Attendees

• Peter Campbell-Burns
• Kevin Pretorius
• John Price
• Peter West
• John Rees
• Danny Thomas

Apologies were recieved from

• Eric Grieve
• Steve Woodbridge

Minutes of the last meeting:

Closed actions:

• PCB to look at issue of printing pages from the website.
• EG Decimation of low interest books from Library – done and website list updated.
• PCB to get materials for the Gowestry Meadow treasure hunt from Barry Bellinger. Closed – Barry has not responded.

Open actions:

• EG to speak to Army on future of Aldershot Observatory.
• PCB/PW – Send out reminders for payment of fees as previous years.

Topics for discussion:

1. SAGAS

Report from April SAGAS meeting that members are not covered by PLI during Society activities (as opposed to the public who are covered).

• Contact FAS/SAGAS regarding any changes to insurance which renews on June 30 JR
• Investigate quotes for additional public liability insurance to cover members. JR
• Some immediate actions are required to mitigate Health and Safety risks:
  • John Rees will add overseeing H&S to his committee responsibilities.
  • Action to start H&S log, Incident book JR
  • Action to add review of H&S log to future committee meetings DT
  • Safety briefing to be given at regular meetings. JP
  • Generate guidelines/risk assessment to cover outreach activities. DT

2. Outreach activities for 2010

• Frensham Fair

2-5pm, we will have space inside a marquee with 2 tables in an L shape. The PST will be set up outside for solar observing weather permitting. Display board with images and possibly a display scope.

• Fleet Carnival

Kevin Pretorius will be the event leader. Saturday starts at 2pm but due to the arrival of the carnival there will be no equipment on show. Sunday will be a full day, preparation meeting scheduled for 7.30pm June 30th in the Wyvern, Fleet (close to Willis Hall) all members are welcome and we need as much support as possible.

3. Club telescopes

• Decision to purchase a solar telescope was approved. Will be used for outreach to promote the society, astronomy and increase membership. Will be available for members when not used for outreach.
• Action to contact dealers for support and purchase PST DT
• Action to add information on loan telescopes to the website PCB
• Opportunity to get funding from Astronomia was discussed but consensus was that some conditions were not under the society’s control or not desirable, given the amount of funding available.
• Eric Grieve will take responsibility for loaning equipment out as part of his duties as Librarian. Eligibility will require minimum one year’s membership and loans will be conducted on a one month period with handover at the meetings. To be summarised on the website.
• A deposit will be required for each scope and a small charge will be made for loaning the PST to cover running costs, insurance etc. No fee will be charged for equipment that has been donated to the society.
• Health and safety precautions to be taken for the PST include making a copy of the manual available and offering training.

4. Update on feedback from questionnaire

Twelve responses so far, most from the committee. Reminder to be given at the June meeting and book token will be drawn in 4 weeks time.

5. BBC Enquiry

Peter Campbell-Burns replied to an enquiry on the web from the BBC regarding a potential programme next year. Will wait for feedback from BBC.

6. Officer’s Reports

• Program looking healthier since last meeting and six meetings booked for next year. However, this has taken a large amount of effort on Kevin’s part. Asking speakers directly at meetings has been effective.
• 44 active members on the Society’s book of which 31 have paid for 2010. If a member has not paid by this point, the committee felt it reasonable to require that they pay the £2 guest charge at meetings.
• Website now has great content but hosting charge and backup server options need to be reviewed PCB/DT
• Investigate cost of clothing embroidered with FAS logo e.g. polo shirts to distinguish FAS members at outreach events DT

7. AOB

• Next meeting 6 September, to be hosted by Danny Thomas.

2010 FAS Meeting Calendar

• Coronado Personal Solar Telescope (PST)
• 60mm Refractor
• 7″ Newtonian Reflector

We also have a Gazebo available for loan to members.

The loan of this equipment is subject to conditions that includes a minimum period of membership of the Society (see below).  

For all loan equipment please read the general and specific safety instructions below.  Training and guidance will be provided if required.

Coronado Personal Solar Telescope (PST)

The PST is a small (40mm / F10) refractor with inbuilt narrow band filters that centre on Hydrogen-alpha wavelength at 656.28nm. Features of our sun visible that can be viewed in hydrogen-alpha wavelengths are:

• Flares
• Prominences
• Filaments
• Active regions
• Plage
• Sunspots

Danny has posted his ‘first light’ images on this web site.

The PST is supplied with an eyepiece, sun shade and adaptors to allow images of the sun to be captured using a webcam.

