Event

J C Chumley, secretary of Ipswich and District Natural History Society (IDNHS), visited Fulcher with a suggestion from R L T Clarkson, FRAS to form an astronomy section of IDNHS. Fulcher noted that "the prospects seem good if the attempt is made." (Clarkson was a prolific lunar observer. He was later to become first president of IDAS.)

Chumley visited Fulcher again, after which the latter noted:

...it appears that there are good possibilities of astronomical section being formed. Clarkson agreed with the suggestions made by me regarding the constitution of the section, and Beaufoy, president of the Society, also agrees.
 
Invited to attend excursion of Society to Orwell Park School where a 10" Merz refractor is established.

Fulcher had further discussions with Chumley about formation of an astronomy section of IDNHS. The former subsequently expressed frustration in his notebook with the rate of progress: "...but he [Chumley] won't be hurried and the project must await visit by Society to Orwell Park."

Approximately 25 members of IDNHS spent an evening at Orwell Park Observatory. Mr N H Wilkinson (headmaster of Orwell Park School), Clarkson and Fulcher guided the party. The party observed Jupiter, its cloud belts and the Galileans, the Moon, star clusters and a double star with contrasting gold and blue colours (likely Albireo?) The visit was a great success and crystallised the idea of forming an Astronomical Section of IDNHS.

At a Committee Meeting of IDNHS at Ipswich Museum, Chumley read a letter from Clarkson with a proposal to establish an Astronomical Section. The Committee instructed Chumley to call a public meeting to ascertain the level of support for an Astronomical Section, and further specified that the meeting was to be held in Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, to be advertised in the EADT and Evening Star and that people unable to attend should be asked to present their views in writing. Chumley relayed the news to Fulcher.

At a Committee Meeting of IDNHS, Chumley reported that he had arranged a public meeting to ascertain whether an Astronomical Section would be viable and that notices of the meeting had appeared in the EADT and Evening Star.

Chumley called on Fulcher, clearly delighted with the press coverage of the proposed formation of the astronomical section of IDNHS.

The public meeting arranged by Chumley was held in Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, chaired by Clarkson. Thirty people expressed an interest in joining an Astronomical Section if one were formed and 12 letters of support were received. The meeting unanimously decided to ask IDNHS to form an Astronomical Section and elected Fulcher prospective leader of the new section. Officers of IDNHS present at the meeting agreed that members who wished to enrol in the new Section should do so subject to confirmation at the next IDNHS Annual Meeting. The meeting agreed the following in regard of the Astronomical Section:

• Its main aim should be to spread general knowledge of astronomy.
• It would hold monthly meetings to give news of what could be seen in the night sky and would give special attention to eclipses and other naked-eye phenomena.
• It would arrange talks, and if there were sufficient demand, full scale lectures.
• From time to time the Section would visit members who owned telescopes.
• The subscription would be 3/6 annually.

Amusingly, Fulcher noted: "Self appointed section leader, must get that title changed to section secretary as it bears too close a resemblance to H M Army!"

Fulcher attended the first Committee Meeting of IDNHS following the public meeting on 20 Nov 1948. Chumley read a lengthy report on the meeting from Clarkson. The Committee agreed to form an Astronomical Section subject to approval at the next Annual Meeting and suggested that Fulcher, as honorary secretary of the Astronomical Section, be co-opted onto the IDNHS Committee. Motion proposed by Mr H E J Spencer, seconded by Chumley.

The first meeting of the astronomy section of IDNHS, held prior to the official formation of the body, was a great success, with 38 people in attendance. Clarkson gave a talk on the winter constellations and forthcoming events in January were noted. The section had close to 50 members.

IDNHS held its 25^th Annual Meeting. The meeting, held in Ipswich Museum, was well attended, and chaired by Mr D Beaufoy, retiring president. It was reported that at the public meeting held on 20 Nov 1948, 30 people had expressed an interest in joining an Astronomical Section of IDNHS if one were formed. The meeting approved the formation of the Astronomical Section and officers of IDNHS advised that members who wished to enrol in it should do so pending approval from IDNHS. Motion proposed by Spencer, seconded by Mr D G Porter. The meeting confirmed Fulcher as honorary secretary of the Astronomical Section. (There was discussion of forming other sections of IDNHS too, for example Geology, Botany and Architecture!)

At a Committee Meeting of IDNHS, Fulcher gave his views on the Astronomical Section and Mr Spencer dealt with finances of the Section. The meeting requested Fulcher to determine whether members of the Astronomical Section wished the Section to separate from IDNHS (the Committee would accept the results of a postal ballot). Motion proposed by Spencer, seconded by Mr Brinkley.

