Whitby & District Astronomical Society

I am sure WDAS members who knew John Randles will be saddened to hear of his death in early January.  John, (no relation to member Richard) had been a keen amateur astronomer from an early age and joined the society in the early 2000s. He was a stalwart of monthly meetings, star parties and other events including Leeds Astromeet, eventually becoming our eldest member. John was really the instigator of the Westerdale star event, being a much-loved, well-respected member of the local community, living and working there for much of his life. 

He was born in Ripon but moved to Westerdale going to school there until he was in his teens. After taking over the family farm, John eventually married and soon after emigrated to New Zealand where he learned the art of sheep shearing, eventually returning to Westerdale in 1971. Having bought a small holding on Westerdale side, John continued to keep sheep but travelled extensively to many parts of the country and abroad - notably Norway, shearing sheep, building and repairing stone walls. He was also an avid beekeeper, a number of society members being recipients of jars of honey.    

With his trademark flat cap, pipe and latterly crooked staff, John exuded enthusiasm at every meeting and event, the image of a 'gentleman farmer astronomer' if ever there was one, often regaling us with tales of celestial highlights in years long before our time. It was one reason he was so likeable.  John would sometimes ring Mark relating weather conditions at Westerdale and the chances of spotting a particular meteor shower, comet, or other celestial object. He would then pass the time talking about his family, of whom he was immensely proud and had a genuine interest in how your family was doing.  

Finding it more difficult to attend in recent years, John was still present at the Westerdale event in 2025, still eager to pass on his knowledge and be part of the team. 

For all in the society who knew John, past and present, he will be sorely missed and on a personal note I can only say it was an honour to know him, a sentiment shared by many hundreds who turned out for his funeral on a foul day. Our sincere condolences go to his family.  
 

Dr Allan Chapman 1946 - 2026

It has been a sad start to 2026, the astronomical community mourning the loss of one of its most eminent and learned orators on astronomical history, Dr Allan Chapman. 

Our societies’ own involvement with Dr Chapman dates to the turn of the millennium when society members attending the Leeds Astromeet, then held at Centenary House, first witnessed one of his lectures.  Allan would be final speaker at the Meet until its permanent suspension in 2016, where he became an honorary Yorkshireman. 

I have never forgotten listening to Dr Chapman that first time, mesmerised by the man, impeccably dressed as he always was, fob watch in front of him, no notes, or exhibits (save a few slides at the end of a presentation), just a brilliant mind and fantastic orator of his chosen subject matter.  Allan gave the impression of being almost a fellow contemporary of the historical astronomical figure about whom he so often eloquently waxed lyrical. 

Plucking up courage to speak with Allan, I recall how interested and encouraging he was on learning of our new society at Whitby.  A few years later I enquired whether he would be willing to travel to Whitby and give a lecture for the 2004 Venus Transit Festival. Allan was very keen on the idea and following handwritten correspondence, arrangements were made so that Allan could, amongst other things, deliver a speech on Cpt Cook and his transit expedition, as well as others. 

Allan was truly delighted we'd managed to get him a private tour of HM Bark Endeavour replica that had returned to Whitby for the Transit, and to top it off, a fish and chip supper - courtesy the Magpie.  Allan also visited the Bruce Observatory - and was amazed to find a 19th century Cooke Refractor and mount in working order. It was there he was interviewed for Radio New Zealand.

Following his engagements in Whitby, Allan was to be taken to Ferrybridge Services where representatives from Lancaster Uni would pick him up. WDAS member Saul, volunteered for this task, but no one from Lancaster Uni turned up. A huge group of Hell's Angels did however, Saul fearing trouble. Allan, on the other hand was only too eager to inspect and ask questions about their motorcycles, totally at ease, a most unlikely grouping. Unable to contact anyone, Saul finally drove Allan all the way over to Preston himself! 

Dr Chapman was a one off, a gentleman and a scholar. He will be remembered for many years to come, perhaps talked about in the same reverent and enthusiastic tones as he did about his astronomical heroes. We pass on our sincere sympathies to his family.