We look forward to publishing member’s solar images on this website. With our own PST we can debunk forever that old myth that: “astronomers do it at night”. Just don’t forget to apply plenty of sun cream ;-) 

Loan deposit: £30, monthly charge: £5

Image Courtesy of Denis Joye

Image by Danny Thomas

60mm Refractor

This 60mm  refractor was donated to the Society by Eric Grieve. It has a focal length of 700mm and is mounted on an  equatorial  mount with slow motion control.

Accessories supplied with this telescope:

• A finder scope
• barlow lens
• star diagonal
• two eyepieces

Loan deposit: £30, Monthly charge: Nil.

7″ Newtonian Reflector

This 7″ F6 reflector has a 42″ focal length and is mounted on a home-made alt-azimuth mount with verniers.

Accessories supplied with this telescope:

• A finder scope
• 1 11/16″ eyepiece

Loan deposit: £30, Monthly charge: Nil

3m x 4.5m Gazebo 

Ok, this is nothing to do with Astronomy.  However, the Society bought this gazebo specifically for outreach events and the committee has agreed to make it available to members for a small charge.  It can be erected very quickly by just two people and comes in a wheeled carrier.  It is ideal for garden parties.

Loan deposit: <tbc>  Monthly charge: <tbc>

How to Borrow Equipment

If you’d like to borrow one of these telescopes or would just talk about what’s most suitable for you then please contact our Librarian, Eric Grieve by email (below) or in person at one of our regular meetings.  The normal loan period will be 1 calendar month, this can be extended by agreement subject to there being no other members waiting for the same equipment.   All loan equipment will be collected / returned by the member on regular meeting evenings and at the meeting hall (or by arrangement with the Librarian).  Before borrowing equipment please read the conditions of loan and safety instructions below.  

Eric can be contacted by telephone : 01252 518256

Conditions of Loan:

• Only paid up members, who have been a member of the Society for 12 months or more are eligible to take equipment on loan.
• Any equipment donated to the society for the benefit of its members will be made available for loan at no charge, other items may be subject to a small charge.
• A deposit is required for the loan of any equipment; this will be returned to the member when the equipment is returned.
• Society events will always take precedence; if an event occurs whilst equipment is on loan the member will make the equipment available for collection (it will be returned to the member as soon as reasonably possible after the event).
• It is the member’s responsibility to look after loan equipment and take care to protect the equipment from damage or theft. Any loss or damage must be reported to the equipment officer at the earliest opportunity.
• The Society makes the equipment available on the understanding that the member takes full responsibility for any damage or injury that may occur whilst using or transporting the equipment including damage to lenses, cameras or any other equipment used in conjunction with the loan equipment..
• The Member agrees that the Society and its Officers have no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage, howsoever caused, resulting from the use of the loan equipment.
• Under no circumstances should members attempt to clean optical surfaces. If there is any problem with the optics please contact the Librarian or one of the committee members.
• The Society takes no responsibility for any lack of clear skies!

General safety instructions when using loan telescopes

• Never look at the sun directly.
• Never look at the sun with a telescope UNLESS it is fitted with an effective solar filter
• Never use a damaged solar filter – always check your solar filters for damage before use.
• Never use a solar filter that screws into the eyepiece as these are highly dangerous; they can shatter due to heat from the magnified sun’s rays (the primary lens acts as a huge magnifying glass).
• Always explain the dangers of looking at the Sun to anyone using the telescope, particularly children.

With the exception of the PST, filters for solar observing will not be provided by the society. 

If you would like advice on solar observing please contact a committee member.

Safety instructions for observing with the PST

Solar observing needs to be approached responsibly and with care, so we make no apologies for the many dos and don’ts below. If in doubt about any of the following please contact the Librarian or one of the committee members. Contact details will be provided when you collect the telescope. Alternatively you can invite an experienced Society member to join your first observing session or ask to join them when they have the PST.

The PST can be used to observe the Sun safely provided that you read the manual carefully and always follow the manufacturers instructions. When observing the sun with the PST the general safety instructions also apply (see above).

Additional safety measures that we ask members to observe are as follows:

• Check the PST for damage before use; this is especially important if you are using the PST for the first time since collecting it;
• Pay particular attention to the alignment procedure which will allow you to avoid looking at the Sun directly.
• Take special care to explain the dangers of looking at the Sun through a telescope to anyone using the PST.
• Don’t try to disassemble or fix any problems with the PST.

Explaining the dangers of looking at the Sun through a telescope is especially important because the PST can give a wrong impression to the uninitiated about safety, particularly to children who must not be tempted to “try this at home” with their own telescope of binoculars.

Finally, the PST filters are very delicate. For reasons of safety and to ensure that other members are able to enjoy this wonderful instrument for years to come, we ask you to:

• Protect the PST from knocks
• Ensure it is mounted securely and cannot be knocked over
• Always transport the PST in the case provided.

