A second Happy New Year to all WDAS Members.
Using a new Website engine from this month, the January 2015 newsletter arrived well for most Members but had formatting issues for a few, so I promised we'd investigate and re-send it. Well, we've investigated and fixed what we can, and here's the re-send.
For everybody who received it fine on the first send, it's still worth another look... there's a new article on Comet Lovejoy which wasn't in the original January Newsletter. Mark, Keith and Andi viewed the comet last night (Monday 13th January) in a bitter wind through haze at the top of Skelder Bank and we can confirm... it's definitely there! Read the article below for all the details!
If you do find any formatting problems with second copy of the newsletter, please do reply and let us know what's wrong so we can try and fix it. Otherwise... enjoy the late edition, and see you all next month!
Society News
A while after the Christmas Meal at the Hare & Hounds, Mark received found this write-up by a curmudgeonly old Scrooge, lying below his letter-box...
Baa.. Humbug, all this festive cheer and good will to all men; fiddle sticks I say!
Indeed just the other week I had the great displeasure of attending a most disagreeable gathering at the Hare and Hounds public house. Far from the anticipated disaster I was expecting, not only did the ‘pick up’ arrangements go to plan, the whole operation ran like clockwork, with everyone being ferried up to the establishment on time and without mishap. Then, the exchange of Christmas cards, which I was led to believe would be an embarrassing fiasco, put our good Queen’s mailing service to shame. Everyone was in annoyingly good spirits, which as the wine bottles emptied became ever more unbearable. Instead of the substandard, small and putrid seasonal offerings expected, the food was grievously satisfying, copious and delicious with the establishments hosts sickeningly cheerful.. Baa humbug. At least the wretched waifs and strays of the village would not be dining out on any leftovers.... there weren’t any.... hahaha... cough, cough.
A surprise presentation to one of the society members... err Mark somebody or other, the name escapes me... seemed to create tremendous and uncalled for hilarity. Contained within a small sparkly box was a monocle... yes a monocle would you believe, I don’t know the poor fellow spent most of the evening contorting his face trying to keep little blighter in... difficult beasties you know, I have one, takes years of practise. I do believe the fellow was genuinely touched by the gesture though.
Well I have very little else to say on the evenings affairs, and no it wasn’t because of the drink.... devil’s liqueur I say, water and god’s own turnip would be my choice, suffice to say most of the others disagreed in that sentiment. But I am not one to gossip. Eventually the merriment and good tidings concluded... and not before time I say, such cosy surroundings are far too conducive I deem for serious society matters. Why, I’ll wager that if matters continue like this... well, I can foresee a similar intolerance occurring this time next year... or it is this year? .. I don’t know, my water has been spiked by the devil. Baa Humbug!
Phase Transition
Party Photos
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Thanks to all Members for supporting the Society over the past year. Along with donations from visitors at star parties, your help and support has meant that hundreds of holiday-makers as well as cubs and scout groups, schools and residents of Whitby and surrounding villages have been able to share our delight in the night sky.
It's been a fabulous year, which has seen the launch of a new-look newsletter, lots of improvements to the Society website, and increasing Members joining the WDAS monthly meetings. That's not to mention our participation in Whitby Festival, Whitby Regatta, Science Week, joining in Leeds Astromeet and other Societies' events, and - hey - a great Christmas Party together.
Now that we're into 2015, WDAS Subs for the new year are due, giving you the thrill of supporting WDAS for a whole new year of excitement! Thanks indeed to all the Members who have already paid.
Subs will be held at current levels, which for the coming year are:
- £12 for Adults
- £5 for Under-16s
+ copies of Paul Money's comprehensive 'Night Scenes' Almanac at the special price of £4 for Members
You can bring subs along to the WDAS monthly meetings in January, or February at the very latest.
If you cannot make the meetings, cheques are welcome. Please make them payable to: Whitby & District Astronomical Society, and address them to Mark Dawson - 33 laburnum Grove, Whitby. YO21 1HZ.
Thanks for your support!
Events
Observe the night sky with us at the Bruce Observatory, Whitby School - formally Caedmon College - Normanby campus ).
Observing Nights are held weather permitting: check for a relatively clear sky before leaving home. If in doubt, Mark can be reached on tel 01947 605516.
Please note the college drive gate is now operated via a electronic key code - so anyone wishing to attend must be at the car park at the top of the drive by 19:00hrs - unless an arrival time has been arranged with Mark/Keith after 19:00hrs.
