Jay Blades made chancellor of former university and receives honorary doctorate

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jay Blades has become the first chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University and received an honorary doctorate for his significant contribution to furniture-making and crafts and community work during an investiture ceremony. TV presenter and furniture restorer Blades said BNU is “woven” into his history and DNA and “always feels like coming home” when talking about being invested as the university’s inaugural chancellor. “I know that our students will be inspired by Jay’s example as they similarly seek to make a real difference to their communities, to society and in their chosen careers.” Blades is now working with the university to develop furniture-related programmes and more than 570 students have benefitted from the Jay Blades Thrive Bursary since September, which sees the university support students from low-income families and areas of high deprivation in Blades’ honour. “Today our university community celebrates Jay’s many achievements as we look forward to all that lies ahead during his chancellorship.” Blades has starred in The Repair Shop since its launch in 2017.