Attendees

• Peter Campbell-Burns
• Eric Grieve
• Kevin Pretorius
• John Price
• John Rees
• Danny Thomas
• Peter West
• Steve Woodbridge

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted:

Closed actions:

• Eric has passed on minutes from past meetings to Danny
• Feedback on Chris Lintott’s expenses has been obtained from Guildford AS.
• Officers AGM reports were placed on the society website
• Website has been updated with details and pictures of new committee members.
• JP to question members on level of interest in day trip and ideas for future programme topics (absorbed into new proposal for a questionnaire).

Open actions:

• EG Decimation of low interest books from Lib – Will be done by April, Eric to produce a list.
• EG to speak to Army on future of Aldershot Observatory.

Reports

Treasurer: 

• JR reported that he has online access to the account and the history which will allow him to forecast the end of year balance.
• The FAS subscription was paid to take advantage of a significant early registration discount.
• Balance of account is currently £1216. PW has paying book and £317 of fees to be banked.

Webmaster / SAGAS Co-ordinator 

• PCB reported recent magazine style articles have brought a lot of traffic to the site. 
• Action: PCB to look at issue of printing pages from the website e.g. minutes of meetings
• FAS chaired January SAGAS meeting
• SAGAS can be excellent resource for finding speakers.
• Action: PCB to get materials for the Gowestry Meadow treasure hunt from Barry Bellinger for SAGAS to consider using at Herstmonceux.

Programme Secretary:

• KP reported that it is difficult to find close speakers in reasonable distance and more member presentations need to be encouraged.
• KP now has the FAS speaker list and Barry Bellinger’s list of speakers contact details. 
• Action: PCB to talk to SAGAS and get a list of speakers.
• May meeting will now be KP on “Measuring the Universe” and October will be an observing session lead by SW/EG in October.
• Action: PCB to update schedule on the web page.
• Chris Lintott visit; 37 of 50 spaces filled; only 6 non-members have requested places.
• Action: DT to bring a camera to the meeting to record the event.
• Action: PCB to meet Chris from train to Fleet, with JR/DT as back up.

Membership Secretary:

•  Update on collection of fees: PW reported 22 of 40 members have paid.
• Action: PCB/PW – Send out reminders as previous years.

Observing Co-ordinator:

• Update on planned society observing sessions SW – October booked for observing session with contingency plans in event of poor weather.

Recruitment and retention of society members.

• Flyers have been distributed on notice boards, but the internet and word of mouth have been the most effective ways of bringing in members. Local press welcome articles on society events and this is seen as a good way of publicising the society’s activities e.g. Chris Lintott and Aldershot observatory visit.
• The committee agreed that questionnaire to solicit feedback from members is a good idea. The objective will be to find out how the society can be improved.
• Action: PCB to look at use of Survey Monkey and will refine a list of questions.
• Action: DT to email draft questions to PCB

Outreach activities for 2010

• Observatory visits planned for 24 April, 2pm for society members and their guests. This coincides with National Astronomy Day.
• Action: PCB to update website, JP to announce at next meeting.
• 3rd of June scheduled for Historic Society visit organized by PW.
• Herstmonceux weekend festival is too far away to be a potential recruitment opportunity. Committee concluded that members wishing to visit can make informal arrangements to travel together, but the committee will not organize a trip.
• Fleet Carnival offers an opportunity to have stalls either in the High Street or The Views.
• Action: PCB to enquire if we can get space and borrow a PST for solar observation.
• Following the recent lecture at the Cody AS with Institute of Maths and its Applications, KP will look at arranging an observing session at Cody to see their Zeiss telescope in action.

Website

• The website should be used to promote the societies activities and generate interest from potential new members. More contributions from members are required to sustain the content e.g. projects, news and what’s on type articles.
• Discussion regarding social networking e.g. Facebook, Twitter concluded that such sites are of limited value and would be hard to maintain.

Club telescopes

• The telescope recently presented to JP has no mirror, a very heavy mount and requires de-rusting and cleaning. The committee concluded that it is not transportable or feasible to use it as a “club telescope.”
• PW has been given a 7” lightweight reflector.  This scope is a potential club telescope if it were given a new mount.

AOB

•  Library list needs to be made more accessible on the website
• Action: PCB/DT to look at an additional page.

Date of Next Meeting

•   Next meeting 8pm on 14 June, KP kindly offered to host the meeting.

FAS Meeting Calendar

John Price reported that 2009 had been an active one for the Society. With the Society’s successful daytime public observing session in Farnham. Which commemorated the International Year of Astronomy, this was a highlight.

Report of Officers:

Chairman:  John Price offered his report. This he explained covered the broader view of the work of the Society and the actions played by the members of the committee. He emphasised the fact in his mind that the month meetings were the core activity of the Society.  This will be published on the Society’s website.

