'Ada Lovelace' by guest blogger John Faulkner

"We may say most aptly, that the Analytical Engine weaves algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves."

This Ada Lovelace quote describes her belief that complicated logical problems could be solved by machine, just as the recently invented automatic loom could weave brocade cloth. 

In 1833, at the age of 17, gifted mathematician Ada became an associate of Charles Babbage the Cambridge University Lucasian Professor of mathematics. He named her The Enchantress of Numbers. Then, tables such as for navigation, were calculated by human 'computers'  but prone to mistakes. Babbage saw mechanical processing could eliminate error and started to design a machine called the Analytical Engine. Translating a Babbage lecture about the engine inspired Ada to produce the very first published computer program. This required a mathematical algorithm to be converted into the sequence of steps necessary for the engine to compute. The program formed a table for punched card instructions. The cards were to operate the engine and in this case produce Bernoulli numbers, for use by mathematicians. Ada proposed that beside numbers there would be no reason why machines could not work with symbols such as musical notes.

Born on 10th December 1815 Ada grew up during the Industrial Revolution. With a scientific upbringing she had a natural desire to find out as much as she could about the world of engineering. She was married to the Earl of Lovelace and lived in Horsley with her three children. At the age of only 36 she died of cancer but her legacy is computer programming which lives on with us every moment of the day in the modern world.

Ada was a visionary and here are some of her quotes:

"A new, a vast, and a powerful language is developed for the future use of analysis, in which to wield its truths so that these may become of more speedy and accurate practical application for the purposes of mankind than the means hitherto in our possession have rendered possible."

"The Analytical Engine might act upon other things besides number, were objects found whose mutual fundamental relations could be expressed by those of the abstract science of operations, and which should be also susceptible of adaptations to the action of the operating notation and mechanism of the engine… Supposing, for instance, that the fundamental relations of pitched sounds in the science of harmony and of musical composition were susceptible of such expression and adaptations, the engine might compose elaborate and scientific pieces of music of any degree of complexity or extent."

.....and here, much like a modern day spreadsheet, is the first published program:

There is an exhibition at the Science Museum until the end of March 2016 of Ada's life and work...

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/Plan_your_visit/exhibitions/ada-lovelace.aspx

- John Faulkner, SATRO Volunteer

If you would like to find out more information and/or book tickets for the Ada Lovelace Evening taking place tomorrow in aid of SATRO follow this link. Alternatively call Guildford Tourist Information on 01483 444334

SATRO TO BE GUILDFORD’S MAYORAL CHARITY 2015/2016

We are delighted to have been chosen by recently appointed Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith.

Nikki’s vision for her Mayoral Year is “Inspiring Guildford’s Future Innovators”; she believes that young people should be encouraged, inspired and motivated to be the best that they can be; they should be better informed about the career choices available and increase their knowledge of the amazing career opportunities here on their doorstep in Guildford.  The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith commented, “We are lucky to have so many world-class innovative companies in the Borough who are looking for bright and creative employees”.

Dr Beccy Bowden, CEO of SATRO said “We are honoured that Cllr Nelson-Smith has chosen SATRO to partner with to deliver her vision for young people in Guildford who are inspired by local career opportunities. We have a fantastic heritage of innovation in the town and we know that many of our companies are struggling to recruit people with key skills - I hope that our work this year will ensure that even more world class breakthroughs and developments happen here in the future.”

Over the past 30 years SATRO has worked with over 450,000 young people in Guildford and indeed across Surrey inspiring and enthusing them about science, technology, engineering and maths by linking businesses and young people together through their varied, innovative range of challenging hands on programmes.  Nikki intends to support and inspire creativity in the young people of Guildford whether they be artists, technologists or scientists and to help them to aspire to their dream careers.

SATRO welcomes valued support from Guildford Borough Council

SATRO is delighted to announce the support of Guildford Borough Council in its programmes for young people.   Following the move of SATRO back to their roots at the Surrey Research Park where it all started 30 years ago, SATRO are thrilled to have Guildford Borough Council’s support to enable them to continue its work to inspire young people about their future careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. 

Beccy Bowden, CEO, SATRO said, “SATRO’s mission is to inspire young people in the area about their future careers, being based at the heart of the Research Park has enabled us to link young people directly to some of the outstanding world-class businesses we have here in Guildford.  There is a huge demand for young people with the right skills and we are delighted to be helping develop the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs for Surrey.”

Chris Burchell, Local Economy Manager, Guildford Borough Council with Beccy Bowden, CEO, SATRO, Cllr Gordon Jackson and Deputy Mayor Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith attend The Problem Solving Challenge, George Abbot School.

Cllr Gordon Jackson, Lead Councillor for Economic Development at Guildford Borough Council said, "We are delighted to support SATRO in their work with local schools. Guildford is a centre for digital innovation and it is crucial to ensure that young people have the right skills to support employers' requirements. We hope events like these will inspire young people to look at alternative career paths that require expertise in areas such as science, technology, engineering and maths."