Mid Sussex LeaderThursday, February 3rd, 2000
News
Singing the praises of a true folk hero
Honorary degree for remarkable 85-year-old who has helped keep Sussex's musical tradition alive and thriving
REPORT by PAT MOORMAN pat.moorman@argus-btn.co.uk
FOLK singer Bob Copper was "chuffed to bits" last week when he received an honorary degree of Master of Arts at a graduation ceremony at the University of Sussex on Thursday.
"When they asked me before the ceremony what my hat size was, I said seven and a quarter, but it's more likely to be 17 and a quarter by the time I get my degree," he said.
Bob, 85, received the honorary degree from Lord Attenborough, Chancellor of the University, for services to country life, including the collection and singing of old farming songs handed down from father to son through the centuries.
He's on record as saying that they "seemed to get into the very marrow of the bone".
The Copper family can trace their roots back to 1593 with over four centuries anchored in and around Rottingdean.
Together they are fondly known as England's First Family of Folk and have been invited for a two-week tour of America, taking in performances in Chicago, Michigan and a five-day festival in Cleveland, with another tour of the West Coast and New Mexico planned for June.
After the graduation ceremony, by special request. Bob and his family gave a rendition of the folk song Claudy Banks.
The award also took account of his writings, which include Across Sussex with Belloc and Bob Copper's Sussex.
Bob now lives in Peacehaven, close to his family, son John and daughter- in-law Lynne, daughter Jill and son-in-law Jonathan, plus five grandsons and one grand-daughter.
[caption] SHAKE ON IT: Bob (left) receives his honorary degree from Lord AttenboroughPhoto: STEPHEN LAWRENCE 53510C-22
[caption] ACCLAIM: musician and writer Bob Copper pictured after the graduation ceremony at the University of Sussex
Photo: STEPHEN LAWRENCE 53510A-27
The Copper Family
New: 6 February 2000 | Now: 6 February 2000 | The background to this page is an enlargement from the Index to Jim Copper's pre-War song book written in an account book. | Garry Gillard