-------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 2778      2011 Nov 15 10.08UT
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      Backup: gmh@wdcc1.bnsc.rl.ac.uk
WORLD WIDE WEB                         http://www.theastronomer.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------
BRIAN MANNING (1927-2011)
We have received the sad news from Colin Anderton this morning that 
Brian Manning, formerly of Stakenbridge, passed away last Thursday, 
November 10th, 2011 at Nightingales Residential Home of Kidderminster 
(Wolverley Court, Wolverley Rd, Wolverley). He was aged 85.

Colin had been visiting Brian since he and his wife Alice moved out of 
their home at 'Moonrakers' and sent regular reports to the editor. After 
Alice sadly died in the home, Brian was quite restricted as to his 
activities but for a brief period started to mend clocks which was 
typical of his expertise earlier used to make astronomical equipment 
including a measuring engine.

The property at Stakenbridge was recently sold but Gareth Williams at 
the Minor Planet centre stressed the station code of 494 would remain 
along with Brian's measurements including those of Comet Halley and the 
multiple asteroids he discovered in 1989, the first from England for 80 
years. The late Brian Marsden once commented to the editor that Brian's 
measurements of comets and asteroids were amongst the most accurate he 
had received from both professionals and amateurs.

A further tribute to Brian will appear in 'The Astronomer' shortly.

Guy M Hurst