History turns full circle for student Bob

When Bob Hamlett receives his degree from the University of Teesside today, history will have turned full circle.

On July 2, 1930, huge crowds gathered in Middlesbrough to see the arrival of the Prince of Wales, who would later abdicate as King Edward VIII.

The Prince was in Middlesbrough to open Constantine College on Borough Road.

Standing at the front of the crowd was nine-year old Bob Hamlett, eager to see his father, Ernest, play in the Cargo Fleet Works band as part of the celebrations.

Constantine College became the University of Teesside, which marked its 75th anniversary this year, and Bob also has reason to celebrate.

At the age of 84, he has achieved a BA (Hons) degree in English Studies and graduates at Middlesbrough Town Hall this afternoon.

Bob, from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, said: “I can still remember the Prince’s visit; it was absolutely marvellous with bunting and balloons.”

Although Bob enjoyed English at school and wanted to study it further, this was not possible during the 1930s depression so he began an engineering apprenticeship.

He was a blast furnace engineer for 19 years, before becoming an engineering lecturer with a joint qualification from Durham University and Constantine College.

The Constantine connection continued in the 1960s when Bob briefly lectured at there. After retiring, the grandfather-of-three returned to his love of English, completing a short University of Teesside course in regional writing.

Then, aged 81, Bob fulfilled his ambition by enrolling on an English Studies degree. Bob has a family connection at the University because his 24-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, works in the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s office. He said: “The changes to the University since the days of Constantine College are beyond description, it’s absolutely amazing.

“I’m feeling a bit bored now and am definitely going to do something else, perhaps a short course. My advice to anyone my age who’s thinking of studying is be positive and go for it, stretch yourself.

“The University has a smashing atmosphere. I can’t believe that anybody my age wouldn’t enjoy studying there.”

---