CDAA

General Information

CDAA BYGONES

This is a series of occasional snippets drawn from club archives by our secretary David Pugh, mostly, but not exclusively, from the club's old "Apollo" magazine.

THE 1983 PERSEID WATCH

(Source "Apollo" magazine autumn 1983)

This year's local watch by our Association of the Persid meteor shower was a great success both in terms of the meteors observed as well as being a very exciting and enjoyable evening for all concerned. Maximum this year, on the night of August 12/13 was very favourable as more members could take part, being a friday evening, the Moon was only four days old and would be setting early and, most important, a clear night was forecast.

The watch was held in my back garden in Hawthorn Road, Great Clacton. Chris, Brian McCarthy and his friend Lucas were the first to arrive at around 9.30pm. At that time 40 Hawthorn Road was already a hive of activity with the preparation of the evening's observation forms, getting out star atlases, deckchairs, cameras and the cutting of lengths of cotton by my daughter Emma.

This annual pagan ritual was soon under way at 10.00pm with the traditional circle of deckchairs all facing outwards complete, and each member equipped with his important ritual symbol of a length of white cotton and starring skyward, as if waiting for the gods to arrive! Obviously there was a strange secret society practising in Great Clacton this summer's night!

The youngsters Brian and Lucas soon showed their keenness and sharp eyes as they recorded the first meteors of the evening. Soon, other members arrived to join the circle including Kevin and Colin with their photographic equipment, and Andy. Ian later arrived after first practising looking through the end of a pint glass! However, unlike the rest of us Ian had completed a long night's vigil the evening before, recording 31 meteors by himself.

By David Pugh

The Associations Observatory

(Source: 'Dome on the Green' by Christopher Haskell)

It may surprise current members to know that we once has an observatory. In 1974 after some considerable effort with regard to local Council negotiations, years of fund raising and the obtaining of a suitable site, an obsevatory was built just inside the perimiter fence of the local High School.

Photographs of the observatory and its official opening by Ian Ridpath

Sadly, the placing of the observatory realtively close to the schools boundary fence led to its downfall. Over a number of years we were plagued by a high degree of vandlism which was proving increasingly expensive with regard to maintenance for the club. Eventually, major damage was incurred when a 'shot-put' was thrown through the dome. With equipment being stolen and repair costs beyond the clubs finances, the obsevatory was abandoned.

By Bob Leon

Chris Haskell was the founder member of the CDAA who sadly passed away at the age of 36 as a result of a congenital heart condition. A full account of the trials and tribulations detailing council discussions and site selection are given in Chris's book. The main text has been written by Bob Leon and gives his personal view and interpretation of events.

Winchester Weekends

(Source: 'Dome on the Green' by Christopher Haskell)

"Although my first impressions of the BAA’s Winchester Weekend held at King Alfred‘s College are fully described elsewhere in the text, l felt it would be fitting to spend a little time reminiscing in the hope that some of the magic experienced by those of us who have attended will influence others to think about joining us in future years".

Photographs of members and attending speakers at Past Winchester Weekends

"It has always been the policy of the BAA to hold weekend courses in various parts of the country, and Winchester (which has just celebrated its twenty—fifth anniversary) has always been the choice of our members. Other venues used have been in such places as Dundee, Liverpool, Horncastle and Canterbury, but for some reason Winchester has always been the most popular. lt normally takes place in late March or early April, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Further information about the weekend courses and BAA policy can be found in the ”BAA Memoirs." Volume 42, part 2, available from the BAA Office, Piccadilly, London."

By Bob Leon

This text was written (by Christopher Haskell) many years ago and I believe the Winchester Weekends may still be taking place. One possible source of information regarding this might be found here.