Pupil’s award for rain alert device for washing lines
A 16-YEAR-OLD schoolboy from Cwmdare has won an award for his washing line rain warning device that was inspired by his mum.
Joseph Ringrose, from St John Baptist CIW, was named best in the GCSE category for his device which is attached to a washing line and uses sensors to detect raindrops, which then triggers a loud alarm and flashing light to alert the owner.
The annual Innovation Awards ceremony took place at the Senedd, and is aimed at encouraging GCSE and A-level pupils studying Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) design technology courses.
Joseph said: “My idea was actually inspired by my mum! She always spends ages hanging the washing out to dry in our garden and then completely forgets to bring it in when it’s raining.
“I thought I could design something to warn her before the clothes are soaked and came up with the idea of a sensor triggering an alarm to warn as it starts to rain.
“I’d never thought about household inventions before but creating the washing line device and being part of this competition has really opened my eyes to all the different types of products I could create.
“I’m now hoping to find an apprenticeship in product design and study AS and A-levels in design technology to inspire me to make new innovations in the future.”
Individual winners and schools received prizes of up to £250 for the individual and £150 for their place of education.
A WJEC spokesman said: “The standard was exceptionally high this year and, with more than 800 entries, the judges found it difficult to choose just one winner for each category.
“Joseph’s washing line rain warning device impressed the judges. It was clear he had identified a gap in the market and used the skills he’s learnt in class to design and manufacture the product.
“Being able to harness your creativity and design something beneficial to other people is a unique talent. I’m sure this is the first of many innovations for Joseph and we’re looking forward to watching his career develop.”
More than 80 young inventors presented their work to judges earlier in the year at public exhibitions at the SSE Swalec Stadium in Cardiff and at Bangor University.
Cabinet secretary for education Kirsty Williams AM said: “It’s fantastic to see such marvellous products designed by some of the youngest inventors in Wales.
“I hope these awards will inspire more learners and other budding inventors to pursue their creative, technological ideas and strengthen Wales’ position as a forward-thinking, innovative country.”