Yes, it clouded over, and remained so for the rest of the evening.  However, as cloud parties go, it proved an enjoyable and successful evening for all concerned. 

The forecast had changed so many times during the day it was difficult to know what equipment to take.  By late afternoon it became clear that the evening would not be, and only one observational telescope was loaded just in case the unexpected occurred. (it didn't) however Mark did remember the eyepieces this time!  Assisting Mark on the night, Brian and Richard completed the WDAS compliment, transporting poster boards, 10" dosonian, Helios 100mm (4") refractor, binoculars, scaled solar system demo stuff, inflatable Earth, Jupiter, Moon and all the other items required to bring about a satisfactory indoor presentation up to the hostel. 

Setting up.  Looks almost professional!  Image  - Richard Randle. (Click for larger)

Arriving at the Hostel for 6:30pm we were met by Glynnis who gave instructions on the parking arrangements - parking outside the hostel was prohibited due to scaffolding for works at the Abbey Visitors Centre opposite, so it was case of unload, register number plate and park along the drive - near the gate arch. Back inside, we began setting up in the Cholmley Room preparing for the start of the event at 7:00pm.

The scene is set for yet another indoor presentation  
 Image  - Richard Randle. (Click for larger)

The event had been fully pre-booked and as everyone settled down it was apparent most had turned up eventhough skies were overcast.  Following a brief introduction by Glynnis, Mark apologised for Mother Nature once again letting the show down, before giving a 45-minute presentation concentrating on those objects we had intended to view if skies had allowed.

Here's a Moon made earlier, now obscured by clouds - all too often. 
Image - Richard Randle. (Click for larger)

String theory? No. just a scale solar system demo. 
Image - Richard Randle. (Click for larger)

A refreshment break then followed allowing people to ask questions, view the cloud for themselves, and enjoy some delicious cake (someone had been busy - there were several types) all washed down by tea, coffee, or juice. After a quick check to verify skies remained overcast... yep, we returned to the Cholmley Room for a scaled solar system demonstration with audience participation using string, inflatables, and some imagination. Further mind-boggling scales and stats followed to illustrate the vastness of it all! Then finally passing round the meteorite and tektite collection.

I see no stars, planets, or Moon, Mark jokes with the crowd. Cake time!
Image - Richard Randle. (Click for larger image) 

By 8:30pm, the planned end of the event, everyone still seemed more than interested, so we pressed on for another 30mins, including a Q&A session.  Perhaps not the evening people were hoping for in terms of observation, but sometimes you get the feeling people have still enjoyed themselves and left with a greater understanding of our cosmic surroundings, that, and some cake!

Thanks to Glynnis and the team at WYH and society members Brian and Richard for their assistance.  With post-event feedback positive - plans have already been made to return to the Hostel on March 29th for an Easter event starting at 7:30pm, with a view to observing outside from 8:20pm.