Medway cultural figureheads awarded honorary degrees as part of Medway Culture Fest 24

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Last week Medway’s three universities announced honorary degrees for seven figures who have made outstanding contributions to creativity and culture in Medway.  The awards celebrate the work of creatives across literary arts and fashion design, heritage and cultural diversity and broadcasting, as well as those who have made it possible for Medway creatives and cultural organisations to thrive.

Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Greenwich and University of Kent are awarding the degrees as part of Medway Culture Fest 24, a year-long programme of cultural events and activities celebrating Medway’s creativity and heritage and the transformational role culture has played in regenerating the area over the last forty years. 

Canterbury Christ Church University is awarding honorary doctorates to Dame Zandra Rhodes RDI and Dr Ranj Singh.  Dame Zandra’s pioneering fashion and textile career has seen her design for rock icons and royalty including Freddie Mercury and Princess Diana.  Having grown up in Chatham and trained at Medway College of Art, Dame Zandra promotes future generations of British fashion designers through the Zandra Rhodes Foundation.   Dr Ranj Singh is a Medway born doctor, television presenter, author and columnist.  The award recognises his local and national work as a broadcaster to promote awareness of medical science and good health, and an ambassador for equality of opportunity.

The University of Kent is awarding honorary doctorates to Carol Stewart and Alice Oseman.  Carol Stewart is the Chair of Creative Medway and Chair of Medway African and Caribbean Association.  The honorary doctorate recognises her work promoting Black History, anti racism and diversity as well as her services to Medway’s creative community. Alice Oseman is creator of the award-winning Medway-based LGBTQ+ romance comic Heartstopper and created, wrote and produced its Emmy Award-winning television adaptation on Netflix. The honorary doctorate recognises her outstanding contribution to art and literature and its impact on the young adult LGBTQ+ community.

The University of Greenwich is awarding honorary doctorates to Bill Ferris CBE and Simon Cook and an honorary degree to River Medway.  Bill Ferris CBE was Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust for 20 years during which time he transformed the site through a pioneering strategy of preservation through reuse, converting the dilapidated former naval base into a flourishing mixed use heritage site, home to Medway’s creative industries and a driver of culture-led regeneration for Medway. Simon Cook is Principal and CEO of MidKent College and Chair of Medway Place Board.  His award recognises his commitment to raising the aspirations of young people across the area and creation of new pathways into the creative industries, including through MidKent College’s new Medway School of Arts.  In his role as Medway Place Board Chair, Simon Cook has championed cultural placemaking and was instrumental in Medway’s UK City of Culture bid.  River Medway is a drag queen whose time on the BBC show RuPaul’s Drag Race UK saw her become an ambassador for the area.  She has since become a local LGBTQ+ advocate, supporting local pride events.

“We are delighted to see so many of Medway’s significant cultural figures receiving honorary degrees as part of Medway Culture Fest 24.  Today is truly a celebration of Medway’s talent, creativity and the role culture has played and continued to play in improving the lives of people in Medway.  The Medway Culture Fest 24 programme showcases Medway’s creative talent from world-famous names to the creativity of our young people and communities. The programme and the achievements of these seven individuals reflect the significance of 2024 as an anniversary year for Medway and our community.”
Jatin Patel, Vice-Chair of Creative Medway

You can explore the Medway Culture Fest 24 programme and opportunities to get involved here.