Airdrie rocketeer kids put in cosmic effort

Jul 8 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

PUPILS from Clarkston and Golfhill Primaries reached for the stars when they competed in this year’s inter-school rocket competition.

Youngsters from the two Airdrie schools took part in the third annual contest, run by the town’s Astronomical Association, along with Cumbernauld schools Woodlands and St Margaret of Scotland Primaries.

Members of Airdrie Astronomical Association had run rocketry workshops, teaching the youngsters how to build and fly their own homemade water rockets.

Aileen Malone helped the Clarkston pupils and Paul Jordan was in charge at Golfhill, with observatory curator Paul Clark testing out the finished products.

The top five from all four schools went forward to the final at Airdrie Academy, where the aquajets were launched by Paul Clark and Airdrie Academy science technician Arthur Bannister – after loud and enthusiastic countdowns from the participants.

Newcomers Clarkston made a successful debut, winning the team event after flying their water rockets for 1090 feet.

They received the Danny Kane Memorial Trophy from international rocketry week organiser John Bonsor. 2008 winners Golfhill finished third with an impressive 773 feet.

Lori Ross and Rebecca Cunningham, both Clarkston Primary pupils, finished joint third in the individual competition, with their rockets travelling 273 feet.

They received a trophy, small telescope and a copy of the 2009 yearbook by celebrity stargazer Sir Patrick Moore, who is also honorary president of Airdrie Academy’s space club.

Thanks were extended to Airdrie and District Round Table, who have agreed to sponsor the event for five years.

Now the organisers plan to extend the contest to secondary pupils next year, with the host school taking on three others from across North Lanarkshire.