A special visit, starting in Cambridge
The adventure started in our Cambridge home, based at the Trinity Centre on Cambridge Science Park.
Here the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Francis Burkitt DL – in full regalia – including velvet coat, breeches, sword and cocked hat – spent time with children and families, joining them on the fun, hands-on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exhibits, and observing the I Spy Ecology Lab activity. He shares:
“I loved the buzz, the noise, the laughter, the running-around – that’s how to introduce young children to the joys of STEM. The exhibits and displays are brilliantly-designed and very intuitive and engaging, and the Science Communicators were fantastic in sharing their love of their subjects with the children.”
A moment of unexpected fame
Having participated in an impromptu interview with ITV Anglia News who were there filming a package for the 6pm regional news about the importance of engaging young minds in STEM and our collaboration with Illumina – he then departed for Wisbech.
Experiencing our Fen-based Centre first hand, alongside the Mayor of Wisbech
At our Fen-based home in the Horsefair Shopping Centre (EXT LINK), the High Sheriff was welcomed with another special guest, Mayor of Wisbech, Cllr Lucie Foice-Beard.
The two dignitaries enthusiastically immersed themselves in the activities -witnessing a custard explosion, trying their hands at making wind tunnel seed spinners and playing with bridge building – commenting about how important it is to have such interactive and fun science activities available, at no charge, for 4-11 year olds in this, often underserved, part of the region.
Recognising the talent and dedication of our specialist Science Communicators
High Sheriff’s “Certificates of Appreciation” were accepted by representatives of our Science Communicator teams at both Centres, recognising the vital contribution they make every day: opening young minds to the transformative opportunities of STEM.
Why meeting families in the Fens matters
Rebecca Porter, CEO of Cambridge Science Centre, adds:
“The High Sheriff’s visit was particularly significant, because he was keen to experience both of our Centres in a single day. The journey from Cambridge to Wisbech is not simply a journey between two places. In many ways, it reflects the very real gap in access to opportunity that exists for children across our region.
Cambridge sits at the heart of one of the most extraordinary science and technology clusters in the world, yet travel just an hour into the Fens and too many children are growing up with far less access to the people, places and experiences that can connect them to that opportunity. Talent and curiosity are not determined by postcode, but opportunity still too often is.
That is why our work matters. We are determined to bridge that gap, taking the inspiration, confidence and possibilities of STEM to children wherever they live and whatever their background. For Francis to make that journey with us, to meet children and our Science Communicators in both communities and to see that contrast first-hand, was incredibly powerful. If we want the success of our region to be genuinely inclusive, every child needs to be able to see themselves as part of its future.”
An unforgettable experience
Having spent a significant amount of time with people at both Centres, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire is keen to encourage more of the region’s representatives and businesses to support the Charity’s work:
“We need to get more children following STEM subjects in secondary school and beyond. That’s where many of their better job opportunities will be; that’s how we’ll reduce regional inequalities; and that’s how Cambridgeshire and the UK will thrive. Most children subconsciously decide before they’re 12 whether STEM is going to be for them, so we need to encourage them very early on.
The Cambridge Science Centre deserves our praise and thanks for providing that encouragement, and doing so round the county. Its impact is already clear. I’d urge individuals, businesses and institutions to get involved and back the charity in whatever way you can. It’s doing great things for the future of our city and county.”
Learn more
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Discover how we work with partners to create magical STEM experiences that have life-long impact for children across our region by reaching out to our Corporate Partnerships Manager David Bord, on davidbord@cambridgesciencecentre.org
