Press Officer Rick Purnell writes ….

‘Things we take for granted’ was the interesting topic presented by our able Secretary, John Polley for Teignmouth Probus Club’s May meeting. John identified 11 items in everyday use we never think twice about, yet may not recall their origins. For example the Biro – ballpoint pens, invented by Laszlo Biro patented in 1938 and developed for the AirForce in WWII to replace leaky fountain pens at altitude.

Zips (or Zipper, Fly, Clasp locker) have been around since 1892 when the invention started as a fastening for rubber boots by an American inventor Whitcomb Judson and later developed for myriad of uses for luggage, clothing, tents, anything that needs opening or closing. ‘Zip’ is an onomatopoetic word formed from the sound it made in operation.

Another ubiquitous closing device inspired by the ‘sticking to clothing of the Burdock seed (a hooked burr),  Velcro was developed by Swiss Engineer, George De Mestral in 1941. The name given was a portmanteau of French words for velvet & hook, vel ours and cro chet.

The talk elaborated on the origins and uses of other ‘taken for granted’ items, Rawplugs, Barcodes, Sellotape, 13 amp fused plug, Cats Eyes road reflectors. ATM cash machines, Teflon, non-stick plastic and lastly the TV remote control invented and developed by a namesake, an American Electronics Engineer, Eugene Polley in 1956. He also helped develop pushbutton radios and video discs.

Members also participated in a lively ‘any questions’ with other worthy anecdotes.

The vote of thanks was given by committee member Chris Inch.

The  next meeting is on 5th June when Ian Handford will be talking about “Harry Brearley – Sheffield Steel”

If any retired/semi-retired male readers in Teignmouth would like to know more about us, please visit our website:  www.teignmouth-probus-club.org.uk