Ben to the Rescue!
We’re in a world of fast-moving digital technology development and for an oldie like me there are lurking, worrying questions like how does it work and where it all will end up?
By just talking at a mobile phone, we can order our favourite nosh with full expectation it’ll be delivered piping hot while we sofa shop new beach wear for the holiday we just booked while waiting for the food. In the meantime, a gadget called something like Alec Sir or Smart Alec is all ears on a nearby shelf longing to be asked to do something like playing soothing background music, dimming the lights, or telling you off for being stupid. Is there any limit to where technology will take us?
Let me introduce you to Bridgwater born Ben Hooper – the sort of person you definitely want on your side when you’re at the age when insurance companies stoke up premiums and you’ve been asked to oversee development of a new App for the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
Ben is currently finishing off a BSc (Hons) in Computing & Digital Technologies at University Centre Somerset, based at the Bridgwater and Taunton College, ahead of a planned career in software development – that’s the clever stuff that makes our digital world tick.
Ben has grown up in Bridgwater and went to school at Robert Blake Science College. At one time he had designs on becoming a marine biologist, but (thankfully for me as it turned out!) lack of training opportunities and his love of computer gaming re-directed his learning energies into unravelling the mysteries of what goes on inside an Xbox and the like.
As part of his degree course Ben had to do work experience and when he heard through the College that BGFC would like an App he jumped at the chance to become involved. “When I was told about this project I knew, 100% that I was going to do this as I am local to the carnival, and I have had family who have been part of it through the years.” Said Ben.
Just ahead of last year’s parade Ben, after many a late night of swatting, completed development of an acceptable IOS BGFC App (They’re quite picky at Apple) which was an instant success with 500 downloads in just a few days. Since then, he’s been working on version two which will have lots of exciting new features and a new look later this year. The App will also be available on Android.
Topics covered by Ben’s degree include software engineering and design, website and Full Stack development, Cloud infrastructure (nothing to do with weather forecasting) and many other nouns which didn’t exist when typewriters were still being used.
Ben is full of praise for his ‘amazing’ lecturers and describes his university education as ‘top quality’. As for the app he is passionate for its future. “I would love it to become the ultimate ‘Go To’ app for anyone involved with Carnival – clubs, newcomers, business supporters and carnival-goers. I want it to be a fun, enjoyable experience for any user.”
I still don’t know much about the workings of new technology, but with people like Ben in charge it starts to make much more sense and is less worrying!
Personally, I’ve never been inclined to take the back off a computer to peek inside although, aged 3, I removed the back of my father’s watch to have a look and helpfully decided it needed a wash!
By John Jacques
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival publicity team