Secretary:  John Price reported that Barry was in China in connection with his work and unable to attend the meeting. Barry had stated that he was unable to continue as Secretary. The chairman wished to place on record the valued work Barry had done for the Society over the last ten years. Barry has already provided speakers for most of next year’s programme. The quality of talks given to the Society has been excellent over Barry’s time in office largely thanks to his brilliant choice of speakers. The post of Secretary would now be split into General Secretary and Programme Secretary to thereby ease the workload of replacement nominees.

Treasurer:  John Price offered his report, which will be published on the website. John reported no real change to the financial position of the Society.

Membership Secretary: Peter Campbell-Burns offered his report to the Society, this would be published on the website. Peter said that the move from Farnham had resulted in only some small membership number changes.  The IYA activities had helped membership. However, new recruitment initiatives must now be planned.  No change in membership charges is required.

Webmaster:  Peter Campbell-Burns website report was included in the above.  Over the past year the website had been greatly revised. This has resulted in an improved service to the members and has increased the Society’s profile.

Observing Co-ordinator:  Steve reported on the success of the Spring Observing session and the IYA day at Farnham. He looked forward to including a session this spring covering the Planets and thoughts of Observing on nights other than Meeting nights.

Librarian: Eric submitted his report, this would also be published on the website. A 5% increase in Titles held was reported. With a low issue rate however, Eric reminded members to check the Book list for anything that might meet their interests. The upgraded Telescope was now out on temporary loan.

Election of Officers and Committee Members:

The following were nominated:

Chairman: John Price

Secretary: Danny Thomas

Treasurer: John Rees

Membership Secretary: Peter West

Programme Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Kevin Pretorius

Webmaster/SAGAS Representative: Peter Campbell-Burns

Observing Co-ordinator: Steve Woodbridge

Librarian: Eric Grieve

The above were duly nominated by John Moore and seconded by Chris Thayer.

The meeting passed these nominations.

The Constitution:

The Chairman reported that this was now published on the Website and may, in future be, removed from the AGM agenda.

Any Other Business

No AOB was raised.  The Chairman closed the meeting by reminding them that an excellent Buffet was now available at the back of the hall. He took the opportunity to also wish them a Happy Christmas!

Treasurers Report

• Refer to the attached accounts (PDF available here).
• Income is largely from membership subscriptions (£537) with a meagre amount of interest (£1.24) from our reserve account. The book sale (£10) is an isolated event from our library.

Expenditure

• The SAGAS subscription of £15 is for our affiliation which only began this year in order to put their finances on a firmer footing. Our subscription to the Federation of Astronomical Societies is expected soon and will appear in next year’s accounts.
• The speakers expenses of £100 are typical and range from £20 upwards and sometimes include refreshments. Very good value is obtained and some speakers do not require payment.
• Hire of the Hall is currently £15.63 and considered very good value.
• Website cost (£60) is for renewal of our domain name registration.
• Support to Christmas party (£50) covers the cost of food and is a way of paying back some of the current surplus to members.
• The International Year of Astronomy event in Gostrey Meadow Farnham was high cost (£237) due to advertising material such as leaflets and badges.
• The Observatory Fund £83) is a sum set aside from the odd donation which has accrued steadily over the years without any need to spend it!
• We have a treasurer’s current account with Lloyds Bank with an attached reserve account currently paying the princely interest of 0.05%.
• The accounts are in good shape without risk of running out of money.

Librarians Report

Books & Equipment

• At each monthly meeting a small selection of the more popular books, together with the full FAS Book-list, is displayed at the back of the hall. Members may request titles from this or they may go to the FAS Website. This offers the full book list with a direct link to me – so you may request a book between meetings.
• The FAS Book list now consists of over 200 books and also number of astronomical related reports and publications. We have gained about 5% new titles this year. Again unfortunately less than 5% of books have been requested at any time over the past year. At this moment in time just 7 books are out on loan!
• We also have many of the Sky @ Night DVD’s. and often other up to date Astronomy magazines are available. The DVD’s offer a number of good free software programmes and hours of video material.
• I would beg members to look again at the Societies book list and see if there is anything that may be of interest to them.
• The librarian of the Royal Astronomical Society, you remember he gave a talk on the English Mount, has agreed to let me know when books, that have been donated to the RAS, become available to groups like ourselves.
• I obtained a New Equatorial mounted 60mm refractor (Car boot). I’ve cleaned it up and mounted my original 60mm Optics Tube Assembly. This is now happily out on loan to a Society member.
• If members have any additional Equipment or books they may wish to loan or donate to the Society, then I would be only too happy to take them on.

The Aldershot Observatory.

