Dr Edwin Marr, PhD

 

Celebrating wth Dr. Eds

Edwin has worked hard these last three-and-a-half years towards his doctorate in English Literature. He has combined this with working as a temporary lecturer at ARU and UEA, which inevitably took a lot of time in preparation and marking. He finally submitted his thesis on space in the railways earlier this year and had his viva on Monday. The work covered the mid-Victorian period when railways were growing in their reach, and many writers of the period were responding to this in both negative and positive ways through literature and poetry. The viva was conducted by two people who are experts in the field. Despite some nervousness, he remained cool and analytical in his answer, and received glowing reports from both examiners. The independent chair commented that it was "the best and most interesting viva" he had ever chaired. He passed with flying colours, and their only recommendation was to change a few minor typos. 

Happily, Ann and I could arrange for our friends Rae and Malcolm to come over to dog sit, and we could go straight over to celebrate with him and his partner Andre. We took what we thought was a good bottle of bubbly which was quickly downed, but then Edwin broke out a bottle of vintage 2010 Bollinger he had bought specially for the celebration. This was so smooth and gentle on the pallet, we sank it rapidly with much toasting and congratulations. It too went down all too rapidly. Edwin and Andre had booked a smart Greek bistro near the centre of Cambridge for a meal. This was Andre's treat, and more toasts were raised over a fine Greek white wine. Then we walked down the road to the University Arms hotel where we could enjoy cocktails in their oak-panelled library, then over the road to a lively night club, open until 02:00, for more cocktails before getting a Uber taxi back to the apartment. 

Eds had made up a bed for the night (I certainly could not have driven home) and we crashed out, but managed to get up at 06:30 and leave without disturbing the boys. We were back home for 08:00 to let the dogs out, and for me to start work again. Every one of our seven children has done well, but this was definitely a night to remember and cherish. Congratulations Edwin. We are so proud of you.