Old Books, Music, and a Junk Exchange Event
Inspirational Iryna Ilnytska again raised the roof of the Cathedral with a selection of arias for Ukraine. Her efforts were richly rewarded, as well as enjoyed by the appreciative audience. All monies raised are sent directly to known volunteers in Ukraine who spend the money on essential items for use in a hospital for soldiers suffering from PTSD and any small pieces of equipment that is needed by the army. I was delighted that mention was made of a poem I had written in response to events in the region. It was an emotional event, yet Iryna’s voice continues to sound better and better. She truly is outstanding.
Not one but two days this week was spent working on cataloguing the archive books at the Norman Lockyer Observatory. Roy and I snuck in an extra session, only to be joined halfway through by another group doing the same. It is great to chat when we are all there, but I really wanted to break the back of the cataloguing and putting in order one side of the room. This we achieved. Now we can tackle the small piles of interesting books and papers that have been put aside either because we do not know what to do with them, they are of particular interest or are just in a random pile. At least we now have a system in place which makes it easier to absorb items, and keep track of everything.
With the advent of much lighter evenings, I had not anticipated setting up my telescope. However, Saturday 23rd was warm, clear, with a lovely half moon just at the right height for it. Eagerly I set up the ‘scope and enjoyed a view of some craters just below the Mare Tranquillitatis, including Theophilus, and the lovely crater chain of Ptolemaeus, Alphonsus & Arzachel.
Oh…and the Junk Exchange? Well, not quite as successful as I had hoped although we did manage to shift a few of our unwanted items. And, no, we did not come home with anyone else’s junk, only some young sunflower plants. So, a successful exchange of junk for cash!
And with this hot weather, it really highlights the absurdity of moving the clocks forward…it’s making us all have later bedtimes cos it’s too hot to sleep.
Karen Hedges 