Meetings
Our new home ...
Following the agreement of members at the Annual General Meeting on 20th April 2023, our meetings have moved to the Hurstbourne Tarrant Community Centre with effect from September 2023.
The centre sits under dark skies (though unfortunately not always cloudless!) in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Built in 2014/15 the centre has high quality modern facilities and good off-road parking.
Our new venue allows us to do more than we could at Grateley and, by separating the parking from where we will be observing, we have significantly improved safety. Wireless broadband brings us up to date and facilitates remote meeting – this also enables us to invite a wider range of speakers. In addition, the venue gives us an excellent base from which to run our outreach activities.
About our meetings
The society meets at 7:30pm on the third Thursday of each month from September through to April at:
Hurstbourne Tarrant Community Centre, Church Street, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Nr. Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0AX. (See the map below) (what3words: https://w3w.co/approve.sunset.polices)
We offer coffee, tea and biscuits (for which we invite a small contribution at your discretion), and a friendly welcome (which is completely free!). The centre has car parking and toilet facilities (including disabled) and is fully wheelchair accessible.
Children are very welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Non-members and occasional visitors are also very welcome, there is a charge of £4 per visit for non-members, but the first visit is free.
Typically, our meetings have the following format:
- An introduction from the chairman including a round up of interesting events for the coming month.
- A talk, usually from an external speaker: we have a varied program to cater for a wide spectrum of interests.
- A general discussion: we are a friendly and welcoming group keen to share views, tips and experiences.
Next meeting
Thursday 21st December 2023 at 7:30pm
Christmas Meeting
NGC2264 Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula: (c) Mike Cranfield AAS
December will be our Christmas meeting. There will be drinks and light nibbles laid on by the Society (if you would like to attend and have special dietary requirements, please use the Contact form to let us know).
There will be a second hand sale, so bring along any equipment you wish to sell or pass on; and, of course, don’t forget your wallet or purse!
At 8:00pm we will have 5 minute members’ talks on any topic you wish. Please let Mark Radice know if you want to present, or use the Contact form.
There is also the opportunity for a telescope workshop with more experienced observers.
And, if it’s clear, we will do some observing.
Meeting schedule
All meetings held at Hustbourne Tarrant Community Centre
| Date | Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 21 September 2023 | The Planet Mercury | Chris Hooker |
| 19th October 2023 | From Smart Phone to Smart Dome | Gavin James |
| 16th November 2023 | Supernovae Research | Dr Or Graur |
| 21st December 2023 | Christmas Meeting | Member talks |
| 18th January 2024 | Lunar Geology | Barry FitzGerald |
| 15th February 2024 | Women in Astronomy - Part 2 | Mary McIntyre |
| 21st March 2024 | A Universe of Infinities | Colin Stuart |
| 18th April 2024 | The Great Debate (with the AGM) | Terry Tucker and Andy Watson |