W.I. Meeting - 27th February

I was hoping for a few pictures from the night but currently I haven't received any so just a brief (ish) review coming up.

We had agreed to give a talk to the W.I. in Prendergast back in Oct/Nov last year but it seems that the idea generated so much interest that the Prendergast venue would have been too small.

The new venue was the Johnston Institute with the time arranged for 7.00 p.m. on 27/02/2014.
Jim arrived for 6.00 p.m. just as the place was opening and by the time I arrived he was set up and raring to go.

The Institute is well suited for giving lectures - they have a handsome 10 foot wide drop down screen with an overhead projector. They even had a couple of radio microphones which, as it happens, we managed to do without - the voice carried well enough in the main hall that we used.

I counted 60+ in attendance as the meeting commenced, a couple of ladies arrived just as the meeting finished - they thought we were at Prendergast - and by the time they came across it was all but over  - they were not the proverbial "happy bunnies.
We guesstimate 70 to be the true count!!

Jim started with a good PR exercise - looking more at the Preseli Astronomy Group. The location for our meetings, equipment we hold, what we do at meetings.
His Glaswegian accent well down well with the local ladies and much laughter characterized his delivery.

A number of sensible questions followed from the floor which demonstrated just how interested the W.I. was in the subject and also how much thought many members had put into it.

I followed with a broad review of things astronomical.
The sun, planets, comets, constellations, galaxies and even things not strictly astronomical were covered. Earthshine, noctilucent clouds and sun-dogs to name a few.

We were allocated the time until 08.15.p.m. and that time passed very quickly. My part concluded with  more questions from the floor which I like to think we covered adequately.

 Though Jupiter, Sirius and a few of the brighter stars   were visible when we arrived at the conclusion the sky was overcast so any viewing was out of the question.

Jim had brought along his 6" Dobsonian and Tal refractor and I had my 25x100 big binoculars in anticipation but sadly, and to the disappointment of many, they could not be used - though they were a great attraction in the hall.

I also brought along some freebies - constellation maps, astronomy guides, quiz questions (and answers!) and very little had to be taken home.

The audience were "gushing" in their praise of both our attendance and delivery - it was well passed 9.00 p.m. when we left, so many were the expressions of thanks and the personal questions that needed answers.
All in all we were very pleased with the night and we feel that much good was accomplished - how much good time only will tell!!