Fry named as 'pipesmoker of the year'

Comedian and novelist Stephen Fry was receiving the Pipesmoker of the Year award today.

The star, whose television shows include Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster and A Bit of Fry and Laurie, was receiving a gold-mounted pipe for his dedication to pipesmoking.

He follows a long list of famous personalities to win the award, which is presented annually by The Pipesmokers’ Council.

Comedian Eric Morecambe won in 1970, Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson in 1978 and cricketer Ian Botham in 1988.

Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson won in 1965 and 1976 and was named Pipesmoker of the Decade for the 1970s.

Fry was to receive his award at a special luncheon at London’s Savoy Hotel in The Strand at 12 noon.

He was expected to make a speech and be given a pipe that reflects his career as well as the gold-mounted award, which he keeps for a year.

In the past, Russ Abbott was handed a pipe shaped like a television and, in 1992, Tony Benn MP received a replica Big Ben.

Douglas Hewat, chairman of the council, said Fry had smoked a pipe since his student days at Queen’s College, Cambridge.

He added: “Stephen Fry was the perfect choice as he is a renowned British personality, famous for his acting, writing and presenting.

“For us he really is the archetypal English gentleman.”

The event was launched in 1964 and raises money for the Tobacco Trade Benevolent Association, a charity which assists ex-workers of the tobacco industry.

Fry was chosen to receive the award after consumers, businesses and members of the council voted for him.