More than 250 pioneering women are to be awarded honorary degrees by the University of Bedfordshire this weekend, bringing to an end a six-year campaign for formal recognition. The honours mark the culmination of a years-long effort to acknowledge the rigorous three-year physical education courses undertaken by these women at Bedford College of Physical Education between 1940 and 1978.
Among the recipients is Hilda Moore, a remarkable 100-year-old retired England hockey player, believed to be the oldest living person to receive such an honorary degree. The college, founded in 1903 by British educator Margaret Stansfeld, was renowned for its demanding academic and physical training, with students often beginning their day with warm-ups before 9am lectures and dedicating Saturdays to studies or sports.
Jackie Gregory, 79, who studied at the college from 1961 to 1964, led the campaign through her work with the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association. She described the news as "unbelievable" and a "very special moment," expressing a profound sense of validation for the women's dedication and the quality of their education.
The significance of this recognition is particularly poignant in the current climate, following the success of the Lionesses in the Euros. Many of these graduates went on to become influential figures in physical education, sports, and physiotherapy, with some even representing their country. Professor Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, is set to deliver a speech at Saturday's ceremony, further highlighting the historical importance of the occasion.
These women's experiences also shed light on the challenges faced by women in professional environments, particularly in education. Gregory recalled instances where career progression in mixed schools was often hindered for women, with leadership roles typically reserved for men. She noted that a lack of a formal degree could be a barrier to advancement.
The ceremonies will celebrate individual achievements and acknowledge a historical oversight, finally granting these pioneering women the academic recognition they rightfully deserve.