• This year we’ve had groups from Mytchett School, local Cubs and Brownies along for visits this year.
• All visits are naturally an open invitation to members and are usually announced beforehand.
• I have no new knowledge on the position on the future of site. I understand there is a question mark over the Team GB 2012 use of Army ground for final training.

The Held at the home of Steve Woodbridge.

Attendees

• John Price (Chairman)
• Eric Grieve (Secretary)
• Peter Campbell-Burns
• Peter West
• John Price
• Steve Woodbridge
• Kevin Pretorius
• Danny Thomas

Minutes of the Last Meeting

Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

Actions remaining:

• JP to question members on level of interest in day trip. Action by next committee meeting.
• EG Decimation of low interest books from Lib. Action by next committee meeting.
• EG to speak to Army on future of Aldershot Observatory. Action by next committee meeting.
• JP to seek members’ ideas for future programme topics. Action by next committee meeting.

All other actions were cleared or would be covered within reports

Reports

Chairman: The chairman provided a written report that would be presented at the AGM. He highlighted the fact that the Society had been busy during the year. On the point of Committee membership: the post of Secretary as held by Barry Bellinger would be split into Secretary and Programme Secretary. Danny Thomas has been nominated as Secretary and Kevin Pretorius as Programme Secretary. However both agreed that they would cooperate, as and when required, since the roles had a degree of overlap. Danny would also take on the post of Meetings Secretary from Eric Grieve. Eric would produce the minutes for the AGM and then pass any previous meeting information to Danny.

Secretary: Barry was away on business. It is widely known that Barry wished to be released from the committee, because of business commitments. The chairman stated how Barry had been a very successful programme secretary for about ten years and would be sadly missed. However he was confident in the new committee members. John Price said he would be placing on record his thanks to Barry for all this work for the Society. It was agreed that the process of greeting and hosting the visiting speaker should be formalised following Barry’s departure. Action new secretary.

Treasurer: John provided the report that would be issued at the AGM. Whilst the IYA cost £250, it must be remembered that a lot of publicity material still remain

Membership Secretary: Peter Campbell-Burns had provided a comprehensive report for the AGM. Membership, which is level at the moment, but a recruitment drive should soon be mounted.

Webmaster: Peter Campbell-Burns reported the boost to FAS visibility on the Web thanks to Richard Kacherek’s work on the revised Website design. Peter asked for recent photos of all new committee members.

Observing Co-ordinator: Steve reported no action at present, but a post meeting observing session would be planned for the spring.

Librarian: Eric provided a report to be issued at the AGM. 5% increase in book titles held and the loan telescope had been upgraded. Action remains.

Aldershot Observatory: Eric reported one school visit this quarter, no knowledge from the Military on the future of Dome. Action remains.

Committee Vacancies

Chairman was happy to say the Kevin and Danny had offered their services to the committee.  The posts of Secretary, programme secretary and meetings secretary would then all be filled.

2010 Programme

The programme for 2010 was progressing well. Barry had just four blanks in the programme. Normally FAS members provide a couple of talks and we must not forget an observing session needs to be programmed in. The vexed question of the “Galaxy Zoo 2010 – Special guest speaker” and a policy for admission to celebrity speaker session was raised. It was agreed that the meeting would be by ticket only. Thus members would be initially offered tickets, then if numbers allow, others would be invited to apply for tickets at the normal price for one night visits (£2). Inviting people like Chris Lintott is for the membership not as a money making scheme. Action required John Price to check maximum seating allowed in hall, H&S? (The maximum figure is reported as 50.) Peter Campbell-Burns to check with Guildford AS the anticipated cost of the speaker. Action remains. Website needs updating with restrictions explained, Chris should now be named. Programme Sec needs to ensure Magazine entry for March 2010 has similar details.

FAS Constitution

John reminded all that this was a living document, the agreed committee post names will require updating and published on the website after the AGM. Action John Price to amend.

Outreach Activities

As mentioned in his report, Peter Campbell-Burns felt the Fleet carnival offered a good opportunity to the society, plan required to act on this.

SAGAS Issues

We now pay £15 per year membership. Farnham is to chair the next quarterly meeting; Donal McDonnell and John Moore have kindly agreed to give a presentation.

AGM Issues

All office reports would be placed on the Societies website.

AOB

hairman to thank Joy Shenton, with suitable gift, at AGM for all her help in providing the monthly meeting refreshments. Steve was thanked for providing the committee with tea and a nice Christmas tree to sit by!

Date of Next Meeting

It was proposed that an FAS meetings calendar be published on the website, to include general meetings and committee meetings at the beginning of the year. After some discussion it was agreed that committee meetings should be quarterly and set for the first Monday on the month. The next would be on Monday 1st March 2010.  General meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Danny Thomas has agreed to take over the post of Meetings Secretary following the AGM.

