Our 30th anniversary celebration started with a pre-recorded talk by the club's inspiration, Konrad Malin-Smith (from whose evening classes on astronomy the club arose), entitled 'Harvard, Lowell, and the expansion of space' - a fascinating talk on a topic of great importance. We are very grateful to Konrad for making this recording specially for this occasion. 

We then had a special raffle, with lots of great prizes.  Next, our Chairperson, Les Jones, gave an illuminating talk about the club's formation and history, interspersed with recollections from audience members, who included some former members - among them Ian Ridgley, son of founder member and former Secretary Frances Ridgley - and regular presenter Jerry Workman (who was one of the club's very first speakers). Some in the audience helped to identify a few of the people featured in the slides. 

There were some lovely refreshments, with a specially commissioned cake (Liz Watson usually makes our anniversary cakes, but had only just returned from Texas to view the 8 April eclipse). During the extended break, we had the chance to view the astrophotography display, of which more below!

Notes:

• For further details about our club, please see Who we are
• Any photos or information relating to the club's history would be highly welcomed by Les Jones.  Feel free to contact him on chair@havastro.co.uk. 
  
  

Photo credits: Liz Watson - #1, 3 and 5; Emma Christmas - #2 and 4

As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, during April we have an exhibition of 30 stunning images taken by club members.  This can be seen on the walkway at Thames Chase, between the café and the barn. There will be time during our April meeting, in the extended refreshment break, to view the exhibition. Also, please spread the word, and let your family and friends know!

Many thanks to Les Brand - whose idea the exhibition was, and who gathered and labelled all the images - and to Les Jones, for their sterling work in arranging this and setting everything up.  A big 'thank you' also to everyone who submitted images.

Photo credits: Les Brand (this display); astroimages by club members

We exhibited at a Thames Chase event entitled 'Feel Good in the Forest', to help raise awareness of our club. The event, run in conjunction with Forestry England, centred around taster activities, including (among others) a wildlife walk, cycling awareness, and mindfulness meditation and yoga sessions. 

As always, many thanks to those who assisted on the day. For info about Thames Chase, and their many activities for adults and children, please see: www.thameschase.org.uk/ .

Photo credits: #1, 2 and 4 - Jill Mead, Forestry England; #3 - Les Jones

We gave a talk about astronomy to members of the public who attended the walk - and also displayed some telescopes. The Thames Chase Winter Solstice Walk is an annual wellbeing and mindfulness event, to celebrate the shortest day of the year. We all had a really good time!  Many thanks to those who helped on the evening.

Photo credits: Steve Smith

Visit to Bayfordbury Observatory, University of Hertfordshire -

18 November 2023, 6-8pm

[this info also appears on our Young Astronomers page]

A very successful visit to Bayfordbury Observatory, at the University of Hertfordshire, organised by Les Brand. Thirty three people attended: a mix of Young Astronomers and their parents, plus adult club members. 

The evening opened with a talk by Calum about astronomy, covering aspects such as the structure of the universe, star development, and the university's own research.  There was then a thrilling planetarium show, presented by Ashley.  After this, we went outside, to see the radio and optical telescopes, and had a fascinating time learning how the 50cm Cassegrain and the 24” CDK telescopes are used. 

This visit was made possible through the kind donation made by Ian Ridgley and family in memory of Frances Ridgley, late Society founder member and long time Society Secretary.

Our thanks are due to Mily Riley, Bayfordbury Education Officer, and to Calum and Ashley.  We are very grateful to Les Brand for organising this visit.  See more photos below.

Further information:

Bayfordbury Observatory is the University of Hertfordshire's teaching observatory for astronomy and astrophysics.

• Click here for info on its teaching and research, plus resources for adults, and children of various age groups.
• Check out the HOYS Citizen Science project, which observes nearby young clusters and star-forming regions to study their variable young stars.

Photo credits: #1 - Magda Wheatley; #2 - Les Brand; #3 - Bill Wood; #4-6, 8 - Les Jones; #7 - Peter Morris

"Essex Astrofest" - 7 October 2023,10am to 5pm -

Burnham-on Crouch Village Hall

Eight astronomy clubs from across the county met up, with short talks on various topics; including our Outreach Officer, Les Brand, who spoke on variable stars.  It was a great chance to meet and chat with members from other clubs, see some fascinating displays, and do some solar observing. 

Many thanks to all involved for organising this.   See also the Essex Astronomy Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1453921072043797

Image credits: #1 and 2 - Stephen Smith; #3 and 4 - Les Jones

Thames Chase public stargazing evening -

26 November 2022

A range of images (credit: Les Jones)

Activities at meetings -

including refreshments!

Meeting the public

We have gone to a wide range of public events,

to inform the public about our society.

Photos are from local events in 2019; handing out information and demonstrating telescopes