On 27 May, Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, joined others filling Porlock Village Hall for the launch of Ada in Porlock, a new organisation inspired by the legacy of the visionary Victorian pioneer in mathematics Ada Lovelace. Ada spent many summers at Ashley Combe, the family mansion located above Porlock Weir.
Rachel Gilmour, MP,with the Ada in Porlock committee members
Stressing the importance of studying STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Ada in Porlock’s STEM lead Dr Stephen Colson outlined for the audience Ada’s remarkable achievements in the field of mathematics. His colleague Paul Brooks then showed how these achievements had helped create the organisation’s programme of workshops and competitions for primary schools in the Moorland Federation and for Minehead Middle school. He then urged the audience to consider filling some of the many roles open to volunteers supporting the project, such as mentors and funders for schools and for specific projects.
Local technology businesses Singer Instruments and Shearwell Data exhibited their World leading products
Dr Adrian Howkins and Dr Leonard Baker, both of Bristol University’s Department of History, shared their recent research on how Ada and her husband William King had developed the woodlands surrounding Ashley Combe into a picturesque arboretum, importing exotic trees and shrubs and carving out romantic drives through to Culbone Woods. Graeme McVittie, Senior Woodland Officer for the Exmoor National Park Authority, reported on the Authority’s collaboration with Ada in Porlock volunteers who have commenced the careful restoration of the woodlands, revealing remarkable landscapes and vistas.
Exmoor National Park and Bristol University experts explain the uniqueness of the Ashley Combe landscape
Upon invitation to contribute, Rachel Gilmour MP applauded the project’s concept and achievements, recognising the special challenges facing schools in isolated rural communities. She stressed the importance of ‘Hope’ in all such endeavours and assured the organisation and the local community that she would assist them in every way – even by serving as a volunteer in Culbone Woods, an offer greeted with warm applause.
In concluding the presentation, David Wardrop, Ada in Porlock’s chair introduced its new guide for those wishing to walk through the village, pointing to the buildings and architectural features that Ada Lovelace would have known. He then thanked all those who had helped it reach this point.