Committee Meeting on 3rd June 2019
Minutes
Attendees: Steve Baker, Andrew Collins, Eric Grieve, Kevin Pretorius, Chris Reed, John Rees, Roberta Smyth.
Apologies: Danny Thomas
Open actions from last meeting
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Alternative to Alice Holt with greater flexibility on dates, e.g. Bordon.
Action: Explore possibility of Bordon/Crondall site(s) – AC – Bordon contact not available – No progress.
Action: A possible observing site at Bentley Recreation Ground has been identified which with the park managers agreement will provide good access, reasonably dark skies and visibility. We may need to protect the ground from mount spikes. – SB – Complete
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GDPR Policy and Procedures Manual
Action: Final version completed by AC and published on the FAS website – AC/DT – Complete.
3. FAS Shopping list
Action: Revelation 40mm Plossl purchased – EG. – Complete
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Re-introduce the Welcome Pack for members – AC
Action: Refreshed Welcome Pack to be circulated to the committee for final approval. – AC
Action: When items such as library list refreshed updated on the website the date shows “November 10th 2011” not the refresh date – DT
Action: Welcome Pack to be available to members via download from hidden website. – DT
Action: Welcome Pack in A5 booklet form for issue to new members. Cost estimate for 25. – AC
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Observing events – SB
Action: Schedule of observing events for 2019/2020 to be refreshed and agree with Alice Holt – KP/DT
Action: Publish observing events in Newsletter and Facebook – KP/CR
Action: Upcoming astronomical events to be notified to members via monthly observing newsletter – SB
Action: Practical telescope observing, if clear or collimation etc. if overcast at ACC after monthly meetings. Encourage members to bring telescopes they require assistance with. – SB
Action: Autumn star party at ACC in September’s close encounter of Jupiter and Saturn. – SB
Action: As the Sun is very quiet perhaps a daytime Moon watch at AH – KP
Action: Red lights (DT) and signs (KP) to mark parking areas and observing areas. – KP/DT
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Review PLI whether FAS supplied PLI provides sufficient cover – DT
Action: Investigate scope of PLI with SAGAS. – JR
Action: Investigate whether electrical appliances require PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) – DT
– PAT testing should be performed by certified personnel every two years – SB
- PAT testing equipment costs around £250 plus £15 for 250 labels (Screwfix) – DT
- PAT testing costs around £60 for up to 6 items – SB
Action: Ask if any members have appropriate PAT equipment and certification alternatively ask if CODY or Guildford AS have equipment and certification – KP
Action: Forward Observatory Risk Assessment Checklist to KP – EG – Complete
Action: Review Risk Assessment Checklist – KP – Complete
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Thirty members have not renewed in 2019 – is there something we should do? – RS
KP analysed the members who have not renewed, and it appears that most joined within the last 2 or 3 years. To improve membership retention by.
Action: Greater mix of speakers plus some practical demonstrations – KP
Action: Club nights at ACC with beginner/practical sessions after talks (see 5) – KP
Action: Club nights published in newsletter perhaps also on Facebook (see 5) – KP
Action: Autumn Star Party at ACC in September to view Jupiter and Saturn (see 5). – SB
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Requests from Federation of Astronomical Societies to publicise events. – JR
Action: FAS emails to be reviewed and if appropriate forwarded to members. – DT/JR – Complete
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Review constitution – AC
Action: Review society’s constitution and circulate to committee with recommendations. – AC
Topics for discussion
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Health and Safety
No issues reported
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Review Junior Membership Rules RS
Some confusion over the fees to be paid at the April meeting was caused when a 15 year old attended in the company of another adult, not his parent.
Action: The rules for Junior membership will be revisited as part of (9) above and any recommendations put to the membership at the AGM. The current thinking is that a Junior member should be between 12 and 18 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian and pay an annual fee of £2.
Any Other Business
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2nd September meeting to be hosted by Steve Baker.