so forth. In a practical
sense, there is a theatre department and I am hoping that I can
actually do some work with the theatre department."
As
for his acting, Patrick Stewart is taking a temporary breather from
films. Although he does have plans to work with The Lawrence Batley
theatre and the West Yorkshire Playhouse. There are also a number
of new projects to be broadcast the following year including a BBC
radio drama.
However,
this break does not mean that Stewart is retiring. Indeed, it seems
his mind is far from finishing his career as he says: "I enjoy
acting now, perhaps more than I ever have done. Actors don't retire,
they just grow into older and older roles."
What
do the students think ?
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