Woman, 79, notches up third degree
Open UniversityA retired sub-postmistress has notched up her third academic degree at the age of 79.
Pat and Ivan Wetherell, from Middlesbrough, both completed Open University (OU) courses in the 1970s when their children were small, having to buy a television set especially to do so.
Later, Pat went on to gain a further degree at Teesside University and has now graduated with an MA in History from the OU.
Rather then calling it a day, she said she is considering going for a doctorate as "you are never too old".
The couple, who have now been married for 60 years, felt they had missed out academically, so jumped at the chance to further their education when the OU started in 1971.
However, while nowadays much of the studying can be completed online, it was different in those days.
Pat said: "We'd always vowed we'd never have a television, but we had to go off and buy one because the lessons were broadcast.
"We also learned through units coming through the letterbox."
Ivan chose Maths and Pat Humanities and Understanding Society and they worked together for about 10 hours a week.
She said: "When the children were in bed on an evening we were at each end of the table with our books out.
"Those were the days."
Family photoFollowing her first graduation Pat decided knowledge was "fantastic".
"But the more I've learnt, the more I realise I don't know", she said.
Another degree followed in 1994, this time a BA in history from Teesside University.
She said: "I was just curious.
"I wanted to know the difference between an OU degree and one from a traditional university."
'Very proud'
While working as a sub-postmistress in the ex-mining community of Charltons, near Guisborough, she became interested in its local history.
"I would hear little stories by the ex-miners and their wives", she said.
"It really enthralled me. I collected memorabilia and taped interviews.
"And then my son got a masters, my great niece got a masters and I thought 'I think I will try and get a masters as well'."
This time, she once again opted for the OU.
She had not attended her two previous graduation ceremonies, but her family insisted she did this time and were there to see it.
"My son was overwhelmed", she said.
"When I walked on the platform there was tears running down his face."
Ivan described himself as a "very proud husband, with a very clever wife".
He added: "I am showing her photo in her gown to anybody who stands still long enough.
As for the future, Pat is "thinking" about a PhD.
"I am 80 in September so maybe I should call it a day, but I don't want to.
"You are never too old. If you have got any doubts, just go for it!"