Page 10, 29th January 2010

29th January 2010

Page 10

Page 10, 29th January 2010 — Ken Dodd, Litterarum doctor
Close

Report an error

Noticed an error on this page?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it.

Tags

Locations: Liverpool

Share


Related articles

Liverpool's Humour Celebrated

Page 3 from 24th June 1988

Wearmouth And Jarrow

Page 5 from 25th May 1973

Liverpool Mourns Murder Of Ken Bigley

Page 3 from 15th October 2004

Send Us Politicians Who Promise Less...

Page 6 from 6th October 2000

Liverpool Hands Key To Bishops

Page 3 from 20th January 1995

Getting Even With Dodd

Page 7 from 18th January 1980

Ken Dodd, Litterarum doctor

LIVERPOOL HOPE University is to honour Ken Dodd, one of Liverpool’s most famous characters, in recognition of his contribution to cultural life in the city and beyond for over 50 years.
He was expected to be awarded a Doctorate of Letters (honoris causa) during the mixed Catholic and Anglican university’s annual foundation day celebrations on Monday January 25.
Ken Dodd has remained true to Liverpool throughout his career, but just as important to Liverpool Hope University is his deep faith commitment, which will be a revelation to many. Mr Dodd was to receive his honorary doctorate on the day when the university traditionally remembers its founding Anglican and Catholic colleges and reflects on its mission as the only ecumenical university in Europe.
He was to deliver the homily at the foundation day service and reflect on his faith. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given this award. In fact, my whole career has been a labour of love.” Speaking about his Christian faith he added: “I do go to church as often as I can, if only to chat with him in head office. I even sang in the Knotty Ash church choir at St John’s – well, until they realised where the noise was coming from.” Ken Dodd has been in show business for more than 50 years. Born on November 8 1927 in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, the son of a coal merchant, he studied at Knotty Ash primary school as a child and sang in the local church choir at St John’s church, and went on to study at Holt High grammar school (now Childwall sports college, the nearest secondary school to the university).
The famous comedian, known for his prominent teeth, frizzy hair, tickling stick and his creation of the Diddymen, got his big break at the age of 27 appearing at the Nottingham Empire and in 1965 broke box-office records with the longestever running show at the London Palladium lasting 42 weeks. His song “Tears” topped the British charts for five weeks and sold over two million copies.
His comic influences include other Liverpool comedians like Arthur Askey, Robb Wilton, and Tommy Handley.
The Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, said: “[Mr Dodd’s] charitable work, which flows from his faith, is outstanding. But it is his humour and his understanding of humanity that distinguishes him.”




blog comments powered by Disqus