BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY 1ST ANNNUAL GENERAL MEETING, HELD ON 23RD SEPTEMBER AT CLIDDESDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL The AGM commenced at 7.30 pm. Apologies from Chester Barnes, Nigel Heath, Michelle Palfrey, Bernie Sullivan, Geoff Hunt, David Gifford, Lesley Grayson and by e-mail, Ian Wheatley. Chairman’s Address and Report John Stapleton opened the meeting with a welcome to the1st Annual General Meeting. He said we have had great success since the Society had been formed. There had been doubts that we could sustain membership when we started the Society seven months ago. We didn’t know how much interest there would be in Basingstoke, but we did know there was no Astronomical Society in the immediate area. Much to everyone’s delight there has been a great deal of interest. We now have a mixed ability membership with a great variety of interests within the Society. John has written to various high profile lecturers, including Professor Allan Chapman (Oxford University) Lee Bowman (Contributing Editor Of Astronomy Now), Peter Gill from Eastbourne, and John Harvey (President of the Southern England Rocket Fliers). He had also contacted Sir Patrick Moore, who is sadly not now well enough to travel to lectures, but whose co-presenter on ‘The Sky at Night’, Chris Proctor, has agreed to visit us. Sir Patrick spoke to John Mason, who has now entered B.A.S. into the Year Book of Astronomical Societies. John has also had contact with John Watson, of Springer’s Publishers, who lives in Old Basing. He has very kindly offered the Society books if we wish to start a library. John explained that the current Committee was initially voted in to see us over the first months of the Society’s formation. There had been no nominations received by the Chairman. He suggested that we move straight to the Constitution, Rules and Standing O rders of the Society Constitution, Rules and Standing Orders of the Society. The Constitution was adopted as it stands. Proposer Peter Heath, seconder Vicky Bennett, and carried with a show of hands. Rule three should have the last sentence removed. And the rule now reads ‘Visitors will be required to contribute £1.50 after attending their first meeting which shall be free of charge’. Proposer Peter Heath, Seconder Bob Trevan. Passed by a show of hands. These were the only items to be changed. A copy of the revised version will be available for perusal by members in a short time. Treasurer’s Report Malcolm Trussler said after payments for hire of hall and other minor out going expenses the Society had a balance of £98.55. Malcolm explained that the account we have at present is not suitable as no cheque book is issued. This can cause problems with outgoing payments, and so the current account will be closed and a new account, more suitable for our needs will be opened in the coming months. Malcolm urged those members who have not yet enrolled to do so. A general discussion regarding the payment of £1 per member per meeting concluded that this should continue to be paid. Without this additional income Malcolm stated that we would unable to meet payment to visiting lecturers, and the Society would soon become insolvent. Secretaries statement Andria Harbinson reiterated John’s statement on the formation and membership of the Society. She said that there was a wide diversity of interests within the Society and there seems to be something for everyone. The members had taken the opportunity to observe on those evenings it was possible, for those new to Astronomy, it gives an idea of what to find and where to find it. Andria said that the Transit of Venus was our finest hour; it proved that we are capable of planning and co-ordinating an event that is of interest to us, and to the public. She hopes there will be some event this coming year that the Society can use in a similar way. She closed by saying that being Secretary and all it entailed had been a steep learning curve, and thanked everyone for their patience and support. Election Of Officers And Committee Standing Order two, states that the Committee may be elected en bloc if no other nominations have been received. Brendan Shaw proposed the existing Committee be re-elected, seconded by Alan Lorrain. A show of hands carried the proposal unanimously. Any Other Business Alan Lorrain drew our attention to a one day seminar presented by Guy Hurst is to be held in St Mary’s Church Hall on 9th October for a cost of £7.50, with an additional £7 for lunch if required. To enrol contact www.theastronomer.org The programme for the coming year The next meeting of the Society will be held on October 28th at Cliddesden Primary School. The evening’s activity will take the form of an Any Questions? Session. November 25th Dave Norman from Torbay will lecture on ‘The Latest information from Mars’ December 16th Christmas Party January 29th John Adair will give a talk on ‘The Sun’ February 24th and March 24th hoping for clear skies for observation April 28th Steve Harris will give a talk. Subject to be announced. May 26th Chairman’s address June 23rd AGM July 23rd BBQ at Nick Hudson’s house. August 12th Perseid watch Other matters arising It was suggested by some members that we try to get together for some observation sessions. It was thought that the best means of communication would be either through the member’s section of the Society’s web page or through the Yahoo chat site. Close of AGM 8.35pm The remainder of the evening was taken up with observation.