White Horse Soapbox Derby wins prestigious design award

The White Horse Soapbox Derby team has been honoured with a prestigious award for its efforts in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects within the local community. 

Ryan Child, representing the town council that organises the annual Soapbox Derby in partnership with Landmarc Solutions, accepted the Promotion of Design Award at a ceremony last month. The award, presented by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), recognises individuals or teams for their exceptional work in promoting engineering or product design to a broader audience. Past recipients include Richard Hammond, James May and Dyson. 

An IED spokesperson said, “We are delighted to announce that the White Horse Soapbox Derby was awarded the Promotion of Design Award for 2024 for bringing together the wider community of Westbury and showcasing STEM (science technology engineering mathematics) to the local schoolchildren through outreach projects during the year and also through STEM activities on the day.” 

“We have been lucky enough to be involved in the Soapbox Derby since its inception in 2021 when Ryan first suggested the slightly bonkers idea of racing homemade go-carts down the face of an ancient scheduled monument, bringing the joy and spectacle of engineering to the people of Westbury, and particularly the younger members of the community.”  

“Congratulations on being worthy winners and we look forward to working with you in the future.”  

The White Horse Soapbox Derby, which first took place in 2022, features soapbox carts racing down a course near to the White Horse. The event has been praised for its efforts in actively encouraging local children to explore and engage with STEM subjects. The town council has partnered with local businesses to organise activities that inspire children to consider STEM careers, offering both outreach projects throughout the year and interactive STEM experiences on the day of the derby. 

Ryan Child, events manager of Westbury Town Council said, “The aim of the event is to bring education, business and authority together to create something special for the area. So being given an award where all three have made a huge contribution is so special.”  

“We worked with Arke Ltd on many of these projects, this year giving make-your-own windmills kits to all year 4 primary students in Westbury, Dilton Marsh and Bratton. Arke worked to develop the engineering side while we promoted and initiated the project. In this case, the Wiltshire Council Area Board provided some of the funding.”  

“It’s a great example of organisations coming together to benefit the young people in our area. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve next year!”