`I will not be an absentee chancellor'

Nov 21 2003 By Andrew Baldwin, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

From space to university

Prof John Tarrant, the university's vice-chancellor, said today: "We are highly delighted that Patrick Stewart has agreed to be our new chancellor.

"Patrick is a local man who has never forgot his roots and who is very keen to maintain links with the region.

"He was extremely pleased to be asked to be the university's chancellor and accepted immediately."

Stewart relayed his thank-you in a message from New York, where he is starring in the Harold Pinter play The Caretaker.

He said he was disappointed to be away from university graduation ceremonies held this week.

But he added: "I trust, however, that this will be the last time that I shall be absent from these ceremonies.

"I have assured the vice-chancellor and the council that in accepting this distinction it is my intention to play as full a part in the life and work of this university as my work as an actor will permit.

"I promise you, I will not be an absentee chancellor."

The star - Huddersfield Town's most famous supporter - is shortly to be a full-time UK resident again.

Stewart is currently on British television as frontman for the M&S Christmas ads.

He recently revealed he is separating from second wife Wendy Neuss after a marriage lasting three years.

Stewart was awarded the OBE in the New Year Honours list in 2001.

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