Reports and Pictures
Firstly from our Chairman, Gordon Waller
I would like to add my thanks to everyone who helped out at Astroblast. I thought it went very well and the
BAS stand looked really good. The posters were very popular with the children, it's really good to have something to
give away that they really enjoyed and amazing that so many knew the names of all the planets.
Gordon
From Peter Ashwell, who has drafted the following for publication
The big "ASTROBLAST" event organised by Green Witch, the telescope specialists of Cambridge, and hosted this year by Bedford School took place
on Sunday 2nd November at the School's extensive facilities. Astronomy Now Magazine were the sponsors and the show was opened by the Mayor of Bedford
Frank Branston who spent quite some time circulating around the exhibition areas. BAS lent a hand and put up an exhibition stand that featured many of
the pictures taken by members of the Moon and planets as well as comets, constellations and nebulae. A big thank you to all of you who helped and
contributed.
This free fun day for all ages certainly lived up to its name as a 'blast' of all things astro. As promised it was truly even bigger and better than in
previous years. It featured lectures, planetarium shows, activities, numerous exhibitors from other societies, commercial organisations and trade
stands that were showing and selling all manner of exciting things. As well as rocket demonstrations and Storm Troopers there was everything you could
think of connected with space and astronomy for people to see and do throughout what was a very busy day. I don't think anyone was put off by the
few spots of rain that occurred and the hot dogs, burgers, tea and coffee kept everyone going strong. Out of the over 250 who attended during the
course of the day many positive comments have been received about the day and a number of new members have joined BAS. Welcome to our society and I
hope that you enjoy all we have to offer.
Regards,
Peter Ashwell
BAS Publications Editor
Linton writes:
Despite the miserable weather and the shift of venue from Cambridge to Bedford about 250 people attended ‘Astroblast’ and judging by comments as people left the day was a success.
The mixture of talks, demonstrations, workshops, planetarium shows and displays meant there was something for everyone young and old. Whether it was firing home made rockets over the school or learning the intricacy of CCD imaging it was a day that all could enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere.
So many people gave their time to make the event a success and I would like to thank them all, but in particular Neil and the team from ‘Greenwitch’ who put the whole thing together. Hopefully it was a good way to celebrate their 10th anniversary in business.
Linton
And from Neil Parker, organiser of Astroblast
Dear Astroblaster,
Many thanks for all your effort on Sunday and in the preparations for
Astroblast. The feedback I had from visitors was very positive and the talks
and activities I was able to attend were of a very high quality. With
visitors spread across such a large site it was difficult to estimate
numbers but my impression was that we had a reasonable number but could have
accommodated a lot more. I hope you found the day worthwhile from your point
of view.
I would be pleased to receive your feedback, especially suggestions for the
future. Please excuse me if I don't reply immediately as I'm working in
Nottingham all week and opportunities to deal with emails are scarce.
I shall write separately to thank the school and Bedford Astronomical
Society on your and my behalf for being such splendid hosts, but I would
like to take this opportunity to thank Linton and Yvette Guise in particular
for their support. They smoothed the way to help us get access to the
excellent facilities and without them the organisation would have been much
harder for me and much less effective. Peter Ashwell also provided
considerable support during the planning and preparations.
Best wishes
Neil
Some pictures from the day
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