Why become an Ambassador?
“I am not a skilled engineer, I’m not a teacher, and before becoming an Ambassador for BLOODHOUND, I had never stood up and spoken in public,” says Ian Northeast. “But it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. However, we need more help – so please, consider joining the Project as an Ambassador.” Read Ian’s story to find out more…
By Ian Northeast
I got involved in the BLOODHOUND project by joining the 1K Club. I saw this as my chance to get close to what is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Basically, I am no different from anyone else out there; I just wanted to make the most of what was put in front of me.
Simply by joining the 1K Club I felt I had unprecedented access to the likes of Richard Noble, Andy Green and Ron Ayers. But it turned out to offer far more than that, as I’ve also met a lot of people who have become firm friends.
My lightbulb moment
During one of the 1K Club sessions, Richard and Andy explained the logic behind using BLOODHOUND as a means of getting British engineering back in the public eye, and then 1K Club Chairman Ian Glover described the Education side of the Project. What occurred to me was that, with a project like this, you want the best people designing and working on the Car. If, however, the same people were going to have to spend a lot of their time going to large public events and schools to give talks, then the Project itself was not going to get their full attention.
So here was a way that I could do something that would really benefit the Project. I could spread the word to anyone who couldn’t run fast enough to avoid me. This way the clever people could be off being clever and I could do something worthwhile.
My first experience was helping Richard (Noble) and Ian (Glover) at a small event at Brooklands Museum. I spent a very warm day chatting to people and listening to what Richard and Ian had to say about the Project. I then attended other public events (including the Autosport show at the NEC and the wonderful Goodwood Festival of Speed), again talking to the public and repeating what I had learned from the experts. When I was asked a question I wasn’t sure about, I made the effort to find the answer so I was ready for the next time.
Going back to school
By now I had really got the bug and made the decision to become a ‘proper’ education Ambassador. Once the paperwork was completed, I first spoke at the schools that my daughters had attended. One had a Science Week planned, so we agreed that my contribution would be a presentation, followed by building some balloon cars. I was taken aback when it became obvious that I was going to be talking to the entire school, but I did my homework and preparations. [Since I became an ambassador, BLOODHOUND has made several generic presentations available online, to support us on our visits.]
I’m not the most patient person when it comes to working with teenagers, but I have to say that teaching them by using BLOODHOUND as the subject matter is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The questions are brilliant and challenging. I have not yet been to a school where I haven’t laughed pretty much all day. There is nothing better than explaining a concept to a group and watching that ‘lightbulb’ moment when one of the students really gets it.
Join us – become a BLOODHOUND Ambassador
I am very fortunate that I am my own boss and can make myself available to go out during the week to act as an Ambassador for BLOODHOUND. However, there are loads of chances to talk to youth groups or adult organisations in the evenings or at weekends, where you can help to spread the news about the Project and inspire children and young people to explore STEM subjects and see what fun they can be.
As the Car gets closer to completion the Ambassador team is getting more requests to help out. We do our best to cover all these events, but sometimes it is hard to response to all of these and we really could do with more Ambassadors on the team to let us fully support the Project.
I had never done anything like this before, but I have met some amazing people and found myself in places I never thought I’d get to. Becoming an Ambassador at any level is one of the best things you could do. So please – consider carefully if you could spare some time occasionally and lend a hand. You will be well supported and I promise you will find it very rewarding!
Find out more
Find out more about becoming a BLOODHOUND Ambassador
