Meetings |
This page lists our monthly meetings. For other events open to the general public, see our Events page
Dates are set well in advance but the 'content' of the meeting is only updated (from our 'meetings database') when details are entered, so 'blank' or 'TBA' may be shown when data has not yet been entered (please be assured that the meeting will take place and a talk on (some) Subject will be delivered by (some) Speaker ! )
Meetings are held at the Church Hall (aka 'The Soltau Center') of St James-the-Less, Stubbings, Maidenhead SL6 6QW, from 7.30 (for a map and directions, see the About MAS (Where we meet) page
The Main Topic is usually delivered by an invited guest speaker. We aim to provide a diverse range of subjects linked (in some way) to Astronomy - whilst the 'Second Session' is typically delivered by one of our members. If time allows, the evening concludes with a short 'What to see this month'.
Details of a typical evening (times are approximate) :- 7.30pm. The evening starts with the Chairman delivering any important Announcements and then introducing the main speaker. 7.45pm (latest). Main Topic Speaker gets up and the lights are turned off. If you arrive after 7.45, please enter the Hall by the first door (on the right, after the entrance) and please be extra careful when finding a seat at the back of the Hall as members often setup telescopes there ! 8.45-9pm +. Coffee break during which visitors often chat with members who have set-up their telescopes at the back of the hall. If the weather is good, sometimes members will nip out for a quick look at the sky. Smoking is permitted outside the Hall, however smokers are asked to avoid any 'observers' (smoke particles always seem to get into optical equipment, no matter how well 'sealed' it may be) 9.15pm (at the latest). The 'Second Session' then runs for about 45 mins, typically ending with "What's Up !" (what to look out for in the sky this month) 10pm. We aim to clear the hall by 10pm. Post meeting Observing. If the weather is good, the Observing Organiser then leads the way to our chosen observing site, or (if the weather looks even a slight bit 'iffy) members sneak off to the local Pub instead :-)
Next meeting :
(-) Jul 2019 Summer break - (no meeting)
There is no meeting in July or August. The next meeting is Friday, September 6th.
This note last modified: 4th May 2019 09:36.
(+) Aug 2019 Summer break - (no meeting)
(+) 6 Sep 2019 History of Mars Exploration - (Jim House)
(+) 4 Oct 2019 Kew Observatory and the origins of modern solar physics - (Lee Macdonald)
(+) 1 Nov 2019 The Origin of the Solar System - (James Fradgley)
(+) 6 Dec 2019 Xmas Quiz and social - (By members)
(+) 3 Jan 2020 Equipment Parade - (By members)
(+) 7 Feb 2020 Ask an expert Q and A panel - (By Members)
(+) 6 Mar 2020 TBA
(+) 3 Apr 2020 TBA
(+) 1 May 2020 TBA
(+) 5 Jun 2020 MAS 62nd AGM
Meetings Archive |
The meetings archive gives an 'overview' of the Society activities over the past 10 years (see also the Events page).
Members have access to the full 'History of MAS' (including AGM minutes going back to 1957) along with full names and photos
The MAS 'year' runs from September of one year to June of the following. The end of year AGM in June elects the Committee for the following year (there are no meetings in July and August - although often members will meet informally at the local pub - which gives the new Committee time to 'get a grip' on running the Society)
The "short cuts" (in the 'title bar', at the very top of this page) will take you to the June AGM entry for the end of that MAS year
The Maidenhead Astronomical Society meetings archive (last 10 years only)
Missed a meeting, or can't remember when a topic was last covered ? Here is the archive of past MAS meetings.
Note that this list covers only our monthly meetings and AGM's. Reports on Observing and Other Events are separate pages
If notes were taken at the meeting, the date below is underlined and shown with a '(+)' = click to see the notes (if no '(+)' is shown, no notes were taken - or, more likely, the webmaster hasn't found them and posted them up yet :-) )
(-) 7 Jun 2019 MAS 61st AGM - (and Photo Competition prizes)
Friday, 7th June 2019 - MAS 61st Annual General Meeting (and Photo Competition)
Announcement
It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of our long standing members, Vic Milford. Vic had been a member of the Society for over 10 years and was a keen photographer (many of his photos can be found in the Members section, History pages). He passed away on Sunday 2 June. Our condolences go to his life partner, Ulla, who can be contacted via Chairman Matt.
MAS Photo Competition
This year marks the inaugural award of the Susan Flinders Memorial Trophy, in memory of our much missed Chairman, Susan. Awarded to the overall winner, as voted for at the meeting by members, from the 5 Category Winners.
The give members a chance to vote at the break, the Competition results were announced before the AGM. Full details can be found here, on the Photo Competition page.
AGM Agenda.
1. Attendees and apologies
2. Approval of minutes of 2018 AGM Approved
3. Matters arising from 2018 minutes Fleeces - obtained and distributed to Outreach Team at the meeting
4. Chairs report (Matt)
5. Membership Secretary report (Fred) Membership is down on last year
6. Treasurers report (Jim) Spending was up on last year, however the hall costs remain the same so no increase in Membership Fee is porpoised
7. Meeting Secretary report (Tim)
8. PR Report (Lesley) The loss of Susan hit us hard and we failed to hold any public events last year. Lassell Blue Plaque is with the Council, efforts continue.
9. Outreach report (Fred) Next is Maidenhead Library, Mon. 19 Aug, am - Andy is lead, volunteers needed !
10. Election of Officers
11. Voluntary roles reminder
12. AOB
The full miniutes are being prepared and will be posted to the Members section, after which an abridged version will be posted here)
Elections - the Outgoing Committee was re-elected unopposed, although Tim points out that he will need an 'understudy' during the coming year as he expects to be moving away from Maidenhead during the coming year.
A.O.B.
1) BAA Journal?
Yes, Andy gets physical copy, brings to meetings, is available for members to borrow. On-line version is available to members
2) Access to BAA Members pages ?
Yes = BAA log-in details will be found on the MAS Members Home Page (when Steve sorts it out :-) )
3) Q. Are descriptions of committee roles available to help those considering standing or to assist replacements.
A. Yes, but these are only in general outline terms and perhaps not easy to find (buried somewhere on Members pages). Steve will collect what's written and ensure docs. are easy to find.
4) Q. Could / should Committee members be 'shadowed' to ensure continuity ?
A. Good idea !
Maidenhead Carnival
On Saturday, 20th July, MAS will have a stand. Theme will be the Apollo Moon Landings (of course). Volunteers are needed to 'man the stand' !
Break - as is traditional at the AGM, tea and coffee was served free of charge
After the break
Susan Flinders Memorial Trophy The Photo-competition overall winner, 2019, is Alun H, DeepSky category, who wins with a landslide (10 votes above next nearest).
What's Up - Alun Can be downloaded from here (pdf).
All our indoor Meetings are open to the public, however non-members are asked to make a contribution of £2 toward the hall hire costs (this may be collected by Fred, our Membership Secretary, at the door on arrival, or left at the 'Tea hatch' at half time).
Non-members are welcome to attend the AGM, however they may not stand for election, nor propose or second others, nor take part in any vote.
This note last modified: 11th Jun 2019 10:37.