Budding astronaut enjoys VIP trip to Parliament
Budding astronaut Evie Sambrook, aged 9, a pupil at Malvern St James Girls’ School, enjoyed a very special visit to the Houses of Parliament on 13th December 2011.
As winner of the high profile national competition to design a future Mars Rover, ‘Calling all Mars Explorers’, Evie was invited to the launch of a very special new publication, ‘Ticket to Mars’, a magazine written and designed by the winners of the 2011 Cosmic Futures competition – another group of very talented school children!
As part of the day Evie met her local MP, Harriett Baldwin who offered her own personal congratulations on winning the Mars Explorer competition. The budding space explorer also had the chance to listen to, and put her own questions to the astronaut Richard Garriott de Cayeux, and journalist and author Lucy Hawking at the Media Space event in the afternoon, organised by the Parliamentary Space Committee. Evie also attended a VIP Reception for afternoon tea where she was able to network with many MPs and representatives from the UK Space Industry.
“It was very exciting meeting so many important people in one day, including the astronaut Richard Gariott – who wants to come to Mars with me; my MP Harriett Baldwin and other MPs and ministers; along with all the VIPs from the UK Space Industry – best of all I got to touch a real piece of asteroid from Mars!” said Evie. “I was even allowed to stand where the Prime Minister stands in the Chamber of the House of Commons. It was a wonderful experience that I will remember always. I have promised quite a few people that I will send them a postcard when I get to Mars!”
Mrs Woodhouse, Headmistress, said “We are delighted Evie has been able to enjoy such a special day, meeting so many like-minded young people and professionals. It was a unique experience which I am sure will inspire her further to pursue her dream to be the first person on Mars!”
“I was delighted to meet Evie in person and congratulate her on her huge achievement. She is such a bright spark and her enthusiasm for Space, and Mars in particular, is infectious. I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from her in the future!” said West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin.
Photographs:
Evie Sambrook pictured with astronaut Richard Garriott de Cayeux and West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin.