Chelmsford Innovation: Marconi and Beyond

Chelmsford Innovation: Marconi and Beyond

A special exhibition showcasing innovation from the last 100 years to the present day

Chelmsford has been a world-renowned centre of scientific and technological innovation for well over 100 years, and still is today. Among other things, Chelmsford is home to the world's first wireless (later radio) factory, the world's first river water treatment plant and the world's first colour digital camera – and that's just from within the last century. Today, companies in Chelmsford continue to build the technology of the future, with high-tech developments in fields as diverse as space, medicine, communications and defence. The impact of industry in Chelmsford on all of our lives is incredible.

A collaboration between ARU, CSES, Chelmsford Civic Society and the Marconi Veterans' Association, this exhibition will tell a part of that story, revealing how household names such as Marconi are echoed in the modern age. It will take place in ARU's Marconi building, which was opened by Princess Elettra Marconi Giovanelli, the daughter of Guglielmo Marconi, in 2010, on ARU's Chelmsford campus.

The exhibition will open on Wednesday, 22 June and will run on specific days until Friday, 15 July. Attendees need to book their place – more information and full details of times can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chelmsford-innovation-marconi-and-beyond-tickets-324804377637.

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CSES Spring 2022 Programme: Talks, dinner and new book

We know that many of our members would like to know when we will be returning to 'in-person' activities. The short answer is: now.

We are delighted to announce three talks (one accompanied by a new book!) and our 2022 annual dinner, all coming up in the next few weeks.

We have several school and family activities planned for summer and then intend to return to a full programme in the autumn (restrictions permitting). Read on for more details...


Wednesday 11 May: The 2023 World Solar Challenge

Wednesday 11 May: The 2023 World Solar Challenge

An exciting free evening talk, to be held at Anglia Ruskin University, with the Cambridge University Eco-Racing Team. Book now via our website.

Tuesday 17 May: The Centenary of British Radio Broadcasting

Tuesday 17 May: The Centenary of British Radio Broadcasting

An illustrated lecture by Tim Wander to be held in Writtle, celebrating 100 years since radio broadcasting first began there. Book now via Eventbrite.

Accompanied by a new, limited edition book – only 300 copies – published in in the centenary year of the 2MT radio station (and the BBC!). Each book signed and numbered by the author – 208 Pages Full Colour A4.

With many new, previously published and colourised photographs (see full article for example).

The complete story of Britain's first regular scheduled radio station that changed the world.

Visit 2mtwrittle100.co.uk to order your copy.

Monday 23 May: The Centenary CSES Curry Evening

Monday 23 May: The Centenary CSES Curry Evening

Our annual dinner for 2022 takes the form of a celebratory curry at Pakwaan Indian Punjabi Cuisine in Writtle to mark the centenary of radio broadcasting. Book now via our website.

Wednesday 25 May: Soft Robotics

Wednesday 25 May: Soft Robotics

Also at Anglia Ruskin University. Book now via our website.


Looking forward to the summer, we will be holding the CSES TEXPO (formerly the Schools' Engineering and Technology Competition) and announcing the winners of our photographic competition. Both are open now – enter via our website.

We will also be holding a full weekend of fun experimental activities for all the family (Do and Discover) as part of the Chelmsford Festival in June.

Assuming all remains well with Covid restrictions, we expect to return to a full calendar of talks and regular socials in the autumn. We look forward to seeing you there!

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CSES Curry Evening to celebrate 2MT/BBC Centenary

CSES Curry Evening to celebrate 2MT/BBC Centenary

Monday 23 May 2022, Pakwaan Indian Punjabi Cuisine, Writtle

Click here to book your place(s).

Members and guests are invited to join us to celebrate 100 years since radio broadcasting first began in Writtle.

Did you know that the world's first radio station started in Writtle in 1922? Called 2MT ("Two Emma Toc"), this humble – and somewhat experimental – enterprise operating from a small hut ultimately became the BBC as we know it today.

Exactly 100 years ago, Marconi Company engineers sat in the snug of the old Cock and Bell Inn – now the site of the Pakwaan – and planned the first ever scheduled radio broadcasts in the form of concerts to be aired by 2MT. The success of this station, under Captain Peter Eckersley, led directly to the start of the BBC.

We invite you to join us for a special one-off evening to celebrate this significant milestone. Like those Marconi engineers 100 years ago, this is an opportunity to eat, drink, and maybe even change the world...

5pm – History Walk of significant Writtle sites with historians Alan Pamphilon and Tim Wander (meet in the restaurant car park)

7pm – Dinner followed by speech and presentation of commemorative plaque

Click here to see the menu – 1920s dress encouraged!

The restaurant is all ours for the evening with an excellent set menu with all the trimmings to choose from. The after-dinner speaker will be Writtle 2MT and Marconi historian Tim Wander, and a plaque will be presented to the restaurant owners.

Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked by Monday 16 May. Click here to book.

We look forward to seeing you there! Read on for a little more of the story...

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British Science Week 2022

British Science Week 2022

11–20 March 2022

One of the major aims of our society is to raise awareness about both the achievements and challenges of science, engineering, and all things technological. As we continue to develop our educational activities, we are working to align what we do with both focal points in the local calendar and the national and global picture.

There are many national and international celebrations, some of which are dedicated to areas of science and engineering; these are occasions designed to educate the public on issues of concern, and to help mobilise political will and resources to address national and global problems.