At the 26^th Annual Meeting of IDNHS, at Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, Fulcher reported the results of a postal ballot to ascertain the view of the membership of the Astronomical Section on forming a separate society. Forty members were in favour and three against. The Committee agreed that the Astronomical Section of IDNHS be wound up. Motion proposed by Mr Hervey and seconded by Spencer. The President of IDNHS, Mr S C Porter, wished every success to the new Astronomical Society which duly formed on 21 January 1950.

Activity / Publication

At the second meeting of the IDNHS Astronomical Section, at Ipswich Museum, Fulcher presented a talk on the Solar System, illustrated by an epidiascope, as he put it "to cover deficiencies as a lecturer"! The meeting was reported in the local press.

The Astronomical Section visited Orwell Park Observatory to use the equatorial refractor. Members observed the Moon, Saturn, the Orion Nebula and comet 1948l.

The Astronomical Section visited Orwell Park Observatory again just three days later. On this occasion there was considerable haze and members observed the Moon and Saturn.

Members of the Astronomical Section visited D Vaughan to watch a television broadcast about the Moon with commentary by Dr Hunter of the RGO. Fulcher found the talk interesting although there was cloud over the Moon and interference caused trouble with TV reception. The viewers then used a fixed Newtonian telescope with a coelostat to observe craters on the Moon.

Fulcher noted that Aimey, a fellow member of the Astronomical Section, had reported at the section meeting on 17 December 1949, a bright object near the Moon. Fulcher was dismissive, putting the object down most probably as a meteorological balloon.

Three members of IDAS, Fulcher, W Weston and Norman Watling, visited Orwell Park Observatory to undertake maintenance on the equatorial refractor. Fulcher expressed the hope to get the telescope drive working properly and improve the instrument generally. He noted that the three discovered a "considerable amount of auxiliary equipment... including micrometers".

In the evening, IDAS held its second meeting. Membership of the Society stood at 46.

Fifty-eight people attended a meeting of IDAS on 18 March 1950. Eight new members joined, bringing total membership to 64.

A star party was held on the evening of a total lunar eclipse on 02 April 1950.

The Ipswich model engineers invited IDAS to contribute an exhibition to their annual show. Fulcher complained that the space available was very limited, but that IDAS nonetheless managed to exhibit photographs, drawings, telescopes, cameras, mirrors and pitch laps. It was a full-time job keeping visitors' fingers off telescope mirrors!

A party of 24 members of IDAS visited Cambridge on 13 May 1950. The visit started in Heffers bookshop in the morning and in the afternoon went to the University Observatory, where M W Ovenden (who months later lectured to members of IDAS on extra-mural courses), hosted a tour. At the Observatory, the visitors toured the main telescopes and observed the Sun with a spectrohelioscope.

On 01 September 1950, three members of IDAS, Fulcher, C R Munford and Norman Watling, observed with the Orwell Park equatorial refractor. They concluded that the object glass showed evidence of slight astigmatism and definite zonal aberration. Conditions for observing were unusually worrisome, as a rabbit-shoot was taking place in the grounds at the time - fortunately, the three were not troubled by any wild shots!

Fulcher returned to Orwell Park one day later with Norman Watling and W Weston. They observed M11, M13, M57 and the Moon.

Fifteen members of IDAS attended a star party. Those present observed the Moon, Jupiter, double stars, M31 and M57.

M W Ovenden from Cambridge delivered a talk to IDAS on modern observational methods then stayed the night at Fulcher's house, where the two observed until 2.00am.

Fulcher wrote a description of IDAS and its activities in the December 1950 Journal of the BAA (pp.25-26). He described the main aim of the society as "to bring astronomy to those whose interest lies on the fringe of the science". Membership was 66, spanning ages from eight to 80, with only five who were also members of the BAA. Although prominent astronomers addressed some meetings, most speakers were from within IDAS. Regular star parties were held at members' homes and at Orwell Park Observatory. Telescopes were available for loan to members. Visits had been organised to Greenwich and Cambridge University observatories. Members had ground mirrors and constructed telescopes. IDAS had started a library. The annual subscription was 5/-.

The AGM was held, followed by the showing of two films: "Explosions on the Sun" and "The Cinema and Astrophysics". Membership on 31 December was 67.

IDAS held a star party at Fulcher's house over two nights. The first was "mainly clouded out" but the second was much better and had a good attendance. After the star party, K E Cuthbert and Fulcher continued observing until 06:00 UT, studying the following objects: Saturn, Neptune, R Leo, S Boo, T Cas, R Lyn, field of Χ Cyg (variable itself too faint and not seen), M13, M57, Comet 1951a and lunar features Proclus, Gassendi A, Apennine Highlands, Sinus Iridium, the "Messier Comet" crater and Archimedes. (Note that some three years later, Gassendi A was renamed in Clarkson's honour.)

IDAS held an exhibition meeting.

