Posted Monday 29 March 2010
Speaking in the new Sir Sydney Camm Centre, Ms Humble paid tribute to what she called a heroic generation. "The legacy that my grandfather's generation handed down to us is that of a free country, where we can do what we want and say what we want," she said. Referring to her grandfather, Bill, as a 'cleverer and braver Humble' she said it was important to honour the pioneers and risk-takers of yesteryear. "If it is true that we look to the past to find inspiration for the future, there is a good reason to remember those who have achieved extraordinary things in their lives. The pressures are different today, but engineering remains crucial to our future way of life - just like it was in my grandfather's day."
Information Specialist for the University's Faculty of Engineering, Bill Downey, is intrigued by Sir Sydney's achievements and researched his life and work as part of this special event. "I had no idea what a monumental figure he was in British aviation and the extent of the debt the country owes him," he said. "His career spans an extraordinary range from the age of the biplane in the 1920s right through to the Harrier of the 1950s. It's an incredible legacy, and one that deserves to be remembered."
The decision to name the learning resources centre after such an influential and important figure had not been a difficult one, Mr Downey said. "He is the most eminent engineer associated with the town of Kingston and the aeronautical courses at the University are the last link the town has to that heritage," he added.
The Sir Sydney Camm Centre is packed full of resources including the latest in library, computing and multimedia facilities to aid Kingston's newest engineering pioneers. The redevelopment includes a learning café and group work rooms as well as areas for silent work. Studying aerospace engineering, aircraft engineering and aviation studies, Kingston's students often work in partnership with such companies as British Airways, KLM and Marshall Aerospace.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Dr Peter Mason said the work of pioneers such as Sir Sydney showed today's students how vital their work in the field of engineering could be. "We are proud to honour the life achievements of one of Britain's most important aeronautical engineers, especially in the year that marks the 70th anniversary of the Hurricane's incredible achievements during the Battle of Britain," he said. "The Sir Sydney Camm Centre has transformed the Roehampton Vale site, providing a combination of social and study space. It has become a hub for the whole Faculty - a great place to meet, develop projects and thrash out ideas," he said.
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