Attendees: KP, AC, PH, DT, DH
Apologies: NT
Taken By : AC
Written By AC
Previous Items
Health and Safety (NT)
PAT Testing
SAGAS were looking to have somebody trained who can help other societies out for maybe £10 donation. Current discussions around PAT testing are to do with the “repair shop” organisation that Danny volunteers for.
• Close
Telescope Library (KP/EG)
KP has made a note of remedial actions needed on the FAS telescopes in his care. If anybody else has any repairs needed, they should continue to drop KP a note.
• Close
Website Security (DT)
DT had nothing new to report besides the site getting lots of attacks. DT continues to monitor SPAM and has taken action to thwart the growing number of attacks by BOTS.
Dual Microphone (DT)
KP has bought it but had trouble getting it to work.
KP will bring to the next meeting for help. DH offered to help.
Actions • Testing at next meeting
Lunt Solar Telescope (PH)
PH has been contacting potential repairers. Still not clear if it will need to be sent to the US.
PH has ordered seals, and the complete set are expected by end Feb. He will then pass to DT for fitting.
Alexander Observatory
Issue of light pollution and high trees at the observatory. Committee noted the position and suggested AC contact Rushmoor council. “If you don’t ask you don’t get”.
Post Meeting DT suggested AC contact [Redactedf for GDPR] . DT had opened the observatory up for him recently.
Actions • Request Rushmoor council that the trees are cut back and a shield placed over the streetlamp. AC
Membership Renewal (DH/KP)
Renewal has been lower than in previous years but total membership is now at around the same level as 2024. Although 25 members have lapsed, we have had 9 new members this year.
It was considered to send a questionnaire to those lapsing to ascertain reasons why. DH advised that an invitation to provide feedback on reasons for not renewing is already included on reminder emails and DH read out some of the feedback given so far. It was considered sufficient.
KP did agree to ask new members where they had heard of us.
Actions • KP to add question to new member form asking where they heard of us.
Storage of FAS Equipment
John Rees has indicated that he would like the committee to find alternative storage arrangements for items he is currently holding.
KP awaiting email form John. It might be time to dispose of equipment that is beyond repair.
Actions • Await John email then find suitable homes for the equipment – KP
Alexander Observatory (DT)
Grainger conducted a “site wide” health and safety review included the observatory and the step ladder for viewing through the telescope was identified as a potential hazard.
Grainger are looking into mitigating the risk using some form of grip tape.
DT took an action to update the H&S checklist, which I have done in the attached draft.
All to review the draft and approve the changes.
Committee approved DT’s changes to the H&S Checklist.
Actions • DT has sent the revised checklist to Knight Frank and they have confirmed that they are happy with the changes to the observatory checklist. They have also indicated that on review, this is sufficient and adding grip tape to the steps will not be necessary.
• Closed
Committee Meeting Dates
To assist with the availability of committee members should we move the meetings to the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Mondays of the relevant quarterly month?
Agreed to move from the 1st Monday to the 3rd Monday.
Actions • KP to update calendar
• Done Closed.
Recurring Items
Finance (PH)
Peter to provide an update on the state of FAS finances.
Most renewals are paid via PayPal. PH asked AC to transfer the funds back to the main account bar £100.
Observing (NT – optional)
NT ran the January session and KP ran the February session and had 8 attendees.
Actions
AC to run March observing
Outreach (AC – optional)
[List of events redacted under child safety policy]
Actions • Members to be emailed and asked to help AC
SAGAS Report (DT – optional)
The liability insurance provided through SAGAS was looking suitable for the society and it was recommended we took this insurance on renewal rather than renew the Zurich Policy.
DT advised he would be stepping down as secretary in April at the AGM.