In June 2027, Andrew Blacker (68-76), Nicholas Pollard (69-76), David Quarton (69-76) and Nigel Ramsden (70-76) reunited in York to mark the 50th anniversary of their success in the BBC’s Young Scientists of the Year competition in 1976. Their award-winning project began as part of a General Studies course in the Design Centre, where, encouraged by their teacher John Jeffery, they explored a novel concept for a wind-driven water pump. Based on a single oscillating aerofoil blade, the device demonstrated how wind energy could be harnessed in a simple yet effective way, with potential applications for irrigation and use in developing countries.

Progressing from early laboratory models to a full-scale outdoor prototype featuring a 10-foot blade, the team combined inventive thinking with rigorous experimentation. Their work included detailed studies of aerofoil performance, leading to improvements in efficiency, notably through the use of lightweight ‘sail wing’ designs that significantly enhanced lift. The final prototype delivered a meaningful output and compared favourably with existing windpump technologies.

Their success brought national recognition, along with a £200 prize from Philips Industries and the opportunity to represent the UK at the European Contest in Madrid, where they received a distinction award. Reunited recently at their year group gathering in York, the four reflected on a project that remains a fine example of ingenuity, collaboration and practical scientific achievement – an accomplishment still worth celebrating half a century on.

David Quarton, who went on to a career in renewable energy and wind turbine engineering, said: “It was really special to get together with the team after fifty years and so enjoyable. It was something I never expected to happen. Thank you to the OP office for all the time and energy spent arranging this.”

Click the following link to read the original article from the 1976 edition of The Pocklingtonian, YSOTY original article pdf.