TV star Dick Strawbridge hosts challenge for kids

Dick returned to his military roots to host the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) challenge at the Royal Signals Museum.

Children from the Dorset Army Cadet Force and Downlands Community School, Blandford Camp, were among those who participated in the interactive day of engineering and innovation.

Yr 6 students from Downlands Community School (Image: Royal Signals Museum) Strawbridge, who served with the Royal Corps of Signals from 1979 to 2001 and left the British Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, led an inspiring session focused on coding robotic vehicles.

The hands-on experience gave young minds the opportunity to explore the exciting world of technology, problem-solving, and teamwork.

One of the event’s highlights was a thrilling build challenge where children put their creativity and engineering skills to the test - inspired by Strawbridge's time on Channel 4's Scrapheap Challenge.

Cadets from Dorset ACF present their final build to Dick Strawbridge (Image: Royal Signals Museum) The teams constructed an array of impressive projects, including go-karts, a double-decker beach trolley, a suspension bridge with working elements, and even a portable toilet.

The challenge was designed to encourage innovative thinking and collaboration, with the added benefit of gaining practical insights into engineering principles.

The day was a resounding success, highlighting the Royal Signals Museum’s dedication to promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Dick advising Yr 5 student from Downlands Community School (Image: Royal Signals Museum) Adam Forty, who leads the Museum's popular STEM education and outreach programme, praised the event.

He said: "We’re delighted to have Dick Strawbridge here, not only as a former Royal Signals officer but as a passionate advocate for STEM learning. His hands-on approach really brought the day to life for the children, and we’ve seen them leave with newfound enthusiasm for problem-solving and engineering."

The day before the STEM challenge, the television star gave a Royal Signals Institution lecture where he shared stories of his time in the army and his subsequent journey in the limelight.

Dick with members of Dorset ACF the winning team with their portable toilet concept (Image: Royal Signals Museum) He also visited soldiers from the 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment and 13th Signal Regiment at Blandford Camp, engaging with personnel on the latest innovations in military communications.

To conclude his visit, Dick attended a dinner night with the volunteers and Trustees of the Royal Signals Museum, celebrating the museum's continued efforts in education and outreach within the local community.

Speaking after the event, Dick said: “I had an amazing time at the Royal Signals Museum, visiting the units there, playing Scrapheap with the youngsters and giving a talk -  my first time back in 30 years.”