Simon at LSBU

Bermondsey's very own Sir Simon Hughes was today installed as the Chancellor of London South Bank University.

It brought together some of his great passions, south London and the cause of education. The ambassadorial role of the chancellor will play to one of Simon's great strengths - his amazing ability to network and connect with all kinds of people in all walks of life.

Today's ceremony included (with a nod to the Hughes heritage) the choir of the Welsh Chapel at Borough, the choir of Bacon's College (the CoE school in Rotherhithe of which he is chair of governors), and the LSBU singers singing 'Waterloo Sunset'

Sitting there in the Purcell Room of the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the foot of Waterloo Bridge, and thinking of LSBU's origin and location on the South Bank, it seemed strangely appropriate to hear that song by the Kinks;

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling, rolling into the night
People so busy, make me feel dizzy, taxi light shines so bright
But I don't, need no friends
As long as I gaze on Waterloo Sunset, I am in paradise
Every day I look at the world from my window

Chilly chilly is the evening time, Waterloo sunset's fine

An enormously wide range of people had been invited by Simon to the event - from the community in Bermondsey, from Parliament, from other places where he had served and lived, including MPs from all three main parties, Lords, Ladies, and an Olympic champion.

In his speech he welcomed the Head Boy and Head Girl of St James's School (who were present with vice-chair, Jim Hutchinson), and in thanking all those who had loved and supported him over the years he gave thanks for 'my God and my church family.'

It was a very special occasion, a mixture of formality and informality, all marked by that wonderful Hughes care and concern for everyone.

LSBU have a worthy ambassador for their university in their new chancellor.