Summary of the meeting of the Wadhurst
Astronomical Society held on 13th. November 2002.
Michael Harte opened the meeting, before introducing
the speaker he announced that agreement had been reached
with the Pantiles
Camera Centre for members to obtain discounts on
production of their membership card or current subscription
receipt. Discounts would vary according to manufacturer
examples being 13% with Orion,
less with Meade
and probably no discount on CCD's.
Michael then
introduced the speaker for the evening, none other than
our chairman Murray
Barber who was to talk about "Some Astronomical
Adventures". Murray started by briefly describing
holidays he and Valerie had spent taking telescopes
to destinations in France, Wales, the West Country and
later La Palma.
He described the Dobsonian
he owns, which was on display, and how he had designed
it himself with ease of transport in mind, by showing
the drawings of the more important design features.
During these trips Valerie realised she was not getting
her fair share of observing and decided she needed a
telescope of her own. An OMC140
which is a Maksutov design was obtained, this also
was on display and is another telescope which is fairly
easy to transport, and once polar aligned the drive
is sufficiently accurate for astrophotography.
Concerning
polar alignment Murray pointed out that this was not
always as easy as one might think, and recommended the
use of the Telrad
sight. Murray showed some excellent slides of deep
sky objects taken at various locations including some
very good ones taken on a trip to La Palma.
While
showing these slides Murray was able to demonstrate
the considerable improvement obtained by using an IDAS
filter to combat light pollution and sky fogging. (A
write up on this filter is available in the November
issue of "Astronomy
Now").
A short series of questions concluded
the talk, mostly concerning the possible use of digital
photography. Murray said he had recently purchased a
digital video camera and would be trying it out soon.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Michael
Harte, and Sean gave his usual summary of the night
sky for the next few weeks, emphasising that a good
display of the Leonids
was expected on the night of 18/19th November.
The next meeting is scheduled for
Wednesday 12 December. As usual, the doors open at 7.15
and the meeting starts at 7.30 prompt.
This month
is the AGM of the society. The official business will
be kept as short as possible but will include the changes
to the committee Ian King to take over as Secretary
from Tim and Sean has agreed to take over custodian
from Peter Prince. Ian Reeves has agreed to remain on
as treasurer for another year so that we do not lose
both secretary and treasurer in the same year. Be warned
we will be looking for a member to take over the role
during the coming year.
It is reported that one
or two of the members have offered to give short talks
at the meeting. No confirmed details at this time, so
those members who want to know will have to attend!
The societies accounts are with the examiner and copies should be available for distribution at the December meeting. A substantial increase was thrust on the society during the past year in the form of hall hire fees. Insurance costs rose as did speaker fees, which are based on transport expenses. In the absence of any tombola income the prospects were looking bleak. However, half the gap in events revenue was met by 3 very successful raffles. We ended the year with a modest surplus to carry into the financial year, to the relief of the treasurer, who resisted the prospects of higher annual subs this time around. They remain at £15 for individual members and £20 for joint/family membership. On that note would members, who were unable to make the November meeting through the heavy rain, please send your subs payable to the society to Ian at Broadwater Lodge, Stone Cross Road, Wadhurst, TN5 6LR.
It's still not too late to put in your sealed bids to the treasurer for the DVD player that has been donated to the society. Please note this is a brand new boxed item and was kindly donated to the society for fundraising purposes. There is a minimum reserve price of £50, which is a bargain for a New piece of equipment! Please get your sealed bids to the treasurer before the December meeting.
The next society observing session is due to take place on Friday 6 December. As usual we will be meeting at the Crow & Gate in Crowborough at 7.30 pm before moving of onto the forest.
Chairman: Murray R. Barber 01892 654618 murray.barber@virgin.net
Secretary: Tim Bance 01732 832745 timbance@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Ian Reeves 01892 784255
Editor: Peter Bamblett 01732 368656 pbamblett@hotmail.com
Publicity & Web Site: Michael Harte 01892 783292 michael@greenman.demon.co.uk
Dir. of Obs.: Sean Tampsett 01892 667092 sean_tampsett@hotmail.com
Librarian: Joan Grace 01892 783721
Custodian of Equipment: Peter Prince 01892 836284