Statue Aims to Inspire Girls and Women in STEM
Ada Lovelace statue unveiled in Hinckley town centre.
On Saturday 31st January, Mrs Sturgess, Subject Leader for Computing and Leader of STEM and Careers, and Lyla from Year 11 who is studying GCSE Computer Science student, had the honour of representing The Hinckley School at the official unveiling of the new Ada Lovelace statue outside the Atkins Building. Honouring the work of the pioneering 19th Century and recognition of her as the “first computer programmer” and for her local heritage and links to Hinckley.
The event was attended by large crowds including several distinguished guests, such as a living descendant of Ada Lovelace, Byron Richards and representatives from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Project leader Stan Rooney said the location for the sculpture was chosen to “inspire girls and young women to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
Although Ada Lovelace was born in London in 1815, she spent a formative part of her childhood at Kirkby Mallory Hall, located just five miles from Hinckley. Historical letters and recent research reveal that Ada held great affection for Hinckley, often writing about how much she enjoyed visiting the bustling town during her youth.
The statue was formally unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, CStJ, FRSA. Together with students from other local schools, Lyla assisted in removing the shroud that had been covering the striking 2.5‑metre bronze sculpture. She received a certificate for recognition of her contribution to this event and a £10 Amazon voucher as a gift.
The statue will stand as a lasting inspiration to our community and future generations of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers and in particular, girls in STEM and Computing and we were delighted to be a part of the historic unveiling.
