YOUNG people in the local area have the chance to take part in two innovative projects at this year’s Soapbox Derby.
Primary school-aged children will have the opportunity to build a ‘windmill in a cup’ and children aged 12 to 15 will be tasked with building a windmill from scratch; both will be tested for efficiency at the Soapbox Derby, with prizes given in a number of categories.
These science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects are part of a partnership between Westbury Town Council and Arke Ltd, with Arke’s talented engineers developing the design alongside consultant Alexander Ward.
Alexander explained more about the projects, “We have around 300 ‘windmill in a cup’ kits to give out to primary school aged children across Westbury and the surrounding villages. We also have a design sheet for older children aged 12 to 15 years old where they can actually build windmills from scratch using recycled materials.”
More information on both projects is available at www.whitehorsesoapbox.co.uk. Year Four students across the area will soon receive kits through their schools.
Gearing up for the Soapbox Derby
This year’s White Horse Soapbox Derby will take place on top of the White Horse at Bratton Camp. The course will completely change this year, moving to Port Way, which offers a steep and challenging course, as well as a far better viewing area for spectators on both sides of the course, with thanks to English Heritage for giving the event team access.
Races will commence at 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm. Each team will get three runs, with their best time taken for final scores. The course will be more than 400 metres, with an average gradient of 8.4 percent. There is a section of the track that gets to 18.4%. For some context, the toughest ascents in the Tour de France are around the 8% mark.
Ryan Child, events manager at Westbury Town Council said, “There will be live music at the event, plus a vintage funfair, zorbing, remote control car racing, tonnes of great food and drink, and there will also be buses running all day from Westbury High Street to the event.
“Car parking onsite is still to be confirmed, so watch this space. The event this year is in partnership with Landmarc Solutions, with MJ Church, Arke Ltd, Torn, and English Heritage supporting. We are delighted to say Westbury Ford and LitFibre have recently joined the team!”
For more information, visit www.whitehorsesoapbox.co.uk or keep an eye on the White Horse Soapbox Derby Facebook page.
