SAGAS - The Southern Group of Astronomical Societies

	Summer Meeting Report July 19th 2008 New Page 1st September 2008
SAGAS - The Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies Venue: The meeting was hosted by Basingstoke Astronomical Society at their usual meeting place – Cliddesden Primary School, Basingstoke. The venue was just outside of Basingstoke in a village nestled in idyllic farmland. It was remarked by many attendees that this must afford excellent night-time views at Basingstoke meetings. The meeting was opened by Derrick Ward, Vice-Chairman of Basingstoke, and an official SAGAS welcome was then extended by John Axtell, Secretary of the Working Group. The meeting was then chaired by John Stapleton, Secretary of Basingstoke and SAGAS Working Group member. The meeting was attended by 54 people representing nine SAGAS societies – Basingstoke, Cody, Crawley, Croydon, Farnham, Guildford, Hampshire AG, Vectis and Worthing. Visitors were also recorded from BAA, HantsAstro, Richmond & Kew AS and The Astronomer, as well as the wider community. Speakers for the day were Dave Shave-Wall of Basingstoke who gave a very entertaining talk on the trials and tribulations of becoming an amateur astronomer entitled “An Amateur’s Journey”, Peter Birtwhistle of Great Sherford Observatory who gave a detailed talk on his work tracking NEO’s in “Practical NEO work where Amateurs can still make a Contribution” which was a very inspiring talk by an amateur who is credited with several original discoveries and “The Search for Novae and Supernovae – From Visual to Laptop” by Guy Hurst, former President of the BAA and Honorary President of Basingstoke. The speaker is co-ordinator of the UK Nova Patrol and Editor of The Astronomer magazine and was able to deliver another inspiring talk on another aspect of observational work in which the amateur can make a significant contribution. There were also refreshment breaks that presented ideal times for networking and to visit the attending trade stands, Aurora Books and Venturescopes. Unfortunately True Technology were unable to attend. Tea was provided using a local catering company and Basingstoke members looked after the needs of visitors. At the end of a very enjoyable and successful meeting thanks were extended to the speakers, Basingstoke Committee, for the organisation of the day, and members, for their help during the day, and to all visitors who traveled to attend by John Axtell. John Stapleton Images by and (c) William Bottaci, Croydon Astronomical Society John Murrell - SAGAS Webmaster
*sharing the same sky*
Clicking on the SAGAS logo on other pages will return you to the home page