IDAS visited Cambridge, spending the morning in Heffers bookshop and the afternoon viewing the University Observatory instruments with M W Ovenden as guide. In the evening, the party was joined at the Observatory by Dr Stevenson, and used the Thorrowgood Refractor, the Northumberland Refractor and the 910 mm reflector, the latter fully resolving stars in the globular cluster M3.

IDAS was compiling a history of astronomy in Suffolk. Fulcher talked to Miss Brown of the BAA about obtaining names of members of the Association who had resided in the county.

A bright fireball was visible from Suffolk. Fulcher called in the local press for observing reports so that the path of the object could be calculated.

Photographs in Fulcher's notebook showing, amongst other items, his home observatory at 19 Gloucester Road, Ipswich, his 8¼" reflector and the 7" reflector of IDAS member W Weston.

IDAS held a two-night star part at Fulcher's house. Unfortunately, the weather was not favourable and only two people attended.

As a preliminary to the following month's Cambridge University Extension course of lectures on astronomy, on 15 September 1951, IDAS arranged a film show at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Following the show, W H White, Professor of Astronomy at Saskatchewan University, Canada (and a native of Ipswich) presented a telescope to the society and talked about problems during construction of the 5 m Palomar reflector. The following day, he visited Fulcher's home, together with IDAS members A W Goodwin and W Weston, for tea and "much talk on astronomical matters".

IDAS held a star party but, unfortunately, despite a clear sky, only two people attended.

Syllabus and book list for Cambridge University extra-mural course on astronomy and astrophysics. Tutor: M W Ovenden, MA, BSc, FRAS. Course meetings Wednesdays 03 Oct - 19 Dec 1951 at Ipswich Museum Lecture Hall. Syllabus:

• 03 Oct: Historical Introduction.
• 10 Oct: Astronomical Instruments.
• 17 Oct: The Solar System.
• 24 Oct: The Sun.
• 07 Nov: The Solar System (continued).
• 14 Nov: The Stars.
• 21 Nov: The Stars (continued).
• 05 Dec: The Galaxy.
• 12 Dec: Other Stellar Systems.
• 19 Dec: The New Astronomy.

Following the third lesson on 17 October, Ovenden stayed the night at Fulcher's home and the two observed lunar occultation of five stars in the Pleiades.

IDAS AGM 05 Jan 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Films will be shown after formal business: Ermites du Ciel, Hurricane Circuit and International Ice Patrol.

From honorary secretary’s report:

• Membership: 67 (59 adult plus 8 junior) on 31 Dec 1950; 91 (80 adult plus 11 junior) on 31 Dec 1951.
• Five meetings held in Museum Lecture Room, plus several observing evenings held at Orwell Park Observatory and at honorary secretary’s home (19 Gloucester Road, Ipswich). Film show at Art Gallery 15 Sep 1951 attended by over 100 people.
• Demand for loan telescopes continues – small waiting list.
• Some members constructing reflecting telescopes. Expect two or three completions during 1952.
• Cambridge University Extension Course in Astronomy & Astrophysics held at Museum Lecture Room during latter part of 1951. Average attendance exceeded 40.
• Members have been collecting information on the history of astronomy in Suffolk and Ipswich.
• Society’s library stock increased.
• IDAS has no permanent home!

Programme for excursion to Cambridge, Sat 10 May 1952. Attendees divided into two parties. Programme: Newmarket, Heffers Bookshop, Kings College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum, Whipple Museum, University Observatories.

Next meeting of IDAS: illustrated talk by Mr A W Goodwin (later IDAS Chairman), Sat 01 Mar 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Next star party: Orwell Park Observatory, 14 & 15 Mar 1952. Attendance at star parties at own risk.

Gap in Newsletters due to honorary secretary's spell in hospital.

Annual subscriptions due.

In the last two years, IDAS ran a series of lectures, with a schoolroom atmosphere. Although membership is now at its highest level since formation, the lectures were not well attended. IDAS cannot afford to pay for visiting lecturers. Honorary secretary believes that IDAS will succeed only if it develops into a friendly group of people with diverse interests in astronomy, meeting to discuss astronomical matters and undertaking observations.

IDAS facilities: loan telescopes, circulation of astronomical publications and library. Can provide assistance to those learning to observe. Telescope constructors’ group.

Night sky.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

IDAS held a two-night star party at Orwell Park Observatory. Seeing was "exceptionally good" on the first night but less good on the second. The shutter of the dome gave considerable trouble and Fulcher worried that unless repairs were effected, the observatory might become inoperable.

A committee meeting was followed by a short demonstration session.

Next meeting of IDAS: discussion meeting, Sat 29 Mar 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Next star party: D W Fulcher’s home, 17 & 18 Apr 1952.

Annual subscriptions due: 5/- adult, 2/6 junior.

Lengthy discussion at last meeting about how to conduct future meetings of IDAS. Discussion meetings with short talks by members a popular option.

