The Institute of Physics runs a scheme called 'Lab in a Lorry' which tours the country and encourages children to engage with science by running fun experiments. They rely on volunteers from local businesses to support the scheme and, as I have done it before, I was keen to help and support science and local kids.
It was a busy day, learning the experiments and the bits of kit for the children to see and use. It is very practical so I had to make sure that I knew the kit. The best part was the key-hole surgery. The kids had to operate on a dummy to remove a swallowed bolt using an endoscope and key-hole surgery techniques - they were all faster and more skilled than me....
Whenever I have to teach or train anyone in work or elsewhere, I appreciate how challenging it must be for the teachers who do it day in and day out in schools around the Bolton West constituency.
As an engineer and having worked for years in manufacturing and science in the North West of England, I hope that schemes like this encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers.