Articles
The gift I’d most like is probably a 3D printer, with this tech now being affordable-ish for personal use rather than just professional. On a less personal note, I’d like to see science and technology subjects becoming more popular, and fewer worrisome headlines about engineering shortages affecting countries’ and economies’ performance and stability.
Matt Springer, Melbourne, Australia
A bottle of a decent single malt whisky would keep this mechanical engineer well lubricated.
Tony Holme, Derby
A legal requirement for practising engineers to hold a legally protected professional status – chartership. This is the same level of protection that lawyers and doctors have enjoyed for centuries.
Chris Longbottom, Nice, France
An A5-size laptop PC running Windows – not a cut-down version – with a 9.5in borderless screen and a decent keyboard to replace my six-year-old Vye laptop which is slow with a 7in screen – or a working crystal ball.
Martin Roberts-Jones, Eastleigh, Hampshire
A new economic and social system that respects professional engineers of any types and what they do. Or is that too much to ask?
Patrick Barbour, Cardiff
As an aged Yorkshireman, I’m always happy to receive whatever the provider thinks I need, and if they want me to agree that we stop buying each other unwanted gifts, then count me in. Perhaps a handshake and a genuine verbal greeting would suit me fine. I love having short arms and deep pockets.
Roger Dungworth, Sheepy Magna, Leicestershire
A very large-capacity transportation vessel equipped with gravitational force countermeasures and powered by multiple avian-enabled caribou, all designed for extreme speed capabilities, ideally finished in RAL 3000 or similar. Or an iPad.
Chris Pearce, Kings Heath, Birmingham
A welcome gift would be that plumbers, mechanics and a whole variety of tradesmen would be prohibited from calling themselves ‘engineer’. Alternatively, engineers to receive a different, but relevant and exclusive, designation.
Eric Sanderson, Leeds
I am hoping for a new DAB radio. My trusty FM/MW/LW/SW radio – after 25 years of service and having travelled the world with me – has stopped working. I might one day get round to seeing if it can be repaired, but what is sad these days is that no one wants to repair stuff in this country.
Peter Airey, Crieff, Perthshire
I have two things on the Christmas list this year. With a young family, I have rediscovered my love of Lego and as such have a Star Wars Millennium Falcon on my letter to Santa. And I love technology – I would love an iPad Air.
James Hilton, Cheshire
In no particular order: a high-definition television, superfast broadband, a Honda Jazz car with continuously variable transmission, a shed for the garden, Jeremy Paxman’s book Great Britain’s Great War and a comfortable bed. Luxury.
Charles Gates, Devon
An iPhone 5, so that I can use the IMechE Data Book app.
Keith Dunnett, Westhill, Aberdeenshire
I would be happy with a new Maze Ball (3D ball puzzle). I got one last year and had hours of fun with it. No batteries, no parts to get lost – just infuriating fun. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to professional engineers everywhere.
Scot Fisher, London
More time to get work done. It never seems we have enough. Failing that, more minions to do thy bidding.
Robert West, Solihull
Max the Mini Axe. Just over £100. Chop down tree, build bridge, hut, sled, bear trap, fire, etc, and, in emergency, butcher reindeer.
Geoff Buck, Newton Abbot
National policies based on common sense, realism, long-term thinking and commitment, and experience. Specific example: loss of a major contract such as a ship or power station may appear to save money, but the loss of wealth – of know-how, employment, self-esteem through skills and work, supply chain, supporting businesses and services – far outweighs the apparent saving.
Gib FitzGibbon, Ayrshire
The start of construction works on Hinkley Point C would be a great Christmas present, not only for those of us in the nuclear industry but for everybody in the UK.
Tom Hughes, Cheltenham
A stocking filler would be a resurgence of engineering and manufacturing in the UK rather than overseas, with a resulting boost in job and career opportunities.
Barry Durrant, North Devon
A computer device that works for me, rather than me working for it! I don’t want to spend hours downloading, updating, upgrading, de-fragging, de-bugging, getting rid of pop-ups and cookies and fighting with programs that do not work in the way that the instructions tell you! Merry Christmas – did I hear someone say humbug?
Bill Gibson, Fylde
Nice clothes. I don’t wait until Christmas to get tools or tech!
Martyn Chapman, Aberdeen
Kerbal Space Program: hours of fun!
Chris Hannon, Swansea
Presentation skills and commercial awareness.
Anonymous
- What gift would you like to receive? Please leave your soundbite below.