New book published: Radio Astronomy by Bernard Lovell & J A Clegg.

Night sky.

Request more material for The Star-gazer.

Next meeting of IDAS: discussion meeting, Sat 03 May 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

List of members attending Cambridge Excursion, Sat 10 May 1952. Will visit Whipple Museum and observatories.

Next star party: D W Fulcher’s home, 30 & 31 May 1952.

Repair work at Orwell Park Observatory, 17 & 24 May 1952.

Night sky.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

In his notebook, Fulcher gave a brief description of the visit to Cambridge. The event began as usual at Heffers and other bookshops and then moved on to the Whipple Museum. Later, M W Ovenden conducted the party around the University Observatory but cloud cover at night meant that observing was not possible.

Repair and redecoration at Orwell Park Observatory completed 06 Sep 1952.

Orwell Park Observatory open to members of IDAS every Saturday 20 Sep – 20 Dec 1952. Trained members needed to open the Observatory.

Autumn meetings: 04 Oct, 01 Nov, 06 Dec 1952, 03 Jan 1953 (AGM). Each will consist of a short talk on a constellation prominent during the month followed by items on general astronomy and telescope construction.

Cambridge University extension course every Friday 16 Jan – 27 Mar 1953 inclusive, except 13 Feb, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Mr D W Dewhirst (Director, BAA Solar Section, and authority on Mars) takes over from Mr Ovenden.

Subscription to Sky & Telescope for 1953: 3/-. Librarian: Mr Cuthbert.

For telescope hire contact Mr Bodsworth.

Night sky.

3/- subscriptions for Sky & Telescope due to Librarian.

Telescope hire: C Munford taking over from W T Bodsworth who wishes to retire. Waiting list for telescopes has reduced.

Orwell Park Observatory open to members of IDAS on 11, 18 & 25 Oct 1952.

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 04 Oct 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Mr H A Johnson, retired master mariner living in Capel St Mary, founder member of IDAS, deceased.

Night sky.

In his notebook on 05 October 1952, Fulcher noted that members of IDAS had completed overhauling the Orwell Park equatorial refractor and its dome and the instrument was in use once a week. Although an IDAS meeting the previous evening had been attended by 22 people, numbers were falling and Fulcher expected the society eventually to settle down to a small band of enthusiasts.

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 01 Nov 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Star parties at secretary’s observatory discontinued due to low attendance but members welcome to use secretary’s instruments by appointment.

Orwell Park Observatory open to members of IDAS on 08, 15, 22 & 29 Nov 1952.

Members of IDAS unwilling to take responsibility for operating Orwell Park Refractor. Use restricted to members known to be capable of operating the Refractor. List of members authorised to use the Orwell Park refractor.

Night sky.

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 06 Dec 1952, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Shutter of Orwell Park Observatory blown open in recent gale – rain flooded dome and telescope, but no lasting damage done.

AGM: Sat 03 Jan 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will hold small exhibition at AGM.

Bright fireball seen recently over Ipswich.

Secretary observed occultation of Pleiades 30 Nov 1952.

Night sky.

Sky & Telescope circulation scheme.

Excursion to Framlingham Castle, Harleston, Bungay, Beccles, Fritton & Gorleston. Adults 8/-, under 16 years 4/-.

Annual subscriptions due: adults 5/-, juniors not over 16 years 2/6.

Attendance register started for Orwell park Observatory.

IDAS AGM 03 Jan 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Statement of accounts – total income £50.07.08½.

From honorary secretary’s report:

• Membership: 80 (2 honorary + 68 adult + 10 junior) on 01 Jan 1953; 91 (80 adult + 11 junior) on 01 Jan 1952.
• No University Extension Course held in 1952; next starts Jan 1953.
• Eight meetings held during 1952. Maximum attendance 30.
• Members have continued to construct reflecting telescopes, including Mr Frewer building a 9" instrument at Colchester and Messrs Watling and Weston at Ipswich who have built telescopes of 8.5" aperture.
• Members of IDAS have overhauled and redecorated Orwell Park Observatory and the refractor there, and used the instrument.
• Waiting list for IDAS loan telescopes.
• Little use made of the IDAS library.

University Extension Course in Astronomy to be held in Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, Fridays in Jan, Feb, Mar 1953. Lecturer: D J Schove, BSc, Principal of St David’s College, London. Charge per session: 1/- for non-members, 6d for adult members, 3d for juniors.

Syllabus, book list and lecture notes for Cambridge University Extra-Mural ("Extension") Course in Astronomy & Associated Sciences, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Lecturer: D Justin Schove, BSc, MRST, FRMetS.

