Rotary Technology Tournament 2015

Crossing a deep river that could be infested by crocodiles can be a bit of a challenge when there is no bridge.

And that was the task that faced teams from the Furness area's secondary schools, colleges and apprentices in the Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament which was held at Hawcoat Park Social Club in Barrow on Friday.

While there was no bridge, there was a suspended cable across the river and the challenge was to use it to carry a rescue package containing equipment to the other side.

The teams had to design, build and test a vehicle to run across the suspended cable. The vehicle had to be balanced and stable at all times and started and stopped by making and breaking the electricity supply to the motor by use of a simple switch.

The drive system was powered by a battery and an electric motor combination with a speed reducing pulley system driving the vehicle along the cable. No manual intervention was allowed. 

A team of judges, Rotarians and engineers arranged by Barrow Rotary Club, assessed the teams' planning, their design analysis and development, their construction skills and the final testing.

In the Foundation section (age 11-13) the Dowdales team were clear winners. The Intermediate section (age 14-16) was much closer with Walney 2 just beating St Bernard's 2 while in the Advances section (17 and over), where the vehicle had to make a return journey after the rescue package had been released, the Centrica 2 team finished clear of one of the Staff teams. 

The winners in each section receive certificates and books. 

Area organiser Bob Redhead praise the good behaviour of the students and the enthusiastic way in which they tackled the project, creating a tremendous buzz about the hall as they got to work.

Cath Hargreaves, the Education Partnerships and Graduate Manager, BAE Systems-Military Air & Information, Warton, said: "As a company we are committed to encouraging young people to take an interest in engineering, science, technology and maths to help them consider a future career in these areas.

"The Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament is an ideal opportunity to do this in an exciting, fun and rewarding way."

Pictures from this year's day can be viewed by clicking here.