We started our visit by driving out to Hornby to see an asphalt manufacturing plant. We put on protective gear and met Philip Crossland, who worked at the plant. He told us the processes that small bits of stones went through and what they were combined with to make asphalt.

Ironically, the ground around the plant lacked the stuff it manufactured, and was merely gravel. We were then taken to the control tower at the plant, and Philip showed us how the processes were managed and the different components of the plant itself.

We then returned to the council building and were given safety briefings before we went to James’ office and had some morning tea before a grand tour of the entire council building.

We started at the top, the mayor’s offce, and made our way down the building, looking at all the different cogs in the council machine along the way.

Some notable sights were the RTO Room, which had live screens displaying traffic information and footage. Another was the traffic engineers’ room, where we saw new plans for Hereford Street and learned different things about being an engineer.

We were also lucky enough see where the mayor discusses council policy. Unfortunately, she wasn’t there.

We also looked at a street and learned about the ground and what it meant from an engineering point of view. That was our day at the council.

By Bianca Wu and Jack. Bosma