An Almost Famous Journey: The Story of Fred Ogden
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Hello, I am Fred Ogden, a regular guy from Oldham, and here’s my story:
My Biography: Just a Lad from Oldham
I was born in a modest terraced house in Oldham, a town in North West England known for its cotton mills and pollution. Over the years, Oldham has been home to several notable figures, including Louise Brown, the first test-tube baby, who was born in the same hospital as my daughter.
Another notable Oldhamite is Brian Cox, an acclaimed astrophysicist. In 2010, he received the Kelvin Medal from the Institute of Physics for his efforts in making science accessible to the public.
Oldham also has ties to Winston Churchill, who was first elected as an MP for the area in 1900.
Common Threads with Brian Cox
Brian and I share several similarities: - Our accents are quite alike. - We both pursued scientific careers: he as a physicist, and I as a biologist. - We are alumni of Manchester University, holding BSc (Hons) degrees. - We both excel in communicating science internationally. - We both have received Gold Medals for our contributions to science communication—mine in 1992 and Brian's in 2010.
We were raised in Oldham and are both ardent supporters of Oldham Athletic, a football club sometimes humorously referred to as "almost famous."
The key difference between Brian and me is that I became a licensed real estate agent later in life, while he still has time to continue his scientific pursuits.
A Humble Saying
There’s a saying that goes: "You can take the lad out of Oldham, but you can’t take Oldham out of the lad!" I often sing a song when introducing myself:
"I Went Up to Heaven"
Lyrics: I went up to heaven one morning in May. The angels said: “Where d’ya come from? And where do ya stay?” When I told them “from Oldham,” well they all did stare! They said: “Come in lad, you’re welcome. You’re the first one from there!”
My Journey in Theology and Beyond
Alongside my academic journey, I have a passion for theology, influenced by my upbringing in a Christian household. I became a follower of Jesus and later a preacher in both the Methodist Church in England and the Uniting Church in Australia, where I've resided since 1990.
Today, I still identify as a follower of Jesus but have adopted a broader perspective on religion and spirituality, including respect for other religions and atheism.
Influences That Shape My Perspective
Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi, known as the Great Soul, was a profound thinker who studied various religions. Here are two quotes from him that resonate with me:
- "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians: Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
- "There is no religion higher than Truth & Righteousness. Suppose one man admits the existence of God but lives a life of falsehood, while another knows not the name of God but lives a life of truth. Can there be any doubt as to which should be regarded as truly religious?"
Karen Armstrong: A prominent commentator on comparative religion, Armstrong received the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medal in 2008. Her works are highly recommended. From her book "The Case for God," I appreciate these insights:
- "We are seeing a great deal of strident dogmatism today, but there is also a growing appreciation of the value of 'unknowing'."
- "One of the conditions of enlightenment has always been a willingness to let go of what we thought we knew."
These reflections encourage everyone—religious or atheist—to continue searching for truth.
My Approach to Teaching
I advocate for critical thinking in church settings, reminding congregants not to "leave your brains at the door." While I’ve penned numerous sermons, I value action over mere words, echoing Gandhi's sentiment that "an ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching."
A Brief Profile
I am an ex-international educator, teacher, and lecturer, now based in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. I am reachable at [email protected] for speaking engagements.
My Professional Timeline
- England:
- BSc (Hons) from Manchester & Teaching Certificate from London.
- Teacher at three schools in Northern England.
- Senior Lecturer in Biology at Durham College.
- Lesotho:
- Science Education Specialist for experimental schools.
- England:
- Education & Science Adviser for the UK Education Authority.
- Life Member of the Royal Society of Biology.
- Kiribati:
- Head of Education at Tarawa Teachers’ College.
- Papua New Guinea:
- Head of Health Department at a Community College.
- Australia:
- Senior Teacher of Chemistry and recipient of the Gold Medal for Excellence in Science Teaching.
After retiring from academia, I pursued a career in real estate, opening my agency in Townsville, Queensland, which I ran for 15 years.
Still Almost Famous
While I’ve crafted hundreds of lectures and stories, I often humorously refer to myself as "Almost Famous." My writing journey began in earnest in late 2020, and I have published around 200 pieces since then.
My Stories and Songs
I’ve always been a storyteller and have written many short stories, finding my voice later in life.
Gospel Songs: - "Trust the Savior" - "Did You Know?" - "Are You Willing?"
A Love Song: - "Princess Khatija," dedicated to my wife.
A Protest Song: - "Mr P (Blind Eyes Do Not See)."
If you’re interested in my work or would like to see the lyrics to any of my songs, feel free to reach out.
My Writing Journey
It took me a while to publish my first story, but now I'm actively writing and exploring new themes.
A Life Motto
As William Sparrow said, “Seek the truth, come whence it may, cost what it will.”
Written by Fred: Almost Famous * © Fred Ogden (this bio is updated periodically).