About Us
LEICESTER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
On 14 October 1952, a number of enthusiasts met at the Leicester Museum, New Walk, Leicester to discuss the formation of an astronomical society. Among those attending was Councillor Alan Cooper. He suggested that the aims of the Society should be to promote activities relating to study of astronomy and allied subjects and to arrange visits to observatories.
Mr T A Walden, Director of the Museum, was in attendance and he mentioned that some time ago the Leicester Literacy and Philosophical Society had had a section devoted to astronomy. He thought that times were changing and that in view of progress made in the past few years a separate astronomical society would have a wider appeal.
Following Mr Walden's remarks, it was proposed that a society should be formed and after discussion this was approved unanimously. Election of officers then followed:
President - Councillor Alan Cooper
Vice-President - Mr A A Towe
Secretary - Mr C L Linthwaite
Treasurer - Mr Griffin
It was decided to start by having meetings once a month. A collection was taken and this amounted to 11 shillings and threepence!
Those present at the inaugural meeting were:
Councillor and Mrs Alan Cooper
Miss B Sturgess
Mr T A Walden
Mr W Hartshorn
Mr H Coxon
Mr A G Griffin
Mr A A Towe
Mr A Clarke
Mr H G Turner
Mr J Campbell
Mr D Walker
Mr C L Linthwaite
A few days later, on October 23 1952, the first Executive Council Meeting was held and a six-month programme was drawn up.
1st meeting (to be held on 12 November 1952) - 'Mysteries of the solar system'
2nd meeting - 'Is Interplanetary Exploration possible?'
3rd meeting - 'Through time and space'
4th meeting - 'Lantern slide show'
5th meeting - 'Rocket propulsion'
6th meeting - open night, visit or ?
The name of the Society was to be 'The Leicester Astronomical and Interplanetary
society' and no age limit was placed on membership bas it was felt that 'many
lads at school should be encouraged' (they wouldn't get away with that these
days!)
NB: The Interplanetary part of the name was dropped a couple of years later!
Observatory
During the 1960's and 1970's the Society had an observatory at Oadby. This was
damaged during a storm and fell into disrepair after a dispute with the landowner.
The observatory site is now next to a housing development!
Other venues
Over the past 50 years, the Society has met at a number of locations in the
Leicester area including Gateway College, Judgemeadow Community College, Braunstone
Civic Centre and now at the National Space Centre