Category: Science Group

The main aim of the meeting was to conclude our invention’s theme.

We began with ‘Miss Shilling’s Orifice’.

Beatrice ‘Tilly’ Shilling (1909-1990) was a British aeronautical engineer, motorcycle racer, and inventor best known for her work during the Second World War. She studied engineering at the University of Manchester and later joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment, where she developed the RAE Restrictor, famously known as ‘Miss Shilling’s Orifice’. This simple device helped prevent Rolls-Royce Merlin engines in Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft from losing power during steep dives, improving the effectiveness of British fighter planes. She was appointed an OBE in 1949.

This was followed by group member contributions:

Jolanta told us about the invention of instant coffee which was first patented in 1890 by David Strang in New Zealand, using a dry hot‑air process to create soluble coffee powder. Earlier liquid essences existed, but Strang’s invention made true powdered instant coffee possible, paving the way for later commercial products like Kato’s 1901 process and Nescafé’s 1938 launch.

Christine Faithfull explained how the highlighter pen was invented by Dr Frank Honnin 1963. He developed the first highlighter, which used transparent fluorescent ink to make text stand out without obscuring it.

Mary Hole’s talk about the treadmill had a surprisingly grim origin. In 1818, British engineer Sir William Cubitt introduced the penal treadmill as a form of hard labour for prisoners. It consisted of a large wheel with steps attached to it, and prisoners had to keep climbing as if walking up an endless staircase.

Another highlight was Imelda’s talk about the disposable nappy which was developed in stages rather than invented by one person on a single date.

Jean Arrowsmith concluded with Bubble Wrap, invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, originally as wallpaper, before becoming the packaging material we know today.

We finished with a short quiz about inventions.

No meeting in September, our next meeting is 16^th October.

David Rose

There was no meeting in July and this month we meet on Friday 21^st August at JGC.

Bob’s recent presentation about the ‘Science of Golf’ gave me an idea to follow up on how the Laws of Motion affect another area of everyday life.

We also aim to complete a few inventions ‘3-minute talks.

If yours is outstanding and you wish to present at the meeting, please let me know.

David Rose

We had an eclectic mix at the meeting on June 19^th.

The first half of the meeting was Bob McKewen who revealed ‘The Science of Golf.’

He explained that golf is a game built on elegant physics. Every shot begins with energy transfer: the club accelerates, storing kinetic energy that is released into the ball at impact.

The sweet spot maximises this transfer, giving higher ball speed with less vibration. Launch angle and spin then determine the ball’s flight. Backspin creates lift, helping the ball rise and stay stable in the air.

Dimples reduce drag by creating a thin, turbulent layer that lets the ball travel farther. On the green, friction, slope, and grass grain control how a putt breaks and slows. Even small changes in force or angle produce big differences in outcome, making golf a precise blend of biomechanics and physics.

Bob concluded by describing that many technical advances have filtered down from the professional game to grass roots level.

                               Cross section of an average quality golf ball.

After the break John Tedstone recounted the lives and scientific interests of:

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu born in 1689, at Holme Pierrepont Hall.

She was an early adopter of inoculation against smallpox and helped bring the practice to England, influencing others to adopt it too.

and Joseph Bramma who was born near Barnsley in 1749.

At 23, he walked to London to seek his fortune. Now called Joseph Bramah, he became a prolific inventor best known for his flushing water closet, ‘unpickable’ lock and hydraulic press.

To conclude David Vincent recounted some interesting and humorous aspects of Gypsum mining in Nottinghamshire and we had 3-minute invention talks from David Naylor with the safety pin and Sue Naylor with the electric kettle complete with her family heirloom of a shiny copper example.

Our next meeting is Friday July 17^th at JGC at 10.00am.

David Rose

Visit to Thackray Museum of Medicine Leeds

Our Science Group enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds on 15th May, a trip that proved both entertaining and wonderfully informative.

The museum’s immersive galleries brought the history of healthcare vividly to life, from the bustle of Victorian street medicine to the remarkable advances of modern surgery.

A highlight of the day was our group talk, Bloody Barbers and Splattered Surgeons, which explored the grisly world of early medical practice with plenty of humour and just the right amount of squeamish detail.

After the talk, members once again wandered through the galleries at their own pace, comparing past treatments with today’s science and sharing lively conversations along the way. We rounded off the visit with a relaxed chat in the busy café, reflecting on how far medicine has come. A thoroughly enjoyable and thought‑provoking outing for all.

Carry On Doctor

Some of the group members in front of the museum

David Rose

At the Science Group meeting on Friday 17th April, members enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk entitled The City of Bees, given by Sandra Hart, a Nottinghamshire u3a member and experienced beekeeper.

Sandra invited us to see the beehive as a bustling city, where thousands of individual bees work together in a highly organised and efficient society. She explained the different roles within the hive, including the queen, workers and drones, and showed how each contributes to the survival and success of the colony.

The talk covered the lifecycle of honeybees, their remarkable methods of communication, and the complex cooperation that underpins hive life. Sandra also highlighted the crucial role bees play in pollination and the wider environment and touched on the challenges facing bee populations today.

Illustrated with objects and examples drawn from practical beekeeping experience, the presentation was both informative and accessible, prompting plenty of interest and questions from the group. It was an engaging and thought‑provoking talk that was much appreciated by members.

Following the break, the meeting continued with two of our regular ‘3-minute talks’ – Alan Newton with the Wind-Up Radio (together with some interesting facts about the inventor Trevor Bayliss) and Anne Murray who led us through the invention and development of the sewing machine. Anne is well known locally as a singer, and her apt final note was about the man who we most associate with sewing machines – Isaac Merritt Singer. This rounded off another enjoyable and varied Science Group session.

Next Month: 15^th May is our visit to The Museum of Medical History in Leeds

Briefly: Meet at 8.45am for the coach departure of 9.00am from Ogle Street

Full details will be sent out nearer the time.

David Rose