Never-before-seen images of the Jodrell Bank Observatory have been released to the public ahead of the opening of a new £21.5 million visitor attraction.
The First Light Pavilion – which is part of the wider First Light Project, and is all about telling the stories of its pioneering scientists and opening up the inspirational history of the important Cheshire site – will showcase archives and artefacts, together with animations and projections, when it officially opens to the public this Saturday 4 June.
This major addition to the observatory will open up the inspiring history of the site by sharing the stories of its scientists, and its groundbreaking feats of science and engineering, as well as giving visitors the chance to experience a meteor shower, crawl into a black hole, or even see like a snake.
The building itself was an original idea developed by Jodrell Bank professors Teresa Anderson and Tim O’Brien, was designed by the award-winning architect HASSELL Studio, and takes the form of a grass-topped 76m-diameter dome.
It’s said to “cleverly mirror the shape and scale of the landmark Lovell Telescope”.
Ahead of @JodrellBank’s First Light Pavilion opening this weekend, our Exec Director @Isabel_hunt710 has revealed a personal connection.
— National Lottery Heritage Fund (@HeritageFundUK) May 30, 2022
One such charming example is the story of Thomas ‘Barry’ Wade – the father of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Executive Director, Isabel Hunt – who, having lived through WWII and then completed his National Service, put his civil engineering degree from Sheffield University to use at his first civilian job as a trainee engineer at Jodrell Bank from 1951-1952.
During his time on the site, Barry and his colleagues worked on prototype versions of the famous Lovell Telescope.
Unseen images of the Jodrell Bank Observatory have been released to the public / Credit: Isabel Hunt
The unseen images, which have now been released, have been passed down from his working days and not only show Barry and his colleagues’ engineering skills, but also give an insight into what the Jodrell Bank site looked like at the time.
Speaking on the release of the unseen images, Isabel Hunt said: “When I joined The National Lottery Heritage Fund, I was really looking forward to making a difference for the UK’s heritage, but it was even more exciting to find out that one of our major investments at Jodrell Bank was intertwined with my very own family heritage.
“My father spoke very fondly of his time at Jodrell Bank.
“Along with all the other fascinating history being shared as part of the First Light Project, I am sure these stories will inspire the next generation of engineers.”
The images have been released ahead of the opening of a new £21.5 million visitor attraction / Credit: Isabel HuntThe pictures tell the story of Thomas ‘Barry’ Wade, who worked as a trainee engineer at Jodrell Bank from 1951-1952 / Credit: Isabel Hunt
Speaking ahead of the opening of the First Light Pavilion this weekend, Professor Anderson – Director at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement – said: “After years of planning, we are thrilled to finally be able to announce the opening of First Light – a moment [that] will mark a whole new chapter for Jodrell Bank.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our first visitors through the doors and in to this beautiful new space.”
The project has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £12.5 million to the project “so that the site’s powerful human stories of curiosity, exploration, and discovery could be shared with the public”, according to chief executive Eilish McGuinness.
She added: “Jodrell Bank is truly a unique heritage site, of national and international importance, with an inspirational story of Britain’s role as a leader in the science of the exploration of the universe.”
You can find out more about the First Light Pavilion here.
Featured Image – Isabel Hunt
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Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.
The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.
Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.
They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.
As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.
Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.
Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.
“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”
Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.
Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.
Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.
Salford Red Devils aren’t just in debt – our very identity is up for grabs.
The badge. The name. Even the big screen. All signed off as collateral to financiers.
Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.
Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.
Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?
Fantastic to see the fans turn out again, Salford Red Devils will never die 1873 👹🏉 pic.twitter.com/Gne5peQK6u
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd June 2022 
