BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Minutes of meeting held on 24th November at Cliddesden Primary School

Chairman’s Welcome
John Stapleton welcomed all present to the November meeting.

Apologies
From Brendan Shaw, Dave Wright, Nick Hudson Geoff Trussler and Paul Moulton

Federation of Astronomical Societies
We have received no paperwork from FAS. (Premiums have been submitted and we are covered by their Public Liability Insurance for any meeting in any location.) However, we have been in contact by e-mail.  Correspondence regarding the Astrofest to be held on 4th and 5th February 2006 enquires if we would like to make a ‘manned’ display for the societies room.  Failing this societies are encouraged to produce fliers advertising their society for distribution.

Invitation 
We have received an invitation from Steve Harris of Newbury AS to participate in an open observation evening to be held on 9th December at Thatcham Nature Reserve.  It was suggested we combine our monthly observing session with this event.  Anyone wishing to attend, can contact the secretary on andria.harbinson@ntlworld.com  to obtain a map.

Observation Session
Our monthly observation session was cancelled twice in November.  The Chairman pointed out that whenever we arrange for sessions of this sort, it is always a matter of luck if the weather is good enough to observe.

Main event
Scott Wilcox told us how anyone with some D I Y skills is able to build an observatory.  Questions followed the presentation
 
Starwatch
Dave Shave-Wall presented another informative starwatch with something for everyone in December.

Any other business
Notice had been received that a discussion on Near Earth Objects will take place on BBC radio 4 at 4.30pm on 5th January 2006.
 
Registax
Scott Wilcox gave a short demonstration on how to use this programme.

Next meetings
9th December for observation session at Thatcham Nature Reserve.  This event is due to start at 7.15 to 7.30pm.  Members may wish to arrive a bit earlier to set up their telescopes.
Christmas party on 15th December. Will members please bring some festive food?
 
A clear night enabled members to observe the night sky.
 
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