BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY 3rd Annual General Meeting, held on 22nd June 2006 at Cliddesden Primary School Apologies Helen Mountstephens, Chester Bates, Lesley Grayson. Minutes of last AGM John Stapleton, the Chairman welcomed those present. He asked if there were any points from the Minutes of the last AGM. No comments were forthcoming and the minutes were approved. Profile of Society The Chairman said we may be able to raise the profile of the Society by manning a stall at the School Fete which is due to be held on Sunday 9th July. It was suggested that a telescope set up for Solar Observing, and an additional telescope could be available for the public to look through. He also suggested that some flyers with information regarding the Society and its activities should be ready to hand out. Brendan Shaw says he will enquire if we could do something similar at the annual August gathering at Oakley. The Library display case has been booked for the period 29th August to 9th September. It was agreed that the visit of Guy Hurst to speak and accept honorary Presidency of the Society should be well advertised in the display. Forthcoming John reminded us that the annual BBQ would take place on 22nd July and would be held at his house. Directions and a map could be found on the table should there be anyone unfamiliar with the route. The Annual Perseid watch on 12th August would go ahead, weather permitting, although a full moon will block out the dimmest of the meteors. Time to be announced. What’s up? Dave Shave-Wall’s monthly report was confined to the astronomical news. The included was the launch of the Space Shuttle on July 1st, the new Hubble image of the Triangulum Galaxy and an image of Saturn’s moon Enceladus belching out liquid from its southern ‘Tiger Stripes’. Retirement Andria Harbinson, is retiring from the post of Secretary due to health problems. She was presented with a bouquet that contained ’stargazer’ lilies and a variety of erygium called ‘Orion’, a book and some chocolates and a card signed by society members. Treasurer’s report Bob Trevan, who has been acting as treasurer, says the attendance figures have shown a slight upswing, contrary to how he had perceived it. Unfortunately, we ran at a loss last year and there was a deficit of £7. (See report) State of Society The Chairman stated that we had spread ourselves too thin and tried to please everyone, but had not been successful. Ad hoc observing meetings were often cancelled, and we decided to run the beginner’s meetings. That gave us twice the meetings we had originally advertised. Attendance at these meetings was disappointing, but should run them for a year before deciding if we should continue. We need to increase membership, as we cannot run at a loss. John Stapleton has used his contacts and the FAS handbook to arrange visiting speakers for the coming season. Guy Hurst is speaking in September and Adrian Berry and James Fragley have also been booked for the coming season. Speakers from local Societies have been approached and some will do exchange talks with Basingstoke AS. John said there has been no recommendation from the Treasurer to increase yearly subs. We also need to be more proactive at meetings ensuring that members pay their subs and sign the attendance book and that new members are aware of this practice. Change to Standing Orders At the last Committee meeting it was suggested that a change to Standing order1 should be made and that it should read, with members’ approval ‘The Committee consist of not more that 10 members’ and that Standing Order 3 should have an addendum ‘As a model of good practice, the Chairman should step down after a period of two years, unless no other candidate comes forward.’ These changes were put to members who voted for them with a show of hands. Step down John Stapleton and other members of the committee then stepped down. Election of Officers The nomination of committee members was as follows: Chairman, Dave Shave-Wall, proposed John Stapleton, seconded Andria Harbinson Assistant Officer, Bob Trevan, proposed Brendan Shaw, seconded John Murphy Secretary, John Stapleton, proposed Andria Harbinson, seconded John Murphy Treasurer, Brendan Shaw, proposed Bob Trevan, seconded Dave Worley Web Master, Paul Moulton, proposed Bob Trevan, seconded Micelle Palfrey Librarian/Publicity, Andria Harbinson proposed Dave Shave-Wall, seconded Bob Trevan Events Organiser Dave Worley proposed John Stapleton and seconded Scott Wilcox Other committee posts Michelle Palfrey, proposed Alan Lorrain, seconded John Stapleton Alan Lorrain, proposed John Murphy, seconded Dave Wright John Murphy, proposed Dave Shave-Wall, seconded Andria Harbinson Neil Perry suggested that volunteers who cannot commit to the committee could take a part in the organisation of events. Thanks Dave Wright thanked the outgoing committee and for their hard work on behalf of the society. Dates to remember Cliddesden School Fete Sunday 9th July BBQ AT John’s Saturday 22nd July from 7pm Perseid watch 12th August, time to be announced 28th September, 7pm, Guy Hurst will speak about ‘The Astronomer’ Friday 13th October 7pm, Beginner’s meeting Public observing day to be announced 1