Farnham Astronomical Society Calendar 2010

Committee meetings:

• Monday 1st Mar
• Monday 7th Jun
• Monday 6th Sep
• Monday 6th Dec

General Meetings

• Tuesday 12th Jan
• Tuesday 9th Feb
• Tuesday 9th Mar
• Tuesday 13th Apl
• Tuesday 11th May
• Tuesday 8th Jun
• Tuesday 13th Jul
• Tuesday10th Aug
• Tuesday 14th Sep
• Tuesday 12th Oct
• Tuesday 9th Nov
• Tuesday 14th Dec

15th September 2008

Venue

The meeting was held at the home of John Price.

Present

• Peter Campbell-Burns
• Peter West
• John Price

Due to the low attendance it was decided that a formal committee meeting could not be held but rather an informal and broad ranging discussion of current issues affecting the Society would be undertaken. The following notes are based upon a list that Peter Campbell-Burns compiled.

Membership

Currently membership stands at 35 with 8 unpaid from last year. Peter Campbell-Burns felt that this was significantly low compared to nearly 50 some 4 years ago.   He suggested that steps needed to be taken to boast numbers large by increasing publicity.

Various views put forward in the following discussion included the point that we should not be too worried by a fall in membership since historically, over the 38 year existence of the Society its membership had always fluctuated with a low of 10 at one point. It was recognised that advertising was constantly required in order to find those in the area interested in astronomy but unaware of the Society’s existence. The need for a publicity officer was agreed.

Forthcoming Events

There was much discussion about the possibility that Dr Chris Lintott’s talk at the October meeting would attract more attendance than the capacity of the Willis Hall.  The suggestion that it should be a ticket only event whilst reasonable was felt too late to implement since publicity to the contrary is already issued. It was felt impractical to separate members from visitors in order to give priority to the former. The Hall holds 50 and 50 chairs are provided so it was felt that care was required in putting out the chairs so as to leave standing room at the back.

Peter West agreed to organise the collection of £4 from non members by setting up a table at the door. We must be careful that the capacity of the hall is not grossly exceeded because of safety issues and breaking our agreement with the hall’s letting officer.

There are a number of observing events in October

• Mytchett School, date to be decided.
• Brownies at the Aldershot Observatory on the 20th Oct.
• Scouts at Garners Field, Tilford on 24th Oct.

The Mytchett and Tilford events require telescopes and the problem of bring large models along was raised. The larger telescopes that members have are generally mounted on fixed arrangements and festooned with equipment making them very difficult to dismantle. The possibility of the Society owning a large (12inch+) telescope for the purpose of taking to observing events only was felt to be a good idea which was left in the minds of the committee for further discussion.

SAGAS

It is the Society’s turn to chair the Sagas meeting of the 16th Jan. 2010.  We also have to provide the speaker. Peter Campbell-Burns stated that he had a speaker in mind and that we also needed a chairman (likely to be John Price).

The New Website

Peter Campbell-Burns summary is reproduced below.

Web Site Update

 New site launched successfully; Richard Kacerek has done a really good job for us.

• Feedback has been very positive indeed;
• The site is quite remarkable for a small society – it is a superb showcase for the society.
• A trawl through many URLs shows we have set another standard for others to follow – but the others are catching up (I understand that GAS is soon to launch a new site, and theirs was already excellent);
• Even more dynamic content is available to make sure that there is always something new to look at (News, APOD and planning aids for observing Weather, Moon Phase);
• Approximately 100 posts to date – lots of good content and new content is being added more frequently;
• Last week saw visitors from 33 countries;
• We have seen remarkable decrease in the time it takes Google to index content (2 minutes!);
• We need to encourage more written input from members to offset the imaging bias – it could become an online newsletter;
• Little use is being made of the ‘feedback / comments’ functionality so far (except by Spammers) but it is just a matter of time;
• Future ideas to explore are:
• Use the website as part of schools outreach (a web project for pupils?)
• Potential to generate the printed newsletter directly from current content on the site;
• Possible integration with astrometry.net service (this is under investigation)
• Astrotags (a watching brief – yet to be convinced)
• Messier Challenge

… and always on the lookout for more.

Peter also presented a software application which used “astrometry” to identify and name objects contained within an astronomical image. This is an online service and registration is required. An image submitted undergoes a pattern recognition process and then compared with sky maps to name specific objects. Peter has used this system and showed his results to the meeting. More information is available from Peter.

There was discussion on the problem the committee has in arranging its meetings.  Even when a date is arranged well in advance (the end of the previous meeting) it never seems to work because so many members cannot make and it has to be cancelled.  The meeting was unable to arrive at a solution except that John Price agreed to ask Eric Grieve if he would take on the task of calling the meeting and doing the negotiating to obtain consensus on a date.

