Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society Dartford (CMHASD) were out in force at the recent New Scientist Live event at ExCel Centre, London Docklands on the 7th to 9th October 2022.  We were there to help the British Astronomical Association (BAA), in which we have many members; on their stand in the Cosmos Section this year.  

Everybody pitched in; helping the BAA team organised by CMHASD member Janice McClean who is a trustee and the Events Coordinator of the BAA to promote membership of the BAA and answer questions ranging from ‘What type of telescope should I buy?’ to ‘How do you use a Planisphere?’

Janice said ”After three years closure, it was great to be back.”

A big Thank you to CMHASD members Steve Floodgate & David Grist (our own Eric and Ernie) who were there for all three days of the event with Janice together with Mark Radice from Basingstoke Astronomical Society. 

Thanks fully to CMHASD members Rita Whiting and Debra Holton who were there to keep the peace on Friday (School’s day) and to CMHASD member Diane Clarke who got pulled in after rashly accepting a guest pass when the sheer number of visitors became overwhelming.  CMHASD trustee Mike Rushton added some calm and gravitas to the mayhem on Saturday and Rita returned on Sunday for even more!

 

Anita and Tinie the societies Dobsonian telescopes were the favourites with all the visitors. 
 
 
It was worked out that approximately 1200 people had a look through Tinie at Jupiter – a hand painted 3D printed scale model that was ”Cunningly positioned on top of the biggest combine harvester you ever saw.  Thank goodness the threshing bar wasn’t attached.” said Janice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The BAA sold several hundred pounds worth of moon maps, beginners books and observation guides too.
 
”Have we got the stamina for next year?” asked Janice to which she also replied ”Hopefully the Crayford ‘A’ Team will not be put off by all the hard work but attracted to the odd free beverage provided by the organisers!” 
 
 
Thankyou to Mike, Janice and Diane for sharing your photographs with us and to Janice & Diane for their help writing this post.