HopeTenars' Stories: Show and Tell

Show and Tell

Once upon a story, there lived a brother and sister named Tudor, and Anne.

They grew up in the hills of Malvern, England.  In Malvern, there are lots of woods, and it’s a very much in the countryside. 

In Malvern, there were a lot of scientists, and they often did shows for the school children to learn all about different aspects of the world around them.

One day, Tudor and Anne, were wondering along the stalls of one of these shows in July, and it was hot outside.  Tudor said, “Anne, Anne! There’s an ice cream stall over by the Ballon stall.  Let’s go and see that one and get some ice cream!”  

“Alright!” Let’s go.”  Anne said.

As they were walking to the balloon stall, Tudor caught his knee on another stall table.  This stall was strange, it’s table contained a single item, a black box. 

Tudor said, “Wait Anne! Let’s see what this one is about.”

Tudor said, “Hey Mister”. What’s your stall about? What’s in the box?

The man, looked down at Tudor, he was quite tall.  I’m James, and this is my stall.  So you would like to know about the box, hey.  Well, let me show you. 

Anne watched him, open the box, with wonder. 

As he opened the lid, a drawer like mechanism came out, and there were parts moving on their own, as he moved the lid, and the partitions around, more carvings came out of the box moving.  It was an automaton. 

Tudor said, “That is something, isn’t it Anne. All the parts are practically moving on their own. “

James said,” would you like to move the parts, and see what happens?  Climb up here on to the stool, so you can reach. “

“Yes please,” said Anne.  Both the children were fascinated.

James, said “it’s not a toy as such, it’s a work of art, but it has mechanical parts that need a great deal of science applied to make it work.”

“How do you get such small parts to work together, “, Anne asked amazed, at how easily the parts moved. 

“Well,” said James, “It takes a long time to make, but when it works, it really is an amazing feat of science. It takes carving, springs, pins, and mechanical parts to make it work.  You need an eye for detail, to make one of these”

“Thank you, James, for showing it to us.  How do I make one? Do I need lots of tools, like a carpenter’s workshop?  Or is there a simple version I can make?” Anne asked.

“Well, you see this one is the final version, but before the final version is made, there are usually a few models.  You can have one of the models I made to practice with and see how it works, if you like.  Then if you want to visit my workshop, you are welcome to spend some time, making a model for the next automaton. “  

Tudor said, “James that’s so kind, that would be amazing! This is the best thing I have seen ever!”  Your automaton is a box, but are there different shapes and items it could be shaped as? 

“Of course! All you have to do is to make the parts.  Come to the workshop and I will show you how to start making the models.” James said.  

Tudor, pulled on Anne’s hand and said “we still have to go to the balloon stall, and get some ice cream.”

“Oh yes! I clean forgot, because this was so interesting. Let’s make sure we ask Mum and Dad if we can visit James’ workshop and see if we can make a model or two.  That would be so amazing,” Anne said.

Within seconds, James had closed the box, and the children ran off to the next stall.

These shows were amazing, and that was what Tudor and Anne, loved about living in Malvern.