Coachmakers reach out at Makerspace

If you ever want to know why we join the Coachmakers, visit Imperial College London’s Reach Out Makerspace in White City – originally ‘discovered’ for us by Past Master Group Captain Marcus Wills CVO OBE and Liveryman John Blauth, and now front and centre of Assistant Eric Wallbank’s Charity Committee focus.

It is a marvellous, inspirational workshop enabling young people from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to create incredible things.

The first visit at the end of March took place with the Master leading a visit by five Coachmakers to see the Move Up Maker Challenge, which we sponsor.

The centre is run by an amazing woman called Kate Mulcahy. She exudes enthusiasm and energy. She showed us many of the projects under way. That can involve 3D printing, electronics, computer programming or even leather work and embroidery. What was great to see, is previous winners give up their time to guide the new cohorts through their challenges. This is typified by Aaron who cites the Makerspace opportunity to help him with his career. Aaron progressed from the Maker Challenge to the Move Up Maker Challenge and is now a Graduate Apprentice at Airbus. The Master and Chair of the Charity Committee intend to video some of the marvellous successes to demonstrate some of the Coachmakers’ supported projects.

The next visit took place in early April for the Maker Challenge finale, where 40 young persons and their parents gathered for the prize giving. Projects, all devised by the students, included Ali with his electromagnetic train, Deniz with his acrylic plastic recycling system, Roxy and her music page turning machine, and Aizza with her portable sound-cancelling desks.

The overall winner was Louis with his project, Pollution Detection Traffic System. Tackling high levels of pollution, this project reimagines city living by using live pollution data to control traffic lights and thereby reduce traffic congestion. His working prototype used a clever combination of electronics, Arduino coding and woodwork to bring this sustainable concept to tackle air pollution to life. We look forward to our return visit to see the progress being made.