| Attendees: | KP, DH, SW, DT, PH, IP |
| Apologies: | N/A |
| Minutes: | IP |
Review of Actions from Previous Meeting
Dual Microphone (KP)
KP demonstrated it working. Action closed.
Lunt Solar Telescope (KP)
Quote of £380 for all telescopes, but with £100 excess and many theft scenarios (only from within a house). Would also need to prove ownership – we do not have a history for most scopes. Receipt of donation, but not an inventory. Lunt was a donation (Brian Sutherland – evidence letter of donation).
Action KP: To check with insurance company whether Lunt donation letter is acceptable.
SolarMax – no diagonal offered so far via SAGAS. Will ask Guildford AS.
Alexander Observatory (DT)
DT visited the site with our contact from the land agent, Knight Frank (working on behalf of Grainger), and identified the issues with the dome sticking and encroaching trees.
Repairs to the dome have been carried out; they report that the dome fully rotates now, and the trees that need cutting back will be looked at. DT has not had an opportunity to assess the repairs.
The concern over the wooden steps, identified on an independent assessment, has been noted, the risk-assessment/checklist has been changed and no further action is required.
Telescope Library (PH/KP)
PH has been investigating the Meade ETX – sounds like a coffee grinder. Circuit boards seem to be work. Meade components are sought after. Decisions:
- OTA – Peter offered to buy. £80 was agreed.
- Hand controller – retain in FAS as replacements are difficult to obtain.
- Tripod (will only go with ETX), cable and eyepiece (25mm) – retain
- Mount – sell as-is for spares or repairs.
Seven loans to members so far this year – very encouraging.
New Members (PH/IP)
Canvassing of (newer) members indicated appetite for guidance in how to use a telescope (one new member has loaned the Skywatcher 130).
Agreed that we should add 15-30 minutes after the talk each month to cover a topic (need clear and cloudy options).
Other topics to include expectation management in what can be seen visually (binoculars, basic telescope) and objects, stargazing apps, weather forecast apps, astrophotography and types of telescopes.
Many new observers become disappointed at what they can (not) see through a telescope, so a list of 20-30 objects would be good (SW has a list). Collins Gem Night Sky and Turn Left at Orion are good guides.
Practical sessions in setting up a telescope – polar alignment, finderscope, counterweights. Venus and Mercury should be visible after meetings during the summer.
This ties-in with SW’s plans for observing – e.g. star-hopping and challenges/what to look for within the aspect/horizon of your garden.
Venus – next couple of months (+ Mercury).
15-20 minutes after main talk each month.
Action IP: Propose a list of topics.
Submitted Items
Federation of AS Guidelines (DT)
DT shared the guidelines published by the Federation and encouraged the committee to review and check that we are not missing any best practices.
DT has reviewed and had several recommendations below which were agreed:
Add an Inclusivity Statement and a Complaints Procedure (could be as simple as speak to a Committee Member) to the constitution.
Risk Assessment – check accessibility to provide access for members with mobility issues on a best-efforts basis. Risk assessments to be stored on Google drive, including those for the observing sessions.
GDPR – Include 3rd party assessments (MemberMoJo). Retain and disclose personal data for legal requirements and include loan register in data usage.
Vulnerable adults need safeguarding in similar manner to juniors (must be accompanied by carer/parent/guardian). New committee members are to be briefed on safeguarding and child protection.
Safety lead required, especially for outdoor events.
DT requested that other committee members also review guidelines and feedback.
Action: All to review documents distributed by DT and feedback/confirm.
Risk assessment is annually reviewed ahead of renewals with Grainger and Frensham.
First Aid kits required for observing and during meetings at ACC (if one is not available already).
Action SW: Buy First Aid kit (ahead of observing season) and second for meetings if one is not available at ACC.
Recurring Items
H&S (All)
No incidents
Safeguarding Issues (All)
No incidents
Finance (PH)
Zoom subscription cancelled earlier in the year.
Website paid.
Venue charges – sporadic when invoiced.
Third bank authoriser – IP volunteered.
PayPal resolved; majority of the money transferred into savings account.
Action PH: add IP to bank authorisation.
Observing (SW)
Two very good session March (16 attendees) April (11) – mostly basic scopes and SeeStars for astrophotography (not enough time for setting up other rigs for astrophotography).
Currently pitch close to toilet lights – option to move one bay further.
Danny to send PLI to SW so that we can reapply to Frensham.
2026/27 – schedule similar – Geminids and Sundays if better astronomically. Title associated with each date refers to the FAS meeting before. SW will provide short verbal brief at the start of the meeting. Challenge guide to be sent via the observing mailing list.
Outreach (AC)
Nothing to report (no Outreach Officer).
Most came from Contact Form – statement on website hasreduced requests.
AOB (KP)
Nigel – EQ5 mount needs rehoming. Any offers?
John Coe – donating mount and telescope (EQ5 or 6). Speak to KP.
Website – To counter login attempts by bots, security has been enhanced.
SAGAS – The winding-down motion in April prompted renewed support and a decision has been made to return to a rotating Chair & Secretary at each meeting.