One of Britain's favourite broadcasters visits BU on December 7 2006
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One of Britain's favourite broadcasters visits BU on December 7 2006 |
One of Britain's favourite broadcasters is heading to Bournemouth University for a special evening of lively conversation and questions about his life and career.
During An Evening with Murray Walker, scheduled for Thursday, December 7, the University will welcome the man known for his distinctive and enthusiastic commentary of Formula 1 auto racing who captured the nation's imagination from the sport's early days in the 1950s through to 2001. Since last October, Murray has returned to the microphone as voice of TV's new Grand Prix Masters series as well as joining the commentary team on BBC Radio Five Live's Formula 1 coverage.
Murray's 'day job' in advertising saw over three decades saw him build up a multi-million pound business around iconic campaigns like the Mars bar slogan 'A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play' which was created by his agency colleagues.
It was for Murray's success in both broadcasting and advertising that Bournemouth University bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree in November, 1997 during a ceremony that moved him to write in his autobiography:-
'It took place on November 11, Armistice Day, when the nation remembers the dead of two terrible wars. My father had fought and been wounded in the first, I had fought in the second, and my war years were the most impressionable of my life. The two-minute silence was held just prior to my conferment ceremony and I had to make a speech shortly after Professor Nicholas Grief had delivered my citation. 'The solemnity of the occasion allied to the gravity of the silence and the reason for it deeply affected me as I stared to speak. I suddenly felt my eyes fill with tears and my throat tighten and I stood there for about 15 seconds totally unable to say anything while I fought to get control of myself. It seemed to last forever, but happily no one appeared to notice.'
Bournemouth University's An Evening with Murray Walker is the third in a series of such activities which aims to bring the community and university closer together. Peter Alliss, another of Bournemouth's Honorary Doctorates (2001), 'teed off' the series in November 2005 and Bill Bryson, who collected his Honorary Degree in 2005, spent an evening at the University last May.
Tickets for An Evening with Murray Walker are £15.00 per person with profits going to support Alumni Fund Scholarships in aid of worthy students in need of financial assistance. The evening will feature a buffet reception.
Tickets are limited and available by telephoning (01202) 961044 / 961045 or emailing conferencing@bournemouth.ac.uk.
CONTACTS
Bournemouth University Press office:
Charles Elder; Tel: +44 (0) 1202 961032; Mob: (07768) 771870
Zoë Monk ; Tel: +44 (0) 1202 961033; Mob: (07738) 143100
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