news, local-news, Connor, Dalek, Mudgee, DrWho

The Dalek…in case you don’t know what that is. Wikipedia lists it as ‘a member of a race of hostile alien machine-organisms which appeared in the BBC television science fiction series Doctor Who from 1963.’ But for St Mathews’ student Connor Mayson, it’s much more than that. The 10-year-old developed such a passion for the Dalek that he decided to make one. So, with the help of his Grandfather, Connor put together the masterpiece over the two-month school holidays and has it on show in his back yard. “I got into the Dr Who series at Christmas time last year and that’s when it started,” Connor said. “I had no idea how to build one but my Grandpa got me the material.” The basic structure of the Dalek is complete but Conor has plans to keep adding features to it. Not only does he want to continue putting together projects like this one, but he’d like to take up a hands on role at the BBC when he’s finished school. “I’d like to work there as a Dalek operator or Dalek voice,” he said. Connor’s St Matthews mates haven’t seen his masterpiece yet, mainly because it’s been so hard to transport due its fragility. “The balls on the side of the Dalek are the most delicate things about it. That’s what I’m most worried about when people come up to touch it.” The passion he’s developed for Dr Who is somewhat of a surprise as he was only introduced to the series at Christmas last year. Since then, he’s familiarised himself with the ins and outs of the series, largely thanks to his very own copy of the Dr Who official guide – ‘an essential reading for wannabe Time Lords’. The niftiest part of the Dalek might not be its shiny exterior or towering height, rather its ability to be moved and operated by whoever wants to enter it… that’s right, you can go inside. “There’s normally a Dalek mutant inside the Dalek – quite a disgusting creature.” Instead of the mutant, Connor likes to operate the Dalek as he’s got the ability to move the eyestalk, the manipulator arm and the blaster. This particular project is done and dusted but he has his sights set on another creation in the future – an ice warrior. Regardless of what the ten-year-old creates or works towards in the future, one thing is for sure – the sky is the limit for Connor Mayson.

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