Dr Christopher Lawrence and David Dickinson opened up this term’s Leake Lectures with a bang. Lots of bangs as it turns out, and flames and fireworks and flying carrots. In a thoroughly entertaining talk, the Tonbridge School chemists combined a history of fireworks, some chemistry and some gunpowder for our boys and guests. If you were at the Friends’ astonishing fireworks display this weekend, and heard mutterings about surface area or the difference between red hot and white hot, then this lecture may have been the cause. This year, the Leake lectures are largely organised by the boys. Henry C (8W) was host for the evening and compered with a wonderful ease.
The short film below gives a flavour of the lecture.