CHAPTER FOUR

We are going to turn left here and follow the footpath. You’ll notice an area ahead with some benches and some trees and a very still looking man sitting in the middle of it, let’s go and join him. Definitely somewhere to rest our legs.

Here we are. Location number 3 The Rose Garden. Sit here a while. Take a moment for yourself. Take in the surroundings. How often do we observe? Appreciate the detail and thought that’s gone into all the objects around us? Everything that is made has 1st existed in someone’s imagination. It’s why I’ve always said that scientists are artists in lab coats.

Someone who I know agrees with me is our Vice Chancellor, Quintin McKellar. Many times, we have sat here putting the world to rights. Always has an amazing story or two to tell over a lunch break does Quintin, and he’s a fine Veterinarian which has been most useful for me over the years. Of course I get special treatment. It was Quintin who first told me about this fine chap sat in front of us. That is the statue of Geoffrey de Havilland.

Sir Geoffrey de Havilland was an aeronautical engineer and aviation pioneer. He constructed his first machine in 1909 without having seen an aeroplane in flight and remarkably taught himself to fly. De Havilland went on to design more than fifty aircrafts. In 1951 the de Havilland Company gave land to Hertfordshire County Council for educational use as Hatfield Technical College. This life-size bronze statue was unveiled much later by The Duke of Edinburgh in 1997. What do you notice about him? What kind of man do you imagine him to be? I think there is a wistful look in his eye. Like his head is in the clouds. Do you see that in his hands? Some sort of aircraft I believe. Have you ever been on a plane? Well if you’d like we can go on one now. Focus your eyes on the plane. Reaaaaally focus. Now close your eyes.

The sound zooms and whooshes us up into the cabin of a passenger plane.

Pilot: Welcome aboard this Herts Airways flight to Los Angeles LAX. I will be your pilot for this flight and my name is Geoffrey. It is my pleasure to welcome you this fine morning aboard our Airbus A380. Please sit back and relax whilst you enjoy some refreshments.

Steward: Good morning, sir. Can I interest you in any refreshments….sir?.... excuse me?

Picatto: Oh, sorry. Miles away.

Steward: It’s a great view isn’t it?

Picatto: Yes, young man, but I’ll level with you. It was actually the wings I had my eye on.

Steward: Don’t worry sir they are perfectly safe.

Picatto: Haha yes, I’m well aware of that fact. This isn’t my first rodeo you know. I was admiring them because it just so happens that they were designed by a student who studied at my university. Frank Ogilvie.-

Steward: You went to university.

Picatto: Went? I’m still there!

Steward: Wow! Amazing!

Picatto: Who knew he would design a plane with a wing span of 79.8 m, capable of travelling at 560mph, whilst holding almost a thousand passengers!

Steward: 850 to be exact. And we’re at capacity today, with your large party you’ve brought.

Steward: Can I get you anything while you admire the wings sir?

Picatto: Why not. Saucer of milk and one for yourself.

Steward: Excellent choice sir. Coming right up.

Picatto: Thanks! (To self) And thank you Frank Ogilvie!

We come back to earth

Did you enjoy your trip? Me too!

Okay. Let’s move on. If you are facing the front of the statue look to your right and find your way back on to the path. We are going to head up the winding pathway towards the picnic tables.

Follow me..