JCB Apprentices Aim High With Visit To Cheadle Moon

JCB is inspiring the next generation of female engineers as apprentices celebrate the life of pioneering Cheadle astronomer Mary Adela Blagg with a special viewing of the internationally acclaimed ‘Museum of the Moon.’

Female JCB apprentices were invited to ‘Cheadle Moon’ celebrations at the town’s St Giles the Abbot Church for a talk on the leading astronomer, whose ground breaking work mapping the moon saw her become one of the first women admitted into the Royal Astronomical Society. JCB donated £2,000 to help bring the internationally renowned touring art installation to Cheadle.

Erin Murphy, who is a fourth year JCB Engineering Degree Apprentice, was one of 10 female apprentices who took part in the visit. She said:

“When I was younger, I didn't think engineering was for me because I thought it was for 'boys'. Luckily, I had some great opportunities at school to see how many amazing female role models there are. Being able to view the exhibition and find out more about local lady Mary Adela Blagg's achievements was so inspirational.”

Born in 1858 Mary Blagg, who lived her entire life in Cheadle and is buried in St Giles’ churchyard, is one of the most pioneering female astronomers. Her work mapping the moon saw a crater on the moon, Blagg crater, named after her, and in March 2023, a planet was named Maryblagg in her honour.

Cheadle Moon was organised by art company OUTSIDE and at its centrepiece was a six-metre diameter moon by artist Luke Jerram. Suspended from the nave of the church the moon was internally lit and features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface with surround sound musical compositions created by award winning composer Dan Jones.

There are currently 80 female apprentices working across engineering, manufacturing, business, and future technologies at JCB. For more information visit here.