Details of each lecture:

• 16 Jan: The Aurora.
• 23 Jan: Sunspots & Eclipses.
• 30 Jan: An Interplanetary Flight.
• 06 Feb: Comets & Meteors.
• 20 Feb: Meteorology of the Earth & Planets.
• 27 Feb: Astronomy & History.
• 06 Mar: Geology.
• 13 Mar: Earth, Sun & Moon.
• 20 Mar: Climate – Ice Age to AD 1950.
• 27 Mar: The Solar System.

In his notebook for 18 January 1953, Fulcher expressed dissatisfaction with the course and commented that it appeared "not to have too rosy prospects": it had suffered from a lack of publicity due to various delays, and he was unimpressed with the lecturer!

University Extension Course to be held in Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, Fridays in January. Subject on 16 Jan 1953 is The Aurora.

Only 13 applications received for excursion in Apr 1953. Minimum 30 needed to proceed.

Members requested to pay subs ASAP.

Night sky. (Including lunar eclipse 29/30 Jan; transit of Mercury 14 Nov, occultation of Uranus 01 Oct.)

Letters to the press by members of IDAS: D J Fulcher on Mars and J C Barbrook on Space Travel.

Brief notice by D J Fulcher in the press advising of a special meeting of IDAS to discuss interplanetary travel, Sat 28 Mar 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. All readers invited to participate.

Special meeting of IDAS to discuss interplanetary travel: Sat 28 Mar 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

IDAS has two telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Excursion to Gorleston postponed to Sat 09 May 1953.

Sky & Telescope circulation scheme working too slowly.

Orwell Park refractor available for use by trained members of IDAS. R L T Clarkson has drafted a programme of serious observational work to undertake with the instrument.

Last lecture in University Extension Course by Mr D J Schove, Fri 27 Mar 1953. Intend to arrange for Mr Dewhirst of Cambridge University Observatories to lead a course in Autumn 1953.

Annual subscriptions 5/- for adults and 2/6 for juniors now due.

Night sky.

Committee meeting 08 May 1953, 10 Avondale Road, Ipswich (Mr A W Goodwin's home).

Members not paying subscriptions by June are deemed to have left IDAS. Subscriptions are 5/- for adults and 2/6 for juniors with 1/- joining fee.

Only a short waiting list for loan telescopes. Loan fee 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Excursion to Gorleston cancelled due to lack of support.

Fee 3/- for participation in IDAS circulation of Sky & Telescope and BAA publications.

BAA appeal for astronomical material to benefit scout troup.

Orwell Park Observatory open to members of IDAS on Saturday evenings. Only approved members permitted to use Orwell Park refractor. Organised visits to Orwell Park discontinued, but may be resumed if demand later in the year. President of IDAS has written a note describing observations possible with Orwell Park refractor.

Night sky.

Circulation scheme for Sky & Telescope not operating well so being reorganised. Joining fee increasing to 5/-.

IDAS committee discussing erection of an observatory with 8" or 10" reflector. Call for expressions of interest from members.

No University Extension Course during winter 1953/54.

During Winter 1953/54, IDAS hopes to arrange one or two formal lectures and an astronomical film evening in addition to usual discussion evenings.

Ipswich library now holds biographies of two eminent astronomers: Ninth Astronomer Royal and Jeans.

Astronomy for Everyman reviewed in the Journal of the BAA.

Reprints of Photography and the Amateur Astronomer available.

Night sky and astronomy news.

Telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks. BAA 5¼" Steinheil refractor previously on loan to secretary now on loan to C R Munford.

For sale: astro-camera (£3.10.0) and antique sextant (£1.0.0).

IDAS lecture meeting, 26 Sep 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, Professor W H White, Saskatchewan University, The Big Observatories Of North America.

IDAS film meeting, 17 Oct 1953, Ipswich Art Gallery. Programme: High Altitude Research, Grinding a 98" Telescope Mirror, The Moon, Ermites du Ciel, Jupiter, Explosions on the Sun.

Signed: AWG – KEC (A W Goodwin - K E Cuthbert).

IDAS film meeting, 17 Oct 1953, Ipswich Art Gallery. Programme: Grinding a 98" Telescope Mirror, Ermites du Ciel, The Moon, Le Cinema et l’Astrophysique, Jupiter, Explosions on the Sun, High Altitude Research. Open to public, collection at door, IDAS exhibition.

IDAS meetings at Ipswich Museum Lecture Room: 07 Nov, 05 Dec 1953, 02 Jan 1954 (AGM), 06 Feb, 06 Mar, 03 Apr.

IDAS has two telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Orwell Park Observatory open to members of IDAS on Saturday evenings.

Ipswich Library well stocked with astronomy books. Three recent additions: The Planets by H C Urey, The Expansion Of The Universe by Paul Couderc, The Creation Of The Universe by George Gamow.

IDAS has modest library. Librarian: Mr K E Cuthbert.

