The development of radio and broadcasting is inextricably linked with Guglielmo Marconi and with the Company he founded. The Old Silk Mill in Hall Street, Chelmsford where he opened his first wireless telegraphy works in 1898, is the oldest and last building in the city with a direct link to Marconi that has not been converted for modern living or commercial use.This is the last opportunity to save part of this iconic building as a living legacy to Marconi's achievements and stop it all being converted into apartments. Our aim is to purchase, or rent space in this building to create "Marconi's Science WorX", a dynamic, multi functional space where the inspirational history of Marconi's pioneering work will be displayed and our young people can experiment, in a safe environment, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, at regular STEM clubs. Space will also be made available for local groups to hire to provide a range of much needed community activities.

What we'll deliver:

• Hold regular seminars on the history of Marconi and his companies
• Install public toilet facilities and a modern kitchen for a community cafe.
• Make space available for local groups to hire in which to hold a range of community activities.
• Provide multifuncional facilities for regular STEM Clubs
• Refurbish this Grade 2 listed building to modern standard.
• Create a photo montage to illustrate Marconi's pioneering achievements
• Display working models, hands on exhibits and artefacts.

Why it's a great idea:

Guglielmo Marconi was only 18 when he began his earliest experiments at the family home in Bologna, Italy and only 24 when he opened his first factory in the UK. As a direct result of the wireless equipment made at Hall Street 700 people were rescued from the sinking Titanic in 1912. Marconi's pioneering work encouraged others on to bigger and more intricate experiments which culminated in the BBC, radar, mobile phones, wifi for our computers and communication with satellites landing on asteroids. The modern world could not work without 'wireless' technology so we need to encourage many more young people to get enthused, as Marconi did, in the limitless possibilities of science, technology, and engineerin and how it can transform our lives for the better.To do this we need YOU to get involved in this project. Help us to create a vibrant heritage and science hub to celebrate Marconi's achievements & equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to fill the current skills gap.

Steps to get it done:

• Encourage community involvement through volunteering initiatives.
• Encourage Marconi Veterans to donate artefacts for inclusion in the displays..
• Acknowledge every donation with an E-Thankyou
• Establish partnership arrangement with Chelmsford Museums.
• Grow our data base of local, national and international supporters.
• Work in partnership with the City and County Councils..
• Work with other Essex based STEM organisations and local Science and Engineering based Societies and Institutions.

To encourage You to support this project we will make the following awards:

Bronze Award: Donate £1 or more to receive an E-Thank you card.

Silver Award: Donate £10 or more and receive an E-certificate.

Gold Award: Donate £50 or more to receive a black and white pictorial history of the achievements of Guglielmo Marconi (20 available)

Ruby Award: Donate £100 or more to receive a colour publication entitled Chelmsford - Birthplace of Radio (20 available)

Diamond Award: £500 or more to appear on the Roll of Honour to be displayed in Marconi Science Worx.

Platinum Award: Donate £1000 or more to appear on the Roll of Honour and an invitation to the opening of Marconi Science Worx (50 places available)