Talk by Eric Jenkins
“Harwell through the Camera Lens”
The Atomic Energy Research Establishment, developed on its present site on former Air Ministry land on the Downs above Harwell starting in 1946, was the main centre for atomic energy research and development in the United Kingdom from the late 1940s to the 1990s.
Under its first Director, Sir John Cockcroft (formerly Director of the Anglo-French-Canadian atomic laboratory in Montreal), A.E.R.E. Harwell was to cover the whole nuclear fuel cycle from prospecting instruments for uranium through the production of uranium hexafluoride and metal to the handling of spent reactor fuel, and to isotopes for industry and medicine. Fifty per cent of the effort was to be basic research, and fifty per cent was to support power production research.
The whole complex came under the control of the Atomic Energy Authority in 1956. Over the past sixty or so years, the A.E.R.E. has had a significant impact on its surrounding area.
This illustrated talk on the history of A.E.R.E. Harwell will no doubt shed light on that impact and will be of interest to a wide audience, including the many who have worked or been associated with Harwell.
Venue : SC Village Hall
Date/Time : Tuesday 13th November 2018 7.30 pm
All welcome : SCLHS members free; Visitors £3.00
About the Speaker
Eric Jenkins has spent over 53 years working as a professional photographer within a Scientific Research Environment. Throughout his career, he has been involved with many aspects of specialist scientific imaging techniques and a wide spectrum of general photographic disciplines. He is currently working as a consultant for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. He is an Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers.