Night sky. Transit of Mercury on 14 Nov 1953.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

Forthcoming meetings of IDAS at Ipswich Museum Lecture Room:

• Nov 1953: short talks-
  1. Mr A W Goodwin, The Minor Planets.
  2. Mr C Munford, Galactic Clusters.
  3. Mr Frewer, Constructing a 9” Reflector.
  4. Mr D J Fulcher, Night Sky in Autumn.
• 05 Dec 1953: Mr D J Fulcher, Comets.
• 02 Jan 1954: AGM, followed by films The Story of Palomar and High Altitude Research.
• 06 Feb 1954: Mr E H Collinson, FRAS, BAA President, Mars.
• 06 Mar 1954: Mr D W Dewhirst, MA, FRAS (Cambridge University Observatories), The Surface of the Sun.
• 03 Apr 1954: TBA.

IDAS affiliated to BAA. Two tickets available for members to attend BAA meetings.

Annual income of IDAS just covers expenditure. Committee considering raising subscription to 10/- and 5/- and seeking opinions of members on the matter.

Will restart programme of monthly star parties at Orwell Park Observatory on Sat 21 Nov 1953.

Loan telescopes available to members from C R Munford.

IDAS film meeting 17 Oct 1953 very successful: attended by 150 people!

Officers of IDAS.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 05 Dec 1953, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Programme:

• Mr D J Fulcher, FRAS, Comets.
• A W Goodwin, December Night Sky.

Committee meeting Sat 12 Dec 1953.

Star Party, Orwell Park Observatory, Sat 19 Dec 1953.

IDAS library holds Handbook of the BAA for 1954.

AGM Sat 02 Jan 1954: IDAS business plus two films - The Story of Palomar and High Altitude Research.

Night sky.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

Press cutting from The Sunday Express relating to H Percy Wilkins' discovery of the so-called bridge on the Moon. The bridge was thought to be a natural feature resembling an artificial bridge joining the rims of two eroded craters on the western rim of Mare Crisium. The discovery was later relayed in The Star-gazer. (The feature is nowadays thought to consist of eroded crater rims, resembling a bridge under certain lighting conditions.)

The objectives of IDAS are: the association for mutual help of persons interested in Astronomy, the encouragement of a popular interest in the science, and the encouragement of active observing and the construction of astronomical equipment.

Meetings held monthly, Oct – Apr inclusive, on Saturdays at the Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

BAA publications and Sky & Telescope are available to members. IDAS is developing its own library.

Members of IDAS have constructed reflecting telescopes of up to 9" aperture.

Three telescopes are available for loan to members.

Orwell Park Observatory is open to members of IDAS on Saturday evenings.

Annual subscription: 10/- for adults and 5/- for juniors (not exceeding 16 years).

Further information from honorary secretary, Mr D J Fulcher.

IDAS AGM 02 Jan 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room.

Statement of accounts – total income £49.11.09.

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 06 Feb 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Talk by E H Collinson, FRAS, BAA President, The Planet Mars. Will also discuss potential to construct an IDAS observatory in Ipswich, due to difficulties of members visiting Orwell Park Observatory. The IDAS observatory could be made available to the people of Ipswich for educational use. IDAS members would need to undertake construction of the observatory and of a telescope (probably a 10" reflector).

Subscriptions: 7/6 adult; 3/6 junior. 1/- joining fee abolished.

IDAS accounts under audit.

Officers and committee of IDAS re-elected.

Future AGMs to be held in Feb, to give time for accounts to be audited.

New members joining IDAS on or after 01 Oct retain membership until end of the following year.

Star Party, Orwell Park Observatory, Sat 20 Feb 1954.

IDAS Mar 1954 meeting will include talk by D W Dewhirst (Cambridge University Observatories) on The Surface of the Sun.

Signed: DJF (D J Fulcher).

Press cuttings relating to H Percy Wilkins and the discovery of the so-called bridge on the Moon. The discovery was later relayed in The Star-gazer.

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 06 Mar 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Talk by Mr D W Dewhirst (Cambridge University Observatories), The Surface of the Sun.

IDAS meeting 06 Feb 1954 approved proposals to establish an observatory in Ipswich. Plans being prepared for a 12" equatorially mounted reflector and housing of circa 30 square feet to be constructed by members. Will seek approval of Borough Council, possibly on basis of creating a town observatory available for educational purposes.

Lunar crater Gassendi A renamed Clarkson (after IDAS President).

Location of lunar bridge observed by Dr Percy Wilkins, BAA Lunar Section Director.

Night sky.

Subscriptions due.

Planned IDAS meeting 03 Apr 1954 cancelled. (First meeting to be cancelled.)

IDAS committee meeting Sat 10 Apr 1954, 10 Avondale Road, Ipswich.

Subscriptions due. Membership terminated if subscription not paid by June. Subscriptions 7/6 adult; 3/6 junior.

