Bright spark boys who predicted the rise of solar energy

Think of 1974 and one of the first things which comes to mind is Swedish pop group Abba bursting onto the music scene in the cheesiest way possible.
SUS-160701-121827001SUS-160701-121827001
SUS-160701-121827001

There was more to that year, however, than the Eurovision Song Contest and the birth of some of the best music and worst fashion to ever find its way out of Scandinavia.

It also saw the return to Earth of the crew of Skylab 4, who had spent a record 84 days in orbit; the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang was discovered at Xi’an, China;

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Horror legend Stephen King published his first novel, Carrie; and Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in eight rounds to regain the heavyweight title during the Rumble in the Jungle.

SUS-160701-121838001SUS-160701-121838001
SUS-160701-121838001

And over in Southbourne, a group of nine forward-thinking lads built a solar heating unit in their headmaster’s garden – accurately predicting it would be the kind of technology widely used in the future.

The boys were in their final year at Bourne Comprehensive School; and the idea for the heating unit was dreamed up by headmaster Mr C Besley during that year’s fuel crisis.

Made of mirrors surrounding a glass-lidded black box, the contraption heated the water to 140F.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The students were: Ian Hedges, Gary Arnell, Ronnie Richardson, Kevin Brockway, Philip Ware, Colin Robinson, David Aburrow, Peter Samways and Gary Wilton.

SUS-160701-121816001SUS-160701-121816001
SUS-160701-121816001

While the boys of Bourne were coming up with new technology, over in Midhurst children and grown-ups were using an old idea to raise money for a good cause.

A static bicycle was set up and people donated money to the Save The Children Fund before attempting to cycle the fastest mile.

The winners in the 16 and over age group were: Sue Stone and Christopher Elms. Jeanette Lee and David Peter won the 12-16 category, and Caroline Pierce and Adrian Lambert won the 11 and under category.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Midhurst Primary School also had a successful fundraising year, with their fete raising £130.

SUS-160701-121849001SUS-160701-121849001
SUS-160701-121849001

As well as the usual coconut shy and apple bobbing, the children competed in an afternoon of fancy dress and races – which proved to be rather successful for a little girl named Claire Norris.

She came second in the egg and spoon race, first in the sack race, second in the ball and bucket race and teamed up with Pat Turner to come second in the three-legged race.

Not a bad afternoon’s work!

While pleased with their fundraising success, the children of Midhurst Primary faced a sadder task when they said goodbye to one of their dinner ladies.

SUS-160701-121901001SUS-160701-121901001
SUS-160701-121901001
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Marjory Bishop, who had worked in the school canteen for 19 years was given cards and presents as she took her retirement.

Our final two photos show a rather unusual plant and the dedication of a Brownie pennant.

The plant – a semi-tropical variety which attracts bees and can usually only be grown in a hot-house – was doing blooming well in the garden of 76-year-old Ernest Madgewick, of St Mary’s Road.

As for the Brownies. They were from the 2nd Easebourne, and the pennant was dedicated by the Rev P Kimber at the Midhurst Methodist Church.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

SUS-160701-121912001SUS-160701-121912001
SUS-160701-121912001

1) Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChichesterObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @Chiobserver

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Chichester Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: