January sped by in a blur of busyness, with the last week ending on some high notes. Flooding was an issue at the beginning of the last week and a beady eye was kept on the weather forecast. Bradninch Scouts were truly blessed by a clear, dry day which was followed by a crystal clear night sky in which Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn shone brightly in the night. Some of the young people brought along binoculars through which we could see the fuzzy blob of the Orion nebula. I pointed out these objects and the main stars which form the Winter Hexagon. They asked some great questions. An earlier morning walk in the sunshine to enjoy the sight of snowdrops on a sunny bank down a local lane set me up for the day.
The following evening (!) saw me presenting a session about Sir Norman Lockyer to the young Astroscouts at the Observatory. They and their parents thoroughly enjoyed learning about the man who discovered the helium we get in party balloons and much, much more. We were also able to spot some stars and planets before the clouds came in.
Saturday evening was spent being entertained by Iryna and friends in her dramatic staging of Dido and Aeneas. It was as heart-rending as when I first saw this being performed by her a few years’ ago. The audience were spellbound. Her voice and her performance, one cannot merely call it acting, she gives her all and ‘becomes’ the part she is playing, deserve wider appreciation.
And, then into February a final flurry of emails and much agitation, before the board of directors amicably agreed on the content for the completion of the form for a Community Asset Transfer from the local council to the Norman Lockyer Observatory Society. I felt listened to and my long term vision was included on the form.
Karen Hedges 