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Introduction
CMHAS is an integral part of the
Thursday evening class on advanced astronomy run by the London Borough
of Bexley. Every fourth week in place of a lecture the Society
holds its meeting. All students of astronomy at the Manor House
Centre are automatically members of the Society. In addition, past
students retaining this interest and for a nominal sum (paid to the
centre) also attend the meetings.
The
Evening Classes
There have been classes on astronomy at Crayford since the 1950's. At
present there are two evening classes. That held on Monday is
concerned with introducing the basic concepts of astronomy to those with
little or no knowledge of the subject. The Manor House is equipped
with a full range of optical aids and, weather permitting, full use is
made of the observatory and telescopes in the possession of the Society
to enable students to obtain practical experience. The lecture
series lasts a period of two years after which students should have
sufficient knowledge to appreciate the advanced lectures held on
Thursdays. All students are encouraged to take part in the
Society’s activities.
The class held on Thursday evening on
advanced astronomy is suitable only for those with a knowledge of the
basics of the subject. Each week different lecturers (normally
from the Universities) give expositions on their particular
specialities. Thus, not only are the lectures authoritative, but also,
include the latest information - sometimes prior to its publication.
All lectures are arranged in advance and a programme of events is
available at the start of each academic year.
The
Society
Since the 1960's, when Gordon Taylor travelled
from Herstmonceux to lecture and help set up the Society, the emphasis
has been in serious practical work. The meetings are conducted on
reasonably formal lines and consist of reports of Society activities,
members' observations, etc. Section directors have been appointed
to co-ordinate the members' work on certain subject areas, such as
variable stars and occultations in a similar fashion to that pertaining
in the British Astronomical Association.
There is a chairman, a secretary and a treasurer to undertake those
essential functions but little other bureaucracy. There are no
Society rules, no constitution, no committee and no AGM - just astronomy!
The Society administers the
observatory containing the 24 inch (60 cm) telescope. Members who
have passed tests of competence have keys to the observatory and
unrestricted access.
In addition to the observatory with
its accompanying room, the Society uses the premises of the Manor House
for its Meetings, to store its library and to display notices.
From the early days a voluntary scheme of subscribing to astronomical
journals has been in operation whereby interested members pay £10 per
year towards the purchase of 15 separate journals. These may be
borrowed thus giving members the opportunity of reading a far wider
range of astronomical literature than would otherwise be possible.
The Society now possesses over 2,000 separate journals all of which have
been properly indexed.
The Society is a member of the BAA,
SPA, FAS , The Astronomer and the Webb Society. In addition individuals
belong to the RAS, IAPPP, ASP and IOTA.
A record of Society activities as published in the press and copies of
papers written by members are retained
in an archive held at the Manor House.
Finally, a non-astronomical matter.
In has been the custom since before memory for members to retire to the
'Crayford Arms' on the Thursday evening after a lecture or meeting (and
even in the holiday period!). A special scheme of recording drinks
consumed and drinks paid for ensures that equity and harmony prevails.
Contact
us
Our address is:
Crayford Manor House Astronomical
Society
The Manor House
Mayplace Road East
Crayford
Kent
DA1 4HB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01322 521463
Contact Dr Michael Rushton (secretary) at
mike@
mrushton.demon.co.uk
Here is where to find us:
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