Astronaut Tim Peake’s father at Worthing Library

As his son prepares to leave Earth and head to space, the father of one of the most famous astronauts in the world gave a talk at Worthing library to inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers and scientists.
Nigel Peake, father of astronaut Tim Peake gives a talk at Worthing Library. Photo by Derek MartinNigel Peake, father of astronaut Tim Peake gives a talk at Worthing Library. Photo by Derek Martin
Nigel Peake, father of astronaut Tim Peake gives a talk at Worthing Library. Photo by Derek Martin

Nigel Peake, the father of Chichester-born astronaut Major Tim Peake, gave a talk as part of Worthing Library’s ‘Geek Week’.

On December 15, Major Peake will become the first British European Space Agency astronaut to go to the International Space Station for the Principia mission, where he will spend six months carrying out scientific experiments.

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Mr Peake said he was ‘delighted’ with the interest there was in his lecture.

British astronaut Tim Peake poses beside spacesuits as he talks to UK media at the Science Museum, London, before being launched into space Picture by Anthony Devlin/PA WireBritish astronaut Tim Peake poses beside spacesuits as he talks to UK media at the Science Museum, London, before being launched into space Picture by Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
British astronaut Tim Peake poses beside spacesuits as he talks to UK media at the Science Museum, London, before being launched into space Picture by Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

“There were dozens of adults as well as school children so it was lovely to have a mixed audience and a range of questions at the end,” said Mr Peake.

“I’m not a space expert so the talk was really just about Tim, his background and why he wanted to become an astronaut.

“Tim is especially keen to inspire young people to think about a career in engineering.

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“We wanted to show he’s just an ordinary village lad who set his sights on doing something and got there.”

Pupils from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek MartinPupils from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek Martin
Pupils from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek Martin

Geek Week ran across West Sussex libraries from November 7-14.

Rebecca Robertson from Worthing Library added: “We had an audience of approximately 55 people – 20 children and 35 adults. “Chesswood Junior School brought along a group of approximately 18 year five students and they were thrilled to attend as they had just finished a topic on space.

“There was a good deal of interest in the talk as Tim Peake has been in the news a lot recently and people were fascinated to learn more about his preparations for his expedition to the International Space Station.

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“Some of the children particularly wanted to find out what they needed to do to become an astronaut.

A pupil from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek MartinA pupil from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek Martin
A pupil from Chesswood Junior School. Photo by Derek Martin

“Nigel gave a talk to children at Chichester Library a few years ago, so when I was planning West Sussex Libraries’ Geek Week events I contacted him in the hope that he would participate in the initiative - Geek Week celebrates science, games, the future of reading and all things tech. Nigel kindly obliged.

“The feedback we received from the audience was extremely positive and it was a pleasure to host Nigel at Worthing Library.”

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