Rotary Technology Tournment

Thu, Mar 27th 2008 at 12:00 am - 2:00 am


Assistant Governor Alan Bond with a special interest in Youth Opportunities invited Robert Dunn from the Rotary Club of Lytham (District 1190) to explain the workings of the Rotary Technology Tournament. Robert has been instrumental in helping the competition grow over a number of years and the competition now includes some eighteen schools throughout his district.

Robert set the challenge and gave an overview of the competition; two teams then received their kit of parts and given a total three hours to evaluate, design, construct and test a vehicle that would pass through a tunnel, push debris along the track and then reverse back through the tunnel.

There can only be one winner and the top team was 'All the Presidents Men' which included John (the President), John No2, Richard, Neil and Gary (behind the camera as is the norm) using only the materials supplied, which was a specific requirement of the competition. Their design took into account the low torque electric motor and they took full advantage of an ingenious gearing system (the judges were heard to remark in whispered breath how impressive this was). This coupled with a front central twin rubber rimmed drive wheel ensured an accurate and controlled drive through the tunnel. A good slice of the development budget went on the control device and this proved good investment in time and effort. The resulting parallel slide forward/reverse changeover switch with integral cut off proved to be the best on the day. Like all front line design engineers in the motor vehicle manufacturing sector the team kept its design under wraps (see photo) since there were reports of mole activity within the tunnel.

Sadly the loosing team had to double up on their power requirement using a massive 3 volts in order to make any progress which was to be their downfall, it is rumoured they have learned from there experience and will lead the Global Warming Debate in November.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Come and Join The Rotary Club of Southport Links.

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at International Aid Trust

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We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links support Carriacou

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links Privacy Notice

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President Robin Carter hands over the donation to Karen Brady

Southport Links Rotary donate £1,500 to the Bump it Forwards campaign

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First up _ Brookfield School Preston

Its Christmas and we start our annual collection of shoeboxes from local schools

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with help from Southport Links Rotary Club

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The New Home

Dale Worthington attended the opening of the new home

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Working with the young people on Merseyside.

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Residents of Alexandra House enjoy a day out , thanks to Southport Links Rotary

Residents of Alexandra House enjoy a day out , thanks to Southport Links Rotary

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Children In Need Collection, Tesco Kew, Southport

Our Fund Raising committee is probably the most important committee in the club - if we don't raise the money we can't help any good causes out when they need it.

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Pupils at Churchtown Primary School and a van load of Shoeboxes

International and Foundation responsibilties are to look at what our club can do to help those in need outside the UK.

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Our Youth Service committee are very involved with the schools and colleges in Southport.

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links has a programme of regular "Speaker" meetings.

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The Fellowship weekend in the Lake District

The Rotary Club of Southport Links has a very active social calendar.

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The opening of The Tarleton Beer Festival

We are active with the local press and websites with a view to keeping Rotary in the mind of the general public

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links District Quiz team on Sept 17th 2013 - the first round of this years quiz.

Our quiz team have been very successful in the 1180 District Quiz

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A selection from the archives of The Rotary Club of Southport Links.

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links support two Interact Clubs in Southport - one at KGV College and one at Greenbank School

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The Rotary Club of Southport Links, Meeting apologies

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