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 16th October.
David Rose
