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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1568      2000 Oct 08 18.12UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK             GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK
WORLD WIDE WEB                    http://www.demon.co.uk/astronomer
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TA AGM
I wish to thank everyone who contributed to the marvellous
Carriage Clock presented to Anne and myself yesterday in
recognition of my 25 years as editor of 'The Astronomer'. This was
totally unexpected and a well kept secret! I am particularly
indebted to Denis Buczynski for the speech he made at yesterday's
AGM in Basingstoke which both Anne and myself found very moving.
Thanks also to Nick who clearly arranged e-mail appeals without
me stumbling on them and to Roger Pickard for arranging the
purchase of the clock.

For those who have not seen the clock close up, the inscription
reads: "To Guy with many thanks for 25 years of dedication to
'TA', and to Anne for her cheerful tolerance." The latter part
I found particularly appropriate given all that I have asked of
Anne over my time as editor and the enormous loyalty and support
she has shown.

I did not have a chance to read the accompanying card until today
but the numerous messages many of you have sent brought me close
to tears and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

The meeting, attended yesterday by 60 observers, was memorable
for reasons other than the unexpected event! I am indebted
to the two professional speakers, Nial Tanvir and Natalie Webb
who showed such an in-depth knowledge of their subject and
such amazing enthusiasm which I know was recognised by all the
audience. These were ably supported by amateur astronomers
giving their own presentations including Peter Meadows,
Melvyn Taylor and Gary Poyner. Finally, but not least, we have
special thanks for Arto Oksanen, who detected the afterglow of
GRB 000926 (cf E1567) and who became the first European amateur
to achieve such a feat. Arto stayed with me for the weekend and
told me how impressed he was with the TA meeting itself and
how worthwhile his trip from Finland was which was arranged
at very short notice, in the true style of a TA event!

Finally our experiment with the debate, albeit curtailed
through time constraints, gave us all much food for thought
as we consider how we all got started in astronomy and how
we might help others to become active observers, much needed
if we are to continue the true TA tradition of maintaining
survelliance of the heavens with the naked eye, binoculars
and imaging techniques. Please e-mail me if you have further
thoughts on the matter.

Judging from your e-mails today, it seems everyone enjoyed
the day and we will provide details of the availability
of the video for which advance thanks to Nick.

Anne and Guy Hurst