The sun shone and the people came to the Norman Lockyer Observatory for a delightful afternoon of music, ‘This is your life’ presentation, and cake. Member, Bill Hitchings, dressed magnifcently as Sir Norman, was treated to an overview of his life from ‘Eamon Andrews’ aka Jonathan Milford. Chairman, David Strange, had produced an excellent script taking Sir Norman on the journey of a lifetime, ending with a look at the scientific advances since 1920, and the uses of Sir Norman’s greatest discovery. Helium, from first being identified as a thin new line in the Sun’s spectrum is now widely used in MRI scanners.
Mezzo soprano Iryna Ilnytska and pianist John Draisey, gave a beautiful performance of Tennyson’s ‘Crossing the Bar’ (Tennyson and Lockyer were great friends and mutual admirers), followed by ‘When you wish upon a star’.
I had wished upon a star and the event surpassed my expectations. The event had a warm, friendly vibe about it and everyone helped out where needed. Lots of tea and cake was served by Tereza Taylor who ran the kitchen operation magnificently.
There were displays from PhD student Bea Steele about her research into Sir Norman’s lantern slides and eclipse expeditions, Exeter Central Library, and, last but not least, representatives of Sir Norman’s family. We were honoured to have Christopher and Caroline, descendants from Sir Norman’s eldest daughter, Rosaline.
Salcombe Regis Church kindly opened during the morning for people to view Sir Norman’s grave with its special astral inscriptions, together with those of other family members.
Thanks are due to Sidmouth Golf Club for a major raffle prize of a voucher for 4 people to enjoy a day of golf.
Karen Hedges 