Ruth Salter - Christ Church Extra Award

On April 23rd, I volunteered at Sandford Mill's annual "Marconi's birthday bash", the founder of a local factory. Although I volunteered at my local museum primarily for experience working in a historical environment, I agreed to help out on this day which was mainly a Science related day.

For some of the day, I sat with a lady who was previously a science teacher, and we had a number of demonstrations to show children, and for them to try themselves. This mainly consisted of electric circuits, and also an exercise bike that powered a light which many were interested in. As this is not really my area of expertise, I was not able to contribute very greatly, but I did learn alongside the children. These demonstrations happened in the Barn, which is where the below photos were also taken. There were several other stalls and demonstrations in the Barn, including a company with drones who allowed the children to fly them around the barn (supervised of course!) and children were given the opportunity to make their own rockets and compete to see who's would fly the highest.

In addition to this, I was also asked to assist some older ladies in the "Pump room" where refreshments were being sold to members of the public. This was slightly more in my comfort zone, especially as I could have free drinks as a volunteer! But also because the ladies I spoke with, I was able to discuss my studies at uni and what I am hoping will be the subject of my dissertation. They gave me some advice and one of the ladies is even friends with a local historian with a similar field to my interest.

Sadly the event was not particularly popular, and with an hour to go, I found myself at a loose end and asked if I could leave early. I was allowed to leave, and even offered a lift home as a thank you for my help.

Overall the day was not quite what I was expecting, but it was interesting nonetheless perhaps in part due to the location and the other volunteers I spoke with.