Committee & Others

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 2017–18 are:

James Hannan

Chairman

Science 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...

Dee Parker

Secretary

Dee uses the stories behind the constellations making her descriptions of the night sky almost poetic. Also discoverer of space worms - slightly less poetic.

Rachel Eaton

Treasurer

In a department of scientists, Rachel has managed to earn herself the title of "geek". That's quite an achievement!

Matthew Barrett

Outreach Officer

If you have a school, brownie, cub, guide, scout group, etc wanting to book an astronomy event, then Matthew is your man.

Andy Styles

Events Manager

Andy is the man who rustles up speakers for our monthly public lectures.

Paul Blakesley

PR & Starfest

Paul 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 Director

Will shop for astronomy related goods. King of the barbecues too. (Mrs D plays a key role here).

Mark Walker

Observatory Director

Mark recently coordinated the unenviable task of replacing our observatory roof. We now call him Mr Hardhat - affectionately of course.

Val Sayer

Patron

Val 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."

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

Simon Gilfrin

Outreach Crew

Simon 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.

Ian Lauwerys

Outreach Crew

Ian 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 kept us all entertained during summer 2017 with regular updates on the construction of his back-garden observatory. Greatest Achievement: Finishing 2017 with all his fingers.

Brian Matthews

Outreach Crew

Brian 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.

Terry Regan

Outreach Crew

Terry 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.

Clare Lauwerys

Outreach Crew

Clare's shoe collection mysteriously grew in the Autumn. We don't know why. She is our queen of social media and is slowly learning more about astronomy. We will convert her.

Cheryl Matthews

Outreach Crew

Cheryl 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.

John Excell

Outreach Crew

Not 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 Crew

The 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".

Chris Holmes

Outreach Crew

Chris 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).