CLUB SANDWICH 49

'CALL ME DR. ROCK'

No Sandwich reader will need convincing of Paul McCartney's contribution to the quality of life everywhere his music is heard. Nevertheless, it's welcome to have this confirmed officially from time to time.

            Thus all his fans have enjoyed his MBE (even if officially for the Beatles' contribution to our export drive), the Grammys, the Ivor Novello awards, the freedom of Liverpool, his induction into the Guinness Hall of Fame and (with the Beatles) the Rock and Roll ditto, not to mention the Silver Clef award discussed in our Music Therapy article.
            But perhaps Paul's latest award has given him most personal pleasure, linked as it is to his chosen home. As many of you will know by now, Paul received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sussex at the Brighton Centre on Tuesday 12th July. (ITV news had a clip of Paul going up to the stage in his robes.) Others similarly honoured included former Prime Minister Lord Callaghan, who farms at Ringmer in the county, and Anita Roddick, who founded her revolutionary Body Shop chain (based on the 'beauty without cruelty' principle) in Brighton.
            As you will have twigged, the qualifications for the honour are achievement in the wider world and a close Sussex connection. The 15 honoured on this occasion were chosen from over 100 nominees and, as University spokesman Mark Sudbury confirms, Paul's award was something of a first.
            "This is the first time we have made the award to a pop musician. We believe that is the first time that Paul has ever been given an honorary doctorate. It has been made in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music business."
            And also, in part, in recognition of Paul's continuing Englishness. Although "it is an Englishman's inalienable right to live where the hell he likes" (W. Churchill, as quoted by J. Lennon), there's no doubt that Paul's continued experience of rain, cups of tea and football results has kept his music subtly attuned to the British psyche. If we for our part appreciate his