23rd August 2024
IMPORTANT UPDATE
The Sussex Practical Astronomers AGM took place on Wednesday evening the 21st August 2024.
As previously reported, the SPA, like many other societies, has suffered in the past 12 months from reduced member attendance at meetings and increases in the cost of venue hire and speakers. As a result, continuing with two monthly meeting groups at the Southwick Community Centre and Clayton was not considered financially sustainable and consequently the lecture meetings at Southwick were terminated following the June 2024 meeting.
The Practical Astronomy team, meeting monthly at Clayton, could continue, but in order to remain, in effect an astronomical society, required the formation of a new Committee.
A request was made prior to and at the AGM, for individuals willing to stand as committee members, but unfortunately no applications were received. As a result there was no option but to formally record the closure of the SPA forthwith.
Formed in 2008 as the Adur Astronomical Society, it changed its name in 2023 to the Sussex Practical Astronomers. This was done in order to better reflect the fact that our membership came from a wider area of Sussex and the expanded offering including practical astronomy meetings at Clayton.
It is very sad to see the closure of this society after considerable efforts by the Committee members to find a way forward, but we hope that all who have joined us in the past will continue with their interest in astronomy and can do no more than to wish everyone “CLEAR SKIES”.
We are an astronomical society of around 40 members covering wide areas of Sussex, including Brighton to Worthing on the coast and many of the towns and villages inland.
Our membership ranges from complete beginners to experienced astronomers and everything we do is based on the premise that astronomy can and should be enjoyed by everyone.
Our practical astronomy meeting is held at the Clayton Recreation Ground in Hassocks. So, if you are thinking of buying a telescope, already have one and want to learn more, want to have a look through a telescope or binoculars or take images of the night sky then come along and meet the members. Help and advice is always on hand.
Both beginners and the experienced individuals are welcome to our Society and whether you are interested in visual astronomy, astrophotography, or just learning more about astronomy in general, we are sure that you will find something to interest you.