We are co-ordinating some of our activities around selected STEM celebrations, either by simply providing information or by organising specific activities to use these as a springboard for raising awareness.

Please think about volunteering to help CSES contribute to or organise an event next year to celebrate:

British Science Week, 11–20 March

Please contact us if you're interested.

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022

Friday 11 February 2022

One of the major aims of our society is to raise awareness about both the achievements and challenges of science, engineering, and all things technological. As we continue to develop our educational activities, we would we like to ensure that – as far as possible – we link what we do into both the national and global picture.

There are many national and international celebrations, some of which are dedicated to areas of science and engineering; these are occasions designed to educate the public on issues of concern, and to help mobilise political will and resources to address national and global problems.

As we continue to develop our activities, we will try to co-ordinate some of our activities around selected STEM celebrations, either by simply providing information or by organising specific activities to use these as a springboard for raising awareness.

Please think about volunteering to help CSES contribute to or organise an event next year to celebrate:

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February

Please contact us if you're interested.

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CSES on show at British Science Festival

CSES on show at British Science Festival

On Saturday 11 September 2021, Anglia Ruskin University hosted a family day for the British Science Festival, which was held in Essex for the first time in its 180-year history. This came about through planning for the 2020 CSES Centenary (albeit delayed by a year), which also led to Essex 2020 – A Year of Science and Creativity.

CSES was delighted to host a major stand / attraction at the festival, which saw over 5,000 people attend the ARU Chelmsford campus in one day! With our partners STEM Learning and STEAM Powered Education, and help from STEM Ambassadors, visitors to the CSES 'dome' were treated to an egg drop challenge, paper rockets, an earthquake table and many other fun, hands-on experimental activities for all the family. Over 400 families took part!

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British Science Festival Programme Launched

British Science Festival

The full programme for the British Science Festival 2021 has been launched and will transform the city of Chelmsford into a celebration of science and culture

The British Science Association (BSA) has unveiled the full programme and opened bookings for the British Science Festival 2021. The rescheduled event is set to be one of the most ambitious science festivals in the UK since the start of the pandemic, with over 100 free events taking place during the five days of the Festival.

This year's programme has been specially curated to highlight the region’s strength in sustainability, healthcare and social sciences. The British Science Festival will offer a mix of outdoor talks, immersive installations, and indoor events that delve into the stories, ideas and the people behind science and innovation.

On Saturday 11 September, join us at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, for a fun filled Family Science Day. Take part in lunar expeditions, have fun with bubbles and clouds and explore your health and fitness. From Medical Mavericks and an appearance from Spiderman, there is truly something for everyone.

To book your FREE tickets for the Family Science Day, visit www.aru.ac.uk/events.

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Programme launch 2021-2022

Programme launch 2021-2022

First events announced for our upcoming season

We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2021-2022 programme, featuring talks, days out and family-friendly activities. As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, and following the success of the British Science Festival and ARU Family Science Day, we are beginning to return to "in-person" events and hope to resume our social programme in 2022.

Please save the dates for our exciting events for autumn / winter 2021:

Note that some details are still to be confirmed; we will update the listings on our website in due course. Please do register your interest in the meantime by booking where appropriate.

Also a reminder that our Centenary Photographic Competition 2021 is still open until 15 October, and our Fresh Air – Fresh Thinking project is kicking off this month. We are still looking for volunteers!

We hope to see you at these events and more in 2022. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting CSES.

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British Science Festival: 7-11 September

British Science Festival

The British Science Festival 2021 is underway in Chelmsford, transforming the city into a celebration of science and culture

BOOK NOW for the British Science Festival 2021. One of the most ambitious science festivals in the UK since the start of the pandemic, with over 100 free events taking place over five days.

This year's programme has been specially curated to highlight the region’s strength in sustainability, healthcare and social sciences. The British Science Festival will offer a mix of outdoor talks, immersive installations, and indoor events that delve into the stories, ideas and the people behind science and innovation.

On Saturday 11 September, join us at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, for a fun filled Family Science Day. Take part in lunar expeditions, have fun with bubbles and clouds and explore your health and fitness. From Medical Mavericks and an appearance from Spiderman, there is truly something for everyone.

To book your FREE tickets for the Family Science Day, visit www.aru.ac.uk/events.

BODY: An outdoor immersive journey through six different body zones mixing human biology with light, special effects, sound and fire. Open 8-10pm daily, Guy Harlings (Chelmsford Cathedral).
BODY: An outdoor immersive journey through six different body zones mixing human biology with light, special effects, sound and fire. Open 8-10pm daily, Guy Harlings (Chelmsford Cathedral).

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The Buildings that Fought Hitler - Featuring Baddow Tower

The Buildings that Fought Hitler - Featuring Baddow Tower

UKTV's Specialist factual channel Yesterday is airing an eight part series on the buildings that helped fight Hitler. CSES's Chris Neale tells the series about Baddow Tower.

Airing every Monday from April 19th, The Buildings that Fought Hitler is an eight part series exploring the range of buildings, structures and engineering that would help defend Britain in the case of Nazi invasion.

Chris Neale, CSES's Programme Manager, helps present a segment describing the role that Baddow Tower, one of the original Chain Home Radar Towers, played in the defence of the country.

You can see Chris in episode 4, broadcast on Monday 10 May at 8pm. Catch up on UKTV Play.

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