Nominee – John Gowan

What would you improve within the droid building community?

New member engagement is something we don’t do well enough on. this is improving and it was amazing to see new faces at DBUK, but there is always more we can do. Some things i wanted to improve we have started down a path toward and I’ve been involved. Notably the feeling of inclusion of non R series builders and the provision toward safety checks and maybe tier 2 for characters to go toward that (BB8 MOT is a good start) Also the recognition of members for exceptional works celebrate our successes more. The recognition medals are a good start but we need to get better at pushing that and celebrating what we do.

What could you bring to the committee that may be of a benefit to the droid building community?

A drive to make things better through a considered approach. Trying to improve inclusion and close links with builder communities outside of the astromech site. I like to actively engage with people to find out what people like. I am often approached for information on how things work in DroidBuilder’s uk as people see me as approachable. Also an interest in innovation of droids means I know what’s on the horizon in build space often. I think I also bring a drive for community engagement.

Please include a builder profile of yourself, as though we don’t know anything about your droid building journey over the years.

I have always been a Star Wars fan and went to the R2Builders stand at celebration London 2016 with questions from  friend who was starting his building journey. There I saw the start of a bb8 build. That triggered the curiosity and engineering mindset I had from my educational years. At that moment I knew I would be building one. In total bb8 is on his 4th build the upgrading sphere and drives along the way. But the first build got me involved in the club attending the last R2UK. During a chat with committee members I mentioned not being sure if could come as I was a bb builder. DroidBuilder’s UK became a thing the following year. My next build was a D-0 then while being a part of mikes drinks and droids I started building chopper. He has also now had 2 upgrades. I started the talks with Darren on bb8 mots and am now leading the mot efforts for uk bb8 builders. I have worked in various sub committees and such for events like celebration London. I am currently working on another ball droid and 2 more 3 leg astromechs! And I like to attend events and be involved with builders out and about!