Amazing Space
Youngsters Chat to Saltburn Born Astronaut Learners from Saltburn Learning Campus were recently given the opportunity to speak with a former NASA astronaut who has lived and worked on the International Space Station. On 5th May Dr Nicholas Patrick, who has retired from NASA but continues his work in the USA space industry, carried out a live web chat with those in Years 2 to 7 from Saltburn Primary School and Huntcliff School. Primary School pupils asked him a series of questions through a web cam in which he gave inspiring answers and talked about his time spent in space; what he did and how it has changed his outlook on the world. Elizabeth Axe, Year 6 Teacher and Science Coordinator said it was “a wonderful and exciting opportunity for our learners to speak to and ask questions of one of the few people who have been into space and was born in Saltburn. Dr Patrick answered in great detail questions from, ‘what are the reactions of the human body when you hit zero gravity?’ to ‘how did you feel looking down on earth during your spacewalk?’ His answers were very thought provoking and many of the children said they had started to think about science and space careers after listening to him. Mrs Axe was also joined by fellow Year 6 Teacher Mrs Wills; Heads of School, Caroline Chadwick and Catherine Juckes of Saltburn Primary School and Huntcliff School respectively; and Peter Eyre, Executive Headteacher at Saltburn Learning Campus. Dr Patrick placed emphasis on wider aspects of his experiences, such as good teamwork, studying STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering & Maths), the environment, and being able to learn from mistakes. He also described a poignant moment of seeing the UK from space; describing it as “beautiful”, saying how he felt appreciative and how it brought back memories of his childhood. He said that his vision of the world has definitely changed, telling his audience, “I now see it as a fragile place”. Learners were enthralled by Dr Patrick’s portrayal of returning to earth, especially his recollection of barely being
able to lift a pair of what he considered to be “heavy” boots after his acclimatisation of zero gravity. When asked if he would like to return to space, he said he “would love to”, joking that he would arm wrestle other astronauts for the chance to go! Primary School Pupils, Natalya Miller and Iris Reamswood, took the chance to show Dr Patrick the space seeds that they have been growing as part of a project led by the Royal Horticultural Society. They explained how, although the plants have started to grow, they are unaware of which were taken from space and which started on earth. Dr Patrick thought it was a great idea, telling the children that he never got the chance to grow plants in space himself. He encouraged the young people to transfer their scientific knowledge to think of an hypothesis. Being able to speak with youngsters from his birthplace will no doubt have been an experience very close to Dr Patrick’s heart. He ended the chat by suggesting a possible visit to the campus when he pays a visit to the UK in the autumn.
Rhythm of life….
A Cabaret on June 18th, Saltburn Community Hall Hit the road, neighbour – leave your worries and strife. Spread the religion of the rhythm of life! This is an invitation from Renaissance, the Saltburn-based singing group, for you to join them on a journey through life, in words and music, on June 18th in Saltburn Community Hall. If you have never encountered Renaissance before, they are a small group of friends, who, though all soloists in their own right, love singing together and have done so now for a number of years in our area and beyond. They are an awardwinning choir - most recently at Eskdale Festival 2016, regularly entering festivals with the aim of keeping their musical standards high. The name Renaissance might indicate a particular kind of classical music but, though they love their classical repertoire, they sing everything from madrigals to musicals – with a liberal helping of jazz and more contemporary songs too. 32
If you do know Renaissance, you are in for a surprise, for the concert on June 18th is a completely different way of presenting their music. They have chosen a cabaret style, incorporating the spoken word and movement too! But you can expect the usual choral items, with songs and duets from all members of the group; their very talented accompanist, Martin Dack, also makes a special solo contribution. Think of the evening as a kind of soundtrack to life, sometimes humorous and sometimes sad, but presented with the group’s trademark commitment and evident enjoyment of what they do. So do make a date to join them on Saturday, June 18th, 7.30pm at Saltburn Community Hall (next to the theatre). Tickets £5, on the door, or from Saltburn Golf Club or members of the group. There will be a bar run by SCAA.
Susan Pierce