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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 2086      2005 Feb 18 15.21UT
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.theastronomer.org
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UNVEILING OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE FOR LATE GEORGE ALCOCK
Tom Boles, President of the British Astronomical Association, has kindly 
provided permission for us to reproduce the following announcement 
concerning the unveiling of the memorial to the late George Alcock 
scheduled for April 19 in Peterborough Cathedral:

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BAA electronic circular No. 00175 http://www.britastro.org/
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Dear Colleagues,
To commemorate the late George Alcock, the BAA has commissioned a plaque 
to be placed in Peterborough Cathedral. It depicts some of George's 
discoveries of comets and novae and is engraved on slate. George's 
discoveries are outstanding because they were done visually and made 
possible by his almost photographic knowledge of the night sky. Those of 
you who are familiar with George's achievements will also know that he 
had many interests outside of astronomy. One of these interests was 
Peterborough Cathedral itself, which he drew and studied on many 
occasions. It is therefore fitting that a commemorative plaque be fitted 
there. The Cathedral is obviously an historic building and such changes 
to its interior are approved very rarely. It demonstrates the high 
regard with which the Cathedral and the people of Peterborough hold 
George Alcock. I am very pleased to say that the Astronomer Royal, Sir 
Martin Rees has agreed to formally unveil the plaque on 19 April.
The unveiling will take place at 4.30 pm. BAA members are welcome to 
attend and bring visitors if they so wish. It is anticipated that the 
event will last approximately 30 minutes with an opportunity for 
visitors to mingle before Choral Evensong begins at 5.30pm. Many will 
wish to stay for the service. The Dean will be there, and for the 
service they will have the full cathedral choir of men and boys. Further 
details will appear in the April Journal. I look forward to seeing as 
many of you there that can manage. Tom Boles, President BAA.
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Tom has stressed that the invitation to attend extends to any TA 
subscribers in view of the close ties which existed between George and 
our readers from the earliest days. The editor will be attending and I 
therefore look forward to seeing a good turnout from our readership.

This circular is also being sent to magazine only subscribers to ensure 
everyone is aware of this special event.

Guy M Hurst