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DENIS Whiteside, 60, and his wife Hilda, 57
Degree aged 60 is s-mashing Denis
Laura Lynott13/ 7/2006
A SIXTY-year-old man from Weaste is planning a student night out after gaining a first class degree in fine art.
Grandfather-of-three Denis Whiteside achieved one of the highest grades from a class of 20-somethings at the University of Bolton.
The old aged art student was awe-struck when he opened the post to a certificate confirming he'd gained a top degree with honours.
He said: "It's an incredible thing to get a first at my time of life. It's amazing how many people have urged me on to do this. I wanted to make everyone proud, but never expected this."
A college drop-out almost 40 years prior, Denis went back to his studies three years ago, after being made redundant from his paint spraying job of 32 years.
He said: "I studied art for two years in the 60s but I was too young then. I was like any other 21-year-old, busy with flower power and free love."
Young at heart, Denis says he'll miss university after taking to student life like a duck to water. He worked and played hard and even went out on typical student nights out.
A one-time Beatles and Bob Dylan fan, Denis even found a new love for music on his course and now prefers the sounds of modern Manchester bands Doves and I am Kloot - something his wife, Hilda, 57, has had to get used to.
He said: "Student life isn't that different to when I was young. The music my friends are into reminds me of music that was around in the '60s. It's certainly not Abba."
An artist in residence at the Bridgewater Gallery on Legh Street, Patricroft, Denis, graduates on Thursday at the Bolton campus, is sad to be leaving.
He said: "Just because I'm 60, and I've gained a top degree doesn't mean I'll rest on my laurels.
"I'll always paint and I want to get my work out there. But I will really miss my young friends. I'm only a big kid at heart you see."
Denis's paintings can be viewed on the gallery's website at: www.bridgewaterstudios.co.uk
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I'm very proud of my brother and hope he gets the recognition he deserves.
Congratulations Denis.
24/07/2006 at 09:11