The world from my window

I stood at the side of the stage. A woman in a gown a bit like mine and a very cheery face whispered: 'Don't worry, you'll be fine.' And then my name was read out, there was applause and I walked out across to the pro-vice chancellor of The Open University. He congratulated me as he shook my hand. 'Was it an enjoyable experience?' he said. 'Fantastic,' I said. 'What next?' 'I think I'm going to cry.' 'Ah, best not,' he said, as he squeezed my shoulder and sent me on my way. There, in the audience, was my sister, my brother-in-law, my parents, my friend Pelly and Number One Son. And there in the aisle to greet me, camera in hand, was Mr Grigg. 'I'm so proud of you,' he said. 'Well done.' And that nearly set me off again. The audience fanned themselves with the OU programme, which gave details of the honorary degrees being conferred this year. Among the recipients are physicist, tel...