Rector’s Delight After Honorary Degree Surprise

By James Bryce

The Rector of Astwell Benefice has received an honorary degree from the University of Northampton to recognise his contribution to the community.

The Rev Will Adams, rector for Wappenham, Helmdon, Syresham, Weedon and Plumpton, received his degree as part of a week of ceremonies at Royal Derngate theatre.

Rev Adams had a career in teaching before being ordained as a priest at Peterborough Cathedral in 2001. In 2004 he joined the governing body of the university before retiring in 2013.

He said: “I think graduates today will have a different education experience to what I had as the world in which they are living is going to be very different too.

“They will therefore have to be more adaptable, more open to change and more willing to engage with the world that perhaps they thought they may not have to.

“I was stunned that I was offered an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Northampton and once it sunk in, I was delighted and I now feel quite humbled by it I think of all the eminent people I have seen receiving their awards at the Royal & Derngate and it really is an enormous honour.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northampton, said: “The recipients of these honorary awards will inspire our graduates as they begin the next exciting stage in their lives, making their own mark on the world.”

Brackley & Towcester Advertiser – 12 July 2015