Young boffins flock to lab in the lorry

Science comes to the people this week as part of South Norfolk Council’s own week of events marking the BA Festival.

A science lab set up in a lorry rolls into Loddon Church Plain, and is expected to draw up to 150 budding boffins. Yesterday (Tuesday) it was in Wymondham market place and again drew crowds of youngsters.

By the time it leaves Loddon, pupils from schools in the town, in Cringleford, Bunwell, Seething and Stoke Holy Cross will have had the chance to get some hands-on scientific experience.

Council Leader Vivienne Clifford-Jackson is a champion of young people in the district and has made sure South Norfolk is part of the science festival. She said:

“Nothing turns young people onto science faster than a chance to get some hands-on experience right in their community.

"No matter what age, background, or level of understanding, we want to make the BA Festival of Science an experience for all to enjoy - and especially young people in our rural community.”

The Hethel Centre for Engineering near Wymondham, which opened earlier this year, is home to cutting-edge engineering practices and production processes. And on Monday it threw open its doors for children to enjoy making and designing their own air and balloon-powered buggies, build towers and test electrical circuits, while the adults tried out rapid prototyping and state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design.

Lotus also wowed the youngsters with the stunning racing bike they designed which helped Chris Boardman secure gold for Britain at the Olympics in 1992.

Councillor Eppie Zandvoort, who leads for South Norfolk on the economy, said:

“It’s been a great success so far, and there’s more to come.

"Science and invention have been at the heart of Britain’s success story and if we are going to stay successful, we have to bring science to where young people are, especially in our rural communities. Lab in the lorry does just that.”

Throughout this week, visitors can also learn about great historic and notable scientists who had connections with South Norfolk at an exhibition taking place at Whitlingham Visitor Centre.

It includes an insight into waste management - vital in the battle to save the environment - and into the fascinating creation of Whitlingham Broad itself. This exhibition is open every day from 10am until 7pm and runs until 9 September.

The week in South Norfolk reaches its climax with a debate on climate change and its effects on a typical wetland - in this case Whitlingham Broad.

The debate will follow a presentation by renowned scientist Dr David Viner, senior researcher at the University of East Anglia's world famous climatic unit. It will be followed by audience questions.

As Frances Cairncross, president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, warns of the catastrophic dangers to the environment of climate change and global warming, South Norfolk Council will also launch its Environment Strategy and sign up to the Nottingham Declaration.

Councillor Philip Waltham, who leads for South Norfolk on the environment said:

"Our environment strategy is the embodiment of the mantra - think globally, act locally. Some may ask what impact a rural district like ours can make, but if we took that view, the disaster Frances Cairncross forsees is inevitable.

"The point is everyone and every organisation can make an impact and must act now. This strategy is our determined and positive response to this challenge because the future of South Norfolk is in our hands."

A summary of the week’s events in South Norfolk, including for reference, those that took place earlier this week, is as follows:

1. The Science of South Norfolk and Whitlingham Broad Exhibition - Whitlingham Visitor Centre - Whitlingham Country Park: 2 to 9 September, 10am - 7pm This is an historical exhibition of the great and notable scientists who had connections with South Norfolk together with a pictorial exhibition of the engineering and environmental marvels of the creation of Whitlingham Broad. 2. Where’s Your Edge in Engineering - Hethel Engineering Centre, Monday 4 September, 1pm - 5pm

This demonstrated the latest innovations in engineering practice and production processes at the region’s newest engineering location. It included tours and seminars on how the techniques showcased at Hethel Engineering Centre push engineering innovation to the limit. 3. Lab in a Lorry - Loddon Church Plain, Wednesday 6 September 10am to 4pm. Yesterday it came to Wymondham Market Place.

This is an articulated lorry which houses a laboratory and brings science to the communities where people live and work. Up to 150 youngsters are expected to attend today's visit to Loddon and to get some hands-on science experience. 3. The Science behind Whitlingham Broad; Thursday 7 September, Whitlingham Visitor Centre, Whitlingham Broad 4pm - 8pm

A presentation from Dr David Viner of the UEA climatic research unit, followed by a question and answer session from the audience. There will also be Land Rover safaris and guided walks.

Also the launch of the South Norfolk Environment Strategy and signing of the Nottingham Declaration.

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