20.01.07
Bude's John Davy, 82, achieves University of Exeter degree

John Davy of Stratton near Bude has today (Saturday 20 January) graduated with a University of Exeter degree. Aged 82, John has been awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Theological and Cultural Studies. He carried out his studies on a part-time basis at the University's study centre in Diocesan House, Kenwyn, Truro.

John's degree focused on biblical studies and also on doctrine, ethics, philosophy, church history and cultural studies. He says: "I really enjoyed the course and, as someone who spent his entire career in teaching, was very impressed by the quality of the lectures."

John has lived in the Bude area since 1955 and was headmaster of Davidstow C P (1955–61) and then headmaster of St Mark's V P in Morwenstow (1961–87). Originally from Pensilva, near Liskeard, he trained as a teacher in Exeter and Cheltenham and then joined the Navy during the war. His background proved useful for his dissertation on the role of the Church in education.

John is one of six people who graduated with University of Exeter theology degrees from Cornwall in a ceremony at the University on Saturday 20 January.

Part-time Programme Leader at the Department of Theology, David Rhymer said: "While many of our students choose Theology for vocational and career purposes, John's graduation shows how a love of learning for its own sake is an equally valid reason for choosing this course. Theology touches on so many other areas – from philosophy to social sciences – and is an exciting and relevant subject for anyone to study, whatever their personal belief."

The University of Exeter offers people the chance to enjoy flexible, part-time theological education to honours degree level throughout the region and beyond. Students can study Theology either in Truro or at the Tremough Campus, Penryn. These courses are offered as part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative, of which the University of Exeter is a partner. CUC is funded mainly by the European Union (Objective One), the South West Regional Development Agency, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with support from Cornwall County Council.

Anyone interested in studying Theology on a part-time basis with the University of Exeter should contact David Rhymer on 01326 371895 / d.w.rhymer@exeter.ac.uk or go to www.huss.ex.ac.uk/theology.

For further information contact Sarah Hoyle of the University of Exeter on 01392 262062 or email S.Hoyle@exeter.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). The University of Exeter is a partner of the CUC.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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