The Society’s committee are members who have volunteered to organise the activities of the Society and generally make it function as the organisation it is today. Although we take on formal titles out of tradition, it’s a fairly informal committee. If you’re at one of our events and want to know more about the Society, please come and speak to one of us.
The committee members for 2018–19 are:
James Hannan
ChairmanScience teacher by day, astronomer by night, Jamie allegedly leads a BeeGee's tribute band in his spare time. He also has the honour of being the Chairman of the society. We say honour...
Clare Lauwerys
SecretaryClare's shoe collection continues to grow for reasons unknown to science. Our ace organiser keeps the committee in line and is learning a bit about astronomy too.
Geoff Holgate
TreasurerGeoff describes himself as an "armchair astronomer", but we'll let him off as he knows his way around a balance sheet.
Matthew Barrett
Outreach OfficerIf you have a school, brownie, cub, guide, scout group, etc wanting to book an astronomy event, then Matthew is your man.
Paul Blakesley
PR & StarfestPaul is incredibly shy and we have to force him to speak. Nervous around cameras, he hates selfies almost as much as he hates Star Wars. Also known to fabricate biographies such as this.
Andy Downman
Equipment DirectorWill shop for astronomy related goods. King of the barbecues too. (Mrs D plays a key role here).
Ian Lauwerys
Committee MemberIan loves astro-photography due to his uncanny ability to sit around in front of the telly for hours whilst his telescope is outside in the cold. He describes his role on the committee as 'head of special projects', which we think is code for 'finding the nearest pub'.
Cheryl Matthews
Committee MemberCheryl is, alas, allergic to telescopes. On the plus side, she is our queen of baking and provides cakes for the Thursday night club meetings. She is in charge of the merchandise at our events and is working with our chairman to set up a new 'young astronomers' club.
Val Sayer
PatronVal is our generous patron who kindly gives us access to the site where our observatory is. She is at the observatory every week and is always accompanied by astro-dog and honorary member "Smudge."
Andy Styles
Events ManagerAndy is the man who rustles up speakers for our monthly public lectures.
Mark Walker
Observatory DirectorMark recently coordinated the unenviable task of replacing our observatory roof. We now call him Mr Hardhat - affectionately of course.
There is also a dedicated group of volunteers who regularly give up their time for outreach work at Notley, Abberton and anywhere they are needed
Rachel Eaton
Outreach CrewIn a department of scientists, Rachel has managed to earn herself the title of "geek". That's quite an achievement!
John Excell
Outreach CrewNot that he's overcompensating for something, but John always brings two telescopes to outreach events. Proudest moment: Successfully identifying Cassiopeia without Simon's help.
Little Jimmy Excell
Outreach CrewThe youngest member and wannabe mascot of the Outreach Crew, Little Jimmy uses his extensive skills in incoherent mumbling and memes to bring Astronomy to the youth of Essex. Awards: Voted two years running "Least likely to survive in to adulthood".
Simon Gilfrin
Outreach CrewSimon has demonstrated great artistic skill and has his own mug at the Observatory - touch it at your peril. His grand designs for a laser glove have yet to come to fruition, but we're sure it won't be long. Favourite thing to talk about: The Garnet Star. Do ask him about it, but please make sure we're not around first.
Chris Holmes
Outreach CrewChris is a newcomer to the group but has already discovered that if he asks how he can help, we will find him a job! And that's not put him off (yet).
Brian Matthews
Outreach CrewBrian is something of a genius when it comes to both woodwork and welding. As long as he doesn't get the welding tools and the woodwork ones mixed up, everything will be fine.
Dee Parker
Outreach CrewDee uses the stories behind the constellations making her descriptions of the night sky almost poetic. Also discoverer of space worms - slightly less poetic.
Terry Regan
Outreach CrewTerry is a model man. And by that we mean he makes models. He is the Chief Spacecraft Model Builder for the Institute of Interstellar Studies.