IDAS news-sheet will continue during summer months.

Details of discovery by H Percy Wilkins of the "lunar bridge".

IDAS library.

BAA Exhibition Meeting Wed 28 Apr 1954.

Night sky. Comet 1953g.

Three telescopes available for loan to members.

IDAS meetings, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, Saturdays: 02 Oct, 30 Oct, 27 Nov, 18 Dec 1954, 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 05 Mar 1955. Details as follows:

• Oct 1954: will include slideshow of images from Mount Palomar.
• Oct 1954: will include lecture by Dr A C Gee, Medical Officer of Health for Lowestoft on his time on the 1953 eclipse expedition to Sweden.
• Details of other meetings TBD.

Subscriptions due. No further reminders to be sent. Subscription 7/6 adult.

Secretary D J Fulcher recently moved house resulting in disruption to production of The Star-gazer. Mr C R Munford acting as joint secretary for interim period.

IDAS has telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 02 Oct 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will include slideshow of images from Mount Palomar – observations from Mount Palomar have recently doubled the distance scale of the universe.

Meeting of IDAS on Sat 30 Oct 1954 will include lecture by Dr A C Gee of Lowestoft on his time on the June 1953 eclipse expedition to Sweden.

Cost 5/- to join IDAS circulation list for Sky & Telescope.

IDAS has telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Night sky and astronomy news.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Next meeting of IDAS: Sat 30 Oct 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will include lecture by Dr A C Gee of Lowestoft on his time on the June 1953 eclipse expedition to Sweden.

At IDAS meeting 27 Nov 1954, hope to show film The Night Sky which describes how to recognise the constellations.

Hope to form telescope construction group within IDAS – response slip included to express interest in joining group.

Night sky and astronomy news.

IDAS has telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Cost 5/- to join IDAS circulation list for Sky & Telescope.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Next meeting of IDAS: 27 Nov 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will show film The Night Sky which describes how to recognise the constellations.

At IDAS meeting 18 Dec 1954, will show film The Sun and Other Stars.

Little support for proposed telescope construction group within IDAS – will abandon idea unless more support forthcoming.

Night sky and astronomy news.

IDAS has telescopes for loan from C R Munford at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Next meeting of IDAS: 18 Dec 1954, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will show film The Sun and Other Stars.

IDAS meeting 15 Jan 1955 TBC.

Night sky and astronomy news.

Use of IDAS library free to members. Books are "mostly old", but the library also holds copies of the Journal of the BAA and Sky & Telescope.

IDAS has telescopes for loan at 2/6 for 6 weeks.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Next meeting of IDAS: 15 Jan 1955, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Lecture by Dr D W Dewhirst, Interstellar Matter.

IDAS AGM 12 Feb 1955. Hope to show film Exploring the Universe after the formal business.

IDAS committee meeting 29 Jan 1955, 10 Avondale Road, Ipswich (A W Goodwin's home).

Mr D J Fulcher now settled into new home.

Subscriptions due: 7/6 adult, 3/6 junior.

Night sky and astronomy news.

IDAS has telescopes for loan at 2/6 for 6 weeks. No waiting list.

IDAS AGM: 12 Feb 1955, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will show film Comets & Meteors by C A Ronan after AGM business. Statement of accounts: total income £53.05.05.

IDAS meeting 05 Mar 1955. Hope to show films Exploring the Universe, The Solar Family, The Moon.

Star Party, Orwell Park Observatory, 26 Feb 1955.

IDAS excursion to University Observatories, Cambridge, 26 Mar 1955 (TBC).

IDAS library being reorganised. Selling surplus books. Seeking permission to house library in Ipswich Museum.

Sky & Telescope to be circulated to members in future free of charge.

IDAS has telescopes for loan to members for periods of 6 weeks at no charge.

Subscriptions due: 7/6 adult, 3/6 junior.

Night sky.

Signed CRM (C R Munford).

Charge for loan telescopes abolished.

Plan to visit Cambridge University Observatory in February 1955? and expand IDAS library.

Mr E H Collinson elected as IDAS President. List of other elected officers.

Next meeting of IDAS: 05 Mar 1955. Will show films Exploring the Universe, The Solar Family, The Moon.

Officers and committee elected at AGM. New president is E H Collinson, FRAS, former President of the BAA.

Subscriptions due: 7/6 adult, 3/6 junior.

Places still left on IDAS excursion to University Observatories, Cambridge, 26 Mar 1955.

Night sky and astronomy news.

Star parties, Orwell Park Observatory, 07 and 14 May 1955.

D J Fulcher, honorary secretary of IDAS since its formation, resigns at committee meeting 23 Apr 1955. C R Munford takes over as honorary secretary.

IDAS hoping to arrange lectures from outside speakers. Request for members of IDAS to accommodate visiting speakers.

