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One of Wilson's greatest achievements

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Clip: Charter Ceremony
Duration: 00:01:22
Date: 1979
Clip: Honorary Degree
Duration: 00:02:28
Date: 1974

Harold Wilson saw the realisation of his plans for a university of the air in the creation of The Open University in 1969. He was present at the presentation of the new University's Charter at the Royal Society. This clip from the charter ceremony shows Harold Wilson as part of the procession entering the room, and also includes an extract of the speech given by the first Chancellor, Geoffrey Crowther. Echoing Harold Wilson's initial speech about his plans for a university of the air in October 1963, Crowther stated:
 
"The first and most urgent task before us, is to cater for the many thousands of people fully capable of a higher education, who for one reason or another, do not get it, or do not get as much of it as they can turn to advantage..."
 
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At an OU graduation ceremony held in Manchester in 1974, Harold Wilson was presented with an honorary degree by the University. Pro Vice Chancellor Naomi McIntosh introduced Harold Wilson who was described as "the Father of the University"
 
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One of Wilson's greatest achievements (page 1 of 3)