As the nights grow lighter, it’s always going to be a challenge to hold public star parties at this time of year.  But, given decent conditions, an available Moon, and the odd planet, we can usually make something of an event.  This first scheduled event of the summer recess was rather low key, especially as the local forecast was for cloud to spill in off the North Sea.  It didn't, surprisingly, allowing society members (Keith, John L and Mark) the opportunity view a Qtr. Moon and Venus.  

Initial set-up, John Lamb wrestles with scope and finder.
(click for larger image) Image by Keith D. 

Just the two scopes - Mark's 10" dobsonian and John's small ETX refractor were deployed, but nothing else apart from a solitary 'star party' placard.  

Mark targets the Qtr phase Moon. (click for larger image) Image - Keith D

As expected, foot-fall was low, however the interesting sunset did draw a number of people over to the railings, chiefly to capture the sunset, as seen below. 

A rather eerie sunset captured by Mark (click for larger image)

So, having watched the Sun go down, we turned our attention to the Qtr. Moon - well placed above the Royal Hotel.  The image was excellent, plenty of contrast, shadow, and detail to be scrutinised along the terminator border.  Venus was then picked up, emerging through the twilight being the optimum time to view the brilliant 'evening star'.  Certainly, glare was at a minimum allowing clear definition of the Qtr. phase currently exhibited by Venus.  Until near the time we decided to call it a night, no stars were observed, in fact just two stars were visible Arcturus - high to south and Vega midway up in the ENE.  Spotting them at least allowed us to get our stellar bearings for future events. 

The main target of the evening - the Moon. (Click for larger image) Mark D 

Technically speaking - a success: Moon, Venus, and a few bright stars all observed, but very low key.  The next scheduled star parties are for Saturday June 24th and July 1st, 21:30hrs from West Cliff - Cpt Cook statue headland.  After that we are probably looking at the end of July - start of August before we can really start to host events more regularly.