Newton's Astronomical Society Society News

NAS Society News

Updated 3 Novenmer 2003

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Page contents: Vacancy/ 2003 Christmas Party/AGM/ Dr Simon Mitton/NAS Christmas Party/ John Dobson Elected Member/ Equinox Skycamp / John Dobson Lecture/ BAA Exhibition Meeting

Committee Vacancy

There is currently a vacancy on the Society Committee and anyone who would like to join and put some 'new blood' into the Committee would be most welcome.

2003 Christmas Party

The Annual NAS Christmas party will be held at Woolsthorpe Manor on Friday 12 December at 7.30 p.m. onwards. Everyone is welcome so please bring a partnet or friend. As last year, sandwiches will be provided but please bring something a little something to add to the spread. A beginners talk will be given at the start of the evening and following that the party begins, perhaps with even a surprise or two for those attending.

Annual General Meeting 9 May 2003

The first Society AGM was held at Woolsthorpe Manor and officers gave their reports, details of which can be found in the minutes, available on request.

Essentially, the Society has had a fruitful year with an eclectic range of speakers which appear to have been well received by the membership.

On the financial side the Society now has healthily bank balance, details of which are available to members on request. We continue to be indebted to the National Trust for their kind assistance and excellent facilities.

Following the election we would like to welcome Dave Pearson to the Committee in the role of Vice-Chairman. David has been interested in astronomy for many years and is a former member of York A.S.

Visit by Dr Simon Mitton

We were very pleased to receive Dr Simon Mitton, Senior Fellow at St Edmonds' College Cambridge on Friday 11 April 2003 who gave a really wonderful talk entitled 'Matters of Gravity'

Simon is seen above signing his latest Edited Cambridge University Press Book entitled Cambridge Scientific Minds

Christmas Party

Our very first Christmas party was staged on Friday 13 December at Woolsthorpe Manor which, despite the terrible weather, a major accident on the A1 and close proximity to the 25th, was well attended with just over half of the membership present.

The line up - 'Anyone for another Mince Pie?'

Little elf helper (Bob) & Father Christmas (Ian) This wine's not acidic -then why is my glass melting?

A Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year To All Our Members

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John Dobson Elected Honorary Member

On his recent visit to Europe John Dobson presented a lecture to Lincolnshire astronomers and the opportunity was taken to award John Honorary Membership to the Society in recognition of his long-term and ongoing services to amateur astronomers. This award has now been ratified by the Committee and John will be in receipt of his award shortly.

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8th Equinox Skycamp

Thetford Forest -Norfolk 5 to 9th September 2002

Yes, we actually did go, despite this being the second worst summer on record for cloud cover. Much to our amazement, for the most part, the weather was warm and we even had sunshine and some clear observing at night.

The Skycamp was well attended as ever, with late bookers finding it somewhat of a struggle to obtain a pitch. Albeit that camping in this climate is a matter of putting faith before forecast, nevertheless, it was warm and everyone had lots of fun - If you exclude packing up during a downpour on Monday morning.

Dower House site pub & some members charging their batteries for the night ahead

Dave King overjoyed at winning a 'Wookie' in the raffle

Tom Noe (left) of Teleport, Texas with Chris Garvey of Bray Imaging Technology together with the 14.5 inch /368 mm Teleport. Bray will be manufacturing Teleport scopes under licence and market them in the UK . Teleport scopes are a range of ultra transportable dobsonians. If you would like further information on Teleport scopes e-mail Chris Garvey at Bray Imaging chris@brayimaging.co.uk and take the opportunity to visit Teleport at their US web site http://www.teleporttelescopes.com/

The Broadhurst, Clarkson & Fuller Stand

The pub and trade stand area - note the lovely blue sky and holiday atmosphere - not a coat in sight nor a care in the world - (Where did I leave my blessed pint?)

Ruby - 'Chris your launch has been ready for 2 hours'

Globes for sale - get your Venus here!

Look at all this Light - Bob Mizon, CfDS Stand Its 'Sing-Along-A Max' Time

Pam Matthews - AKA The Secretary David Harley, Programme Secretary

The above is a practical demonstration on how to play a telescope and a guitar - From the telescope no sound was detected. However, from the guitar great classical Spanish music was produced. Any suggestions on how to make a telescope more musical to the Chairman on a postcard please. The best suggestion wins a bottle of something red, Australian and very tasty -

Does anyone ever use this pool? Dower House

A new 'BMW' errr Mini with errr a mini telescope

Astronomers do it in tents at night! Thetford Forest

Local church (circa. 12 Century) and potential resting place for casualties who are not tough enough to make it through the hardships of a weekend under canvas at Skycamp - Oh for a soft bed, a home cooked meal and a Gin & Tonic on the patio.

Goodnight Campers ! - 'Hi De Hi' (Hi De Ho)

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John Dobson Lecture 16 September 2002

A number of NAS members attended the John Dobson Lecture in Horncastle, which was organized by Paul Money.

Almost 70 people packed into the main lecture hall at the College to hear a talk by the inventor of the Dobsonian mount or 'Sidewalk Telescope' as he preferred to call this amazing mount that has opened up the world of astronomy through the ability to self build a telescope in any garage or shed.

Those attending were treated to a swift ride through the Universe with the sort of alacrity that only someone like John Dobson can possess. This was followed by John's personal thoughts on why the theory of the Big Bang was totally wrong.

Following the meeting there was ample opportunity to say hello to John, get autographs, photographs and generally chat about all things astronomical. This was John Dobson's first visit to Europe - Please come again John and soon.

Pam Matthews with John John with David Harley

John with a 'Dobsonian' from Lincoln A.S. Dave King gets a book signed

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British Astronomical Association

Exhibition Meeting - Cambridge 21 September 2002

The 2002 Exhibition was held at the Teaching Laboratories of the Cavendish Laboratories, Madingley Road, Cambridge on 21 September 2002 11:00 - 17:30hrs

Newton's Astronomical Society organized a small display for one of the exhibition halls. The exhibit is shown below together with a range of photographs from the event.