The meeting closed without agreeing a date for the next but, hopefully, in about 3 months time!

John Price

1st December 2008

Present

John Price, Eric Grieve, Steve Woodbridge and Peter West. Peter Campbell-Burns were unable to attend due to pressure of work and at the last moment Barry was unavailable.

Minutes of the Last Meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. All outstanding actions were cleared or would be covered within reports.

Reports

Chairman:  Said that the latest edition of the Constitution had been published for acceptance at the forthcoming AGM. Members were reminded that it was a living document and may be updated at necessary.

Secretary:  Barry was unavailable tonight

Treasurer:  £1400 approx in reserve account and £76 in current. John had yet to raise the proposal of a member’s trip in the newsletter.  Action JP  Also raised was the position on the FAS usage of a robotic telescope, John agreed he would speak to both Peter CB who originally was looking at this proposal and also to John Moore on the imaging aspects of this subject. Action JP

Membership Secretary: Peter CB was away. John reported that membership was 39.  John had received a report from the membership secretary for issue at the AGM.

Webmaster: Peter was not available. John reported that the FAS flyer was being updated.

Observing Co-ordinator: Steve reported a low count on the Planetary nebula task for members. However he was looking to expand on the ‘after meeting’ activity, during next year. Action SW  He had included an observational element to his variable star workshop at the October meeting.  The lunar occultation of Venus that had taken place in the afternoon on the day of the meeting was spoken of. Eric reported it clouded over for him just 8 minutes before contact!

Librarian: Eric reported that the spare telescope and a number of Star atlases are out on load now.  Eric has yet to decimate the existing title list, removing those books considered too out of date for the members. These will be brought to meetings and offered at a nominal cost to members. Action EG

Committee Vacancies

The chairman said that might be useful to ‘co-op’ members into the committee structure especially with IYA 2009 in mind.

2008/09 Programme

Barry had issued a recent update to the 2009 programme. The 2009 programme is looking very good indeed, with only 2 slots open. Barry feels he would like a steer as to what members wish for in these talks. John would raise this in the newsletter. Action JP

Revision of the Constitution

Had been published and would be offered for adoption at the next AGM.

Outreach Activities

Aldershot Observatory. We have yet to obtain an update on the future of the observatory.  Eric agreed to speak to the Army HQ on the matter. It may be that a letter from FAS needs to be issued. The name and postal address of the new Quartermaster has been passed to John. Action JP

A member of Cody Astronomical Society had spoken to Eric and reported today that he was showing the telescope to a visitor from the Science Museum.

Eric showed the committee thank you cards received in the past month from cub/brownie groups. Last time John and I each got a bottle of Wine! Does this make us professional astronomers – In the eyes of the Inland Revenue?

Visit by Farnborough Cubs due tomorrow, 2nd Dec 6:45. John and Peter West both agreed to attend. Action EG

International Year of Astronomy – IYA – 2009.

Barry raised the possibility of using the Farnham Maltings as at the last Astronomy Year.

This is to include a themed exhibition staged by FAS. A general discussion by the committee followed. It was agreed that the most important factor was for a DATE to be agreed, and then detailed plans could be formulated. Peter CB was acting on behalf of the Society and had agreed to speak to John Axtell from Guildford to begin forming a programme; no information received at present.

John agreed to speak to Peter CB on developments. Action JP

It was agreed that a special general meeting of interested members of FAS should meet to discuss what public activities it was possible to arrange in association with IYA 2009.  The initial meeting will be: Tuesday 27th Jan at Eric’s place: 61 Manor Road Farnborough 8:00pm. The programme will be formulated there. This would be published on the Website. JP agreed to raise a suitable Agenda. Action JP

With the issue at this time of raising public awareness of the Society, Steve asked if a minor title change – Farnham and Fleet Astronomical Society might help increase focus. JP agreed to consider this matter. Action JP

SAGAS Issues

It was agreed that, following the presentation on SAGAS at the Jan meeting, the membership would be canvassed for a new representative from FAS. Or we question the need to continue membership of SAGAS.

AGM Issues.

Committee members, with specific posts, are reminded that a short report is required at the AGM. As notes on the AGM are published on the website following the meeting, a written copy of these reports is requested by the Chairman.

AOB

It was proposed and accepted that, at this time, some form of suitable gift be offered to both Joan and June for all there help thought out the year. Action JP.

Date of Next Meting

It was agreed that Monday 2nd March would be the next meeting date. This should be published on the website. The start time would be moved to 6:30pm. It was also agreed that the meeting would be held at John’s house in Farnham.

John and Audrey were thanked for his hospitality in hosting the meeting.

