What a 24 hour period it's been!  First, Simon Martin texted me to say that the emendations he'd prepared have now been approved by the Doctoral Committee at Massey University.  Simon will, therefore, become capped (together with Jacinta Hawkins) at the next round of capping awards for Massey University and thus will become 'Doc Martin'.  But then, today, as a second piece of wonderful news, Philip Harkness suddenly appeared at the front door. 

I'd seen his car pull up and he looked a tad grim.  But the grimness quickly turned to grinningness as he showed me the letter telling me that the examination board at the University of Auckland had approved the awarding of his degree (subject to a few minor tweaks of typos).  He'd tried to keep a serious counternance but couldn't maintain that facade.   

Philip will, therefore become capped during the next round of academic ceremonies and thus will become 'Doctor Phil'.  Not bad for a lifelong learner who's nearer the octogenarian phase of life than he probably cares to admit.

So there we have it, additions to the growing list of scholars who have succeeded after working with us at the Woodhill Park Research Retreat.  They are all to be congratulated and the wonderful thing is that there are more success stories pending.  Watch this space.