Hi Rowena

Thanks for these comments. I suppose I thought that that was the sort of thing. I in my 'innocence' had no such awareness.

I like the title "Maths on Wheels" however - thanks for that.

JOHN

On 19 April 2014 17:37, Rowena Fletcher-Wood <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi John,

"Silence of the Lambs" is a well-known horror film where a woman is lured into the back of a van lifting furniture, knocked out and kidnapped by a killer who wishes to starve her and then skin her. There is also a common cultural stereotype of "white van drivers" as being incompetent and inconsiderate road users, and also of van-drivers or "truckers" being mysogenistic and harrassing women. When someone says "in a van" these come to mind. The idea of you opening up the back of a van and inviting children over also makes me think of the Childcatcher in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (another film). The idea you have is not flawed, but the name carries negative connotations I would be sensitive to. Perhaps a "Maths on Wheels" or "Rolling Maths" or "Visiting Maths" concept may be more neutral?

Hope this helps,

Rowena

On 19 April 2014 17:31, John Bibby <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi Rowena

I am sure your comment is serious and important, but I must admit that films are not my strong point (I take it that "Lambs" is a film?)

Can you spell out what you mean for me please?

Yours genuinely baffled

JOHN

On 19 April 2014 17:13, Rowena Fletcher-Wood <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

You can't be serious with the name "maths in a van"?! This conjures up Silence of the Lambs and dodgy driving images. I'm not sure "van" is an association you want... There are loads of other options for this idea!

On 19 April 2014 16:56, John Bibby <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Dear All

I am developing funding proposals for "Maths in a Van" - this will be a van-load of exciting maths activities which can come to a venue near you, to fill a space of anything up to 30-40 square metres.

The funder is particularly interested in adults and difficult to reach groups. However, I am also interested in youngsters, families and schools.

If you are interested in this, or in developing other maths-related ideas, please drop me a line.

Helpers will get FREE visits of "Maths in a Van", or reduced rates - so there is an incentive for your organisation to support you!

Thank you

JOHN BIBBY

PS: Other ideas include a Maths & Art competition, "Maths on a Bike" (cycling etc.), an open-air maths playground including "geriatric gym", and "Green maths" (ecology and climate change).

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