IDAS has telescopes for loan to members for periods of 6 weeks at no charge. No waiting list. Equipment curator: Mr W Weston.

IDAS library in operation. Librarian: Mr N Bultitude.

Request material for The Star-gazer. Editor Mr K E Cuthbert.

Membership at satisfactory level. Colchester Royal Grammar School Astronomy Society affiliated to IDAS in 1955.

Night sky.

Recent article on cleaning silver mirrors and recent astronomy books: Exploration of the Moon and Our Moon.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

Next meeting of IDAS: 24 Sep 1955, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Discussion of Earth Satellite Vehicles introduced by Mr M J Calver.

Future meetings of IDAS: 22 Oct, 12 Nov, 10 Dec 1955; 14 Jan, 11 Feb, 15 Mar 1956. Will include at least two talks by external speakers.

Committee will restrict number of members attending star parties at Orwell Park Observatory. Request members to share transport to/from Orwell Park. Star parties planned for: 01, 08 and 15 Oct 1955.

Committee considering whether to move IDAS meetings from Saturdays to another evening.

In future, Sky & Telescope and Journal of the BAA to be circulated on a monthly basis. Back-numbers will be available for IDAS members at the 24 Sep 1955 meeting.

Request IDAS members to return library books.

C R Munford has left the district and IDAS has no secretary. Mr A Goodwin is covering the post on an ad hoc basis.

Equipment for sale by Mr D J Fulcher (miscellaneous) and Mr N Watling (10" mirror).

Night sky.

Journal of the BAA held in reference room of Ipswich Central Library.

Next meeting of IDAS: 12 Nov 1955, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. IDAS President, Mr E H Collinson, FRAS, to talk on The Aurora and Zodiacal Light.

Star parties can be held at Orwell Park Observatory on Saturday nights provided a member experienced in using the refractor is present.

Night sky and astronomy news.

Library loans should be returned at subsequent IDAS meeting. Librarian: Mr N Bultitude.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

Next meeting of IDAS: 10 Dec 1955, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Talks:

• Mr K E Cuthbert, The Spectrum.
• Mr A W Godwin, Stellar Evolution.

Future meetings of IDAS: 14 Jan, 11 Feb (AGM), 17 Mar 1956.

Night sky.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

IDAS AGM: 14 Jan 1956, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. (NB: Advertised in previous edition of The Star-gazer as 11 Feb 1956.) Need to appoint new secretary, office having been vacant for some months. Following committee business, will show film of 1954 solar eclipse taken in Sweden.

Subscriptions due: adult 7/6, junior 3/6. Treasurer: Mr N H Watling.

Will propose visit to Herstmonceux at AGM. (Herstmonceux making provision for six large equatorial telescopes plus, later, the 98" Isaac Newton telescope.)

Night sky and astronomy news.

Ipswich Central Public Library holds two recent astronomy books: Amateur Astronomer’s Handbook and The Polar Aurorae.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

IDAS AGM: 11 Feb 1956, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. This meeting is the delayed AGM, postponed from 14 Jan due to illness of the Treasurer. Following committee business, Dr D W Dewhirst (Cambridge University Observatories) will talk on Radio Astronomy.

IDAS committee meeting, 11 Feb 1956, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room, preceding AGM.

Night sky.

Magazine Discovery contains an article on International Geophysical Year, 1957-58.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

Next meeting of IDAS: 10 Mar 1956, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Will comprise illustrated talks on: Stellar Evolution, The Night Sky in Spring and Sunspots. This is the last meeting of the 1955-56 season.

Officers and committee elected at AGM.

Following IDAS business at AGM, Dr D W Dewhirst of Cambridge spoke on developments in radio astronomy.

IDAS visit to Herstmonceux cancelled as work to ready site still ongoing.

Night sky.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

Next meeting of IDAS: 28 Sep 1956, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. First meeting of season.

Committee has several proposals regarding IDAS’ aims and programme to put to the membership.

Night sky and astronomy news. Closest opposition of Mars until 1971.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).

IDAS AGM: 23 Feb 1957, Ipswich Museum Lecture Room. Lack of secretary is compromising ability of IDAS to provide full programme of activities. Only one IDAS meeting held during autumn 1956. Mr A W Goodwin held six meetings for younger members at his house. Planned visits to Orwell Park Observatory did not take place. Decrease in number of members has reduced IDAS' income - the Society can no longer afford to host visiting speakers. Will make proposal at AGM that meetings might be held at members’ houses.

Invitation received to visit Norwich Astronomical Society.

Comet 1956h, Arend-Roland.

New meteor stream identified.

IDAS visit to Norwich Astronomical Society, Sat 27 Apr 1957. Members of IDAS requested to make their own travelling arrangements.

Signed KEC (K E Cuthbert).