 11 December 2007 

Click to download the FAS Constitution and Rules in Adobe PDF format.

1. The Name of the Society

The Society shall be called The Farnham Astronomical Society, hereafter called the Society.

2. Objectives

The objectives of the Society shall be to promote an interest in astronomy and its allied sciences by: i) holding meetings for the delivery of lectures, ii) extend knowledge by research, observation and publication, iii) actively promote an interest in astronomy to the public at large, especially young people.

3. Membership

The Membership of the Society shall consist of the following categories:

i) Full Member - anyone interested in astronomy.

ii) Junior /Student Member - shall be defined as under the age of 18 years or in full-time education.

(Note: These categories of membership allow for differences in subscription levels)

The Society shall place the highest priority on the wellbeing of children attending its meetings. The Society shall follow the procedures issued by the Federation of Astronomical Societies in their handbook (section 5.1) where a child is defined as being below 16 years of age. Parents must give written consent for the child to participate unaccompanied in the Society’s events. If the Society is invited to an event, it shall be made clear to the organisers of the event that they are responsible for the wellbeing of the children participating.

4. Management Committee

The management of the Society shall be vested in a Committee of no more than nine members consisting of the officers: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Observing Coordinator, Membership Secretary, Librarian and not more than three other members. The Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.

5. Voting and Attendance

Only Full members shall have the right to propose candidates for election to the Committee, to vote at meetings and to serve as officers of the Society. All members shall have the right to attend meetings and observing sessions, to introduce visitors to meetings, and to receive a copy of any proceedings published by the Society during their membership.

6. Admission to membership

The Membership Secretary shall admit every candidate to the appropriate grade of membership but may consult with the Chairman or other Committee member if doubts exist on suitability. The Committee shall maintain a register of members, setting out the full name and address, telephone number(s) and email address of each member, the date admitted to membership, date of last subscription, and the date on which any person ceased to be a member. Members have the right to view and correct their information by contacting the Membership Secretary.

7. Expulsion of members

In the event of a member being unable to accept the aims of the Society and/or whose actions are contrary to its good name, then they may be removed from membership. Such a final step shall be taken at a Committee meeting with two-thirds of its members present and in majority support of such action. This will normally be a last resort and should be preceded by informal efforts to resolve the matter.

8. Subscriptions

All members shall pay an annual subscription, which shall be decided by the Committee. The annual subscription shall become due at the January meeting, but in the case of new members on a pro-rata basis.

9. Arrears of subscriptions

Any member whose annual subscription has not been received by 1st April, in the due year, shall not be entitled to the rights and privileges of membership. Any member in arrears at 12 months will be removed from the list of membership.

10. Quorum

At meetings of the Committee, a quorum shall consist of four members, including at least two officers. At general meetings of the Society, a quorum shall consist of at least one-quarter of all paid-up members.

11. Co-option

The Committee shall have the power to co-opt other members at their discretion.

12. Annual General Meetings

The Society shall hold an Annual General Meeting during the month of December. Members shall be given not less than fourteen days notice of the meeting. The meeting agenda must include a presentation of accounts by the Treasurer and elections to the Committee.

13. Special General meetings

The Committee may at their discretion or upon receiving a written request signed by not less than five Full Members, convene a Special General Meeting of the Society. There shall be not less than fourteen days notice of the date and purpose of such a Special General Meeting. Only business specified on the meeting agenda may be discussed at a Special General Meeting.

14. Minutes of meeting

Minutes shall be kept of the meeting of the Committee and the minutes of each meeting shall be read as the first business of the next ensuing meeting.

15. Observing meetings

The Observing Secretary shall have the right to limit the attendance at any Observing meeting if and when conditions make this necessary.

16. Accounts

The Treasurer shall manage the Society’s finances using an account held with a recognized bank. The Treasurer or his appointed deputy (the alternative signatory lodged with the bank) must sign all withdrawals on the accounts. The accounts of the Society shall be made up annually to the month prior to the AGM.

17. Property of the Society

The Committee may, from time to time purchase books, telescopes, projectors or such articles as may be necessary for the furtherance of the objectives of the Society or may direct the same to be sold if not required. An inventory of the Society’s property shall be attached to the annual accounts.

18. Disposal of property

In the event of the dissolution of the Society, its property or effects (funds or otherwise) shall be disposed of as determined by the Committee.

19. Alteration to rules

No rule shall be altered or a new rule incorporated, except by a two-thirds majority of votes of the members present at a General Meeting of the Society. Any resolution to alter the rules shall be endorsed by at least three Members and shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Committee, for circulation to members of the Society, not less than fourteen days before the meeting.

20. Copies of rules

A copy of these rules shall be posted on the Society’s website as well as given to each new member.