From Luton With Love - Bond Composer Comes Home To Receive Uni Award

The man behind many of the Bond film music themes, including the latest box office hit 'Quantum of Solace', returned to his home town of Luton last week to receive an honorary award from the University of Bedfordshire.
David Arnold, who is best known for scoring no less than five James Bond films, the hit film 'Independence Day', and the cult television series 'Little Britain', was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the film and television industry. The Grammy award-winner was also commended for his work with aid agency CARE International.
Speaking at the ceremony at St. Mary's Church Luton in front of more than 100 graduates from the University's Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, David said: "I am truly humbled to receive this honorary award amongst such fine graduates, especially in healthcare which is so close to me with regards to the work of CARE International."
David, an ambassador for CARE International in the UK, is currently working on a project in Rwanda, to build a music centre for children whose parents were murdered or have been orphaned by Aids.
Born in Luton in 1962, David attended Beechwood Junior School and Challney High School for Boys where he began his interest in music under the late Colin Smith. After completing A Levels at Sixth Form College, his film and television career began at 33 Guildford Street where he became friends with budding director Danny Cannon.
On receiving his award, David said: "This is my greatest Luton achievement."
With immense talent and versatility, David's filmography career includes a hugely impressive portfolio of some 30 films and television series including the comedy show 'Little Britain' - for which he won the Royal Television Society Award for Best Theme Music.
A multiple BAFTA and Ivor Novello nominee and winner, David was recently named a Fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers alongside such other Fellows as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and John Barry. He has also collaborated with such popular musical artists as The Cardigans, Kaiser Chiefs, Massive Attack and Pulp, as well as solo artists Natasha Bedingfield, Damien Rice and Bjork.
(KMcA)