Flamsteed Astronomy Society

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Annual Picnic - July 24, 2004

We met for the Society’s Annual Picnic on Saturday July 24 in the garden of the ROG’s South Building.  Around 16 people came along including four prospective new members.  This was probably the last time we’ll picnic in that spot - it’s on the site of the planned new Planetarium and work may have begun by the time next summer arrives!   Nevertheless, the day smiled upon us and the weather was terrific.  We seem to have done very well this year for day-time events, but fate has been cruel for much-hoped-for evening outings with the Great Equatorial 28” (not one could happen) and even our trek to Herstmonceux in March brought forth a blizzard!  Still, between the great weather for the picnic and, of course, for June 8, the Transit, we can’t complain.  The park and ROG were heaving with visitors.

Leslee prepares to train the Coronado onto Lisa's packet of stick-on constellations, whilst David measures the pull of gravity by swinging a camera around his neck.  "I make it about 11 Newtons" he says.  Perhaps it was all those noodles he ate for lunch...   photo: Julie Bevan

Various food and drink arrangements proceeded.   Julie impressed with dishes of take-away noodles from Greenwich Market.  Mike & Leslee (sad victims of American-Australian picnic thinking) achieved 15 minutes of fame and popularity with their stock of garden chairs, fold-up picnic table, and Eskie with champers.  Mike had decided against bringing a mobile barbie.  Brian discovered the stubbie-holder but thought it uncouth compared to a glass.

 

Dave Waugh, assisted by Dave Woodford, got the Coronado set-up and we were able to treat the group (and several passers-by) to a sight of three excellent sunspots and a couple of good flares.   Dave’s copy of Turn left at Orion was invaluable to locate the Sun.

Mike wins the silly hat competition (photo Brian Pearson)

The Daves get the Coronado set up while Mike gets in the way

(photo Brian Pearson)

“A cylinder within a hemisphere” Ho-bloody-ho

(photo Brian Pearson)