If the panel had $3m dollars how would they encourage more engagement in Science

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Science
At St Helen and St Katherine School this evening there was a panel discussion at the start of the ATOM Festival – The Abingdon-on-Thames Festival of Science and Technology.
Science
The question for the all female panel was ‘If you had $3m dollars how would you encourage more engagement in Science’. The speakers were: Shefali Sharma, Steph Hills (former student at St Helen and St Katherine), Dr Jess Hamer, Vicki Potter, and Dr Suze Kundu.

The speakers said how Science and Technology is very important in the modern world. And that diversity is important in a team working on science and technology. A wider range of minds help to find and solve the issues facing society.

Each speaker had a different way to spend the money. But it would be fair to say they all wanted to overcome physical access issues, and increase access to Science whatever people’s gender, ethnicity, and social background. Steph Hills said she would use the money to make all science facilities accessible. Having blown the $3m budget on that she suggested ways to encourage diversity for free.

It was recognised some people get put off doing Science. Top grades in Science and Maths at A Level is not the only way into a Science career. Apprenticeships with practical making and engineering skills can also lead people to work on important science programmes. One speaker mentioned conversion programmes to get people into Science who get interested in Science and Technology later in life.
Science
After hearing all the discussion, members of the audience voted on their top priority for the $3m. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has the acronym STEM). Here are the results:
Science
Improved teaching came out top. Dr Jess Hamer said there is a shortage of Maths and Science teachers in the state schools. To remedy that she suggested ensuring teaching is more valued by society; it should be better paid; teachers should be allowed to teach their specialisms early on; and have more autonomy.

New stiles and signs from Stonehill Lane

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New styles and signs
There is a walk across the fields from Stonehill Lane (Oday Hill) to South Abingdon ending at Kensington Close. There is a lot of work going on around Stonehill Lane as the quarries are extended. A new access road has been built and as a result the walk across the fields has gained some new stiles to cross the access road.
New styles and signs
There are also new footpath signs so it is clearer than it used to be at the Stonehill Lane end. The footpath is not so obvious if you start from South Abingdon. One of the minor roads off Kensington Close is called Stonehill Walk. The way and leads from Abingdon to Drayton.

Clubs and Societies Day – 3 of 3 – Council Chamber

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The last room I visited was the grand Council Chamber where the large portraits of royalty and Abingdonians looked down on Clubs and Societies Day, hosted by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Margaret Crick.
Clubs and Societies Day
Abingdon Horticulural Society have their Spring Show on Saturday the 6th of April at the Northcourt Centre from 2pm until 4pm. Members compete in classes for Spring Flowers, Baking, Photographs and  Handicrafts. There is a special section for young people to enter a range of exhibits. The Mayor of Abingdon will present the prizes to winning exhibitors at 4pm. The entrance fee for non members is £1. There will be a plant stall and refreshments will be available.
Clubs and Societies Day
The ABCD Film Society are nearing the end of their annual programme of films at the Abbey Centre off Audlett Drive. They have a special event on 28th March when the film Cold War will be introduced by Polish Historian, Hubert Zuwadzki.
Clubs and Societies Day
Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire (ARCh) are on the look out for more volunteers to give additional help listening to children read. Children are specially chosen by schools, and volunteers go through a specially designed training programme.
Clubs and Societies Day
 Abingdon Music Centre help Abingdon people make music whatever their age. They run a wide variety of groups from learning instruments like guitars and recorders to being part of a choir or orchestra.
Clubs and Societies Day
 Abingdon Fitzharrys WI was formed in 1966 and continues to flourish with more than 40 members. They meet at The Northcourt Centre on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Abingdon Lions were recently featured on the blog for their fund raising and charity work. They were in the Council Chamber near the Gainsboroughs.

Clubs and Societies Day – 2 of 3 – Magistrates Room

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Clubs and Societies Day
On the second part of covering the Clubs and Societies Day, we are in the Magistrates Court, and the first view is from the dock – looking down.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment visited the event in the search of new volunteers.  They had details of their forthcoming events,  including one at Cropredy, and information about just how easy it is to have a taster at a reenactment weekend. They have an Oxford group. Their website is http://earlofmanchesters.co.uk
Clubs and Societies Day
The South Abingdon Family Centre had a stall manned by Lesley Legge who is the chairman of trustees. Also at the stall is Michael Matthews, a governor of Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon – who have supported the Family Centre. Michael was the Mayor of the Borough of Abingdon in 1972/3. Lesley was the Mayor of Abingdon 2000/2001.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Abingdon Astronomical Society were there for anybody interested in astronomy who would like to meet fellow enthusiasts. They will will help you appreciate and understand stars and the universe, and give advice on telescopes and equipment.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Friends of Abingdon were there with a stall. One of their initiatives is  the AbiBinit litter picking Initiative led by Helen.  There will be a River & River Bank Clean-up on Saturday 13th April. You can also do an Anytime Litter Pick. Email South and Vale Waste Team for bags and a litter picker.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Abbey Meadow Lacemakers were demonstrating lacemaking near the judges bench. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month at Preston Road Community Centre.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Abingdon Bowling Club told me that they are happy for people to look in and watch when they have a match at the Albert Park Green. They have taster sessions on Friday 17 May from 5pm.
Clubs and Societies Day
I learned that there are two Fencing Clubs in Abingdon. The Abingdon Fencing Club  were in the Magistrates Court. Normally they meet at St Helen and St Katherine School. A new adult Taster Session is being launched and will take place on the 4th Thursday of each month, costing £5 per person.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Friends of Abingdon Community Hospital do an excellent job demonstrating the community support for the local hospital which is so important to keep. Their fund raising helps buy equipment for the hospital.

Tomorrow we go to the Council Chamber.