Hampstead Scientific Society
 Patrick Hepburn at the observatory of the Hampstead Scientific Society circa 1910 | |
| Abbreviation | HSS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1899 |
| Legal status | Registered Charity |
| Purpose | Science, including Amateur astronomy |
| Location | |
Region served | UK |
Membership | Public |
President | Doug Daniels |
| Website | HSS |
The Hampstead Scientific Society (HSS) was founded in July 1899 as the Hampstead Astronomical and General Scientific Society by P.E.Vizard. It aims to be inclusive, promoting and nurturing an interest in all branches of science, while catering for wide levels of knowledge, from layman to expert alike. The society maintains specialist astronomy and meteorology sections and runs a programme of lectures on various scientific topics in the Hampstead area of North West London.[1]
The HSS is a registered charity which is affiliated with the British Science Association[2] and the Richmond Scientific Society.
History
In 1898 the author of A Guide to Hampstead,[3] P.E.Vizard, learned that a Hampstead resident, Colonel Henry Heberden JP, had a 10.5-inch Newtonian reflecting telescope that he wanted to donate to a Society in order for it to be made available to members of the public. Thus in July 1899, at a public meeting, the Hampstead Astronomical and General Scientific Society was formed.
In 1902 the respected physician, pathologist and biographer Sir Samuel Wilks became the society's president. Following Wilks' retirement, in 1910 Patrick Hepburn of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) joined the society, becoming its joint secretary with Vizard. In 1923 a 6-inch Cooke refracting telescope was presented to the Society by George Avenell and remains the primary telescope in use at the Hampstead Observatory.[4]
Hampstead Observatory
History
The Observatory's first telescope was a 10.5" Newtonian donated by Henry Heberden, whose act of philanthropy resulted in the founding of the HSS. Patrick Hepburn[5] of the BAA joined the society in 1910, subsequently becoming the Director of the Saturn section of the BAA.
In 1923 a 6-inch Cooke refracting telescope was lent to the Society by George Avenell, it was formally gifted to the society in 1928 and is still the main telescope in use at the observatory today. The date of manufacture of the telescope is unknown, however, it matches the appearance and specification of a "missing" telescope commissioned by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich for the 1874 Transit of Venus Expedition to Hawaii.[6]
Renowned optical instrument maker, and one time JAS president, Henry Wildey [7] was Astronomical Secretary of the HSS from 1946-1988. He was responsible for organising the public open nights and maintaining the instruments and building. In 1967 H.N (Ron) Irving was commissioned to overhaul the telescope's mounting, drive and clock, a job he carried out at a highly subsidised rate and was granted honorary life membership as a result of his generosity.
In 1971 Herbert Stark, who was HSS general secretary from 1966 to 1974, set-up a sub-committee, headed by Doug Daniels, to focus on the observatory's repair and maintenance. Civil Engineer Keith Hitchcock was appointed to look after the observatory building's renovation. In order to raise capital for the renovations some of the society's equipment was sold, including a vintage sidereal clock, which was a valuable antique. In addition to the renovation of the observatory's building, the Cooke telescope's mount was rebuilt by Terry Pearce,[8] who, due to the observatories financial constraints, accepted payment in installments over a three year period.[9]
Doug Daniels succeeded Henry Wildey as Astronomical secretary following his retirement, and is the current president of the HSS.
The Observatory today
The observatory is open to the public during the winter months, from mid September to mid April, when the sky is clear, on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8.00pm-10.00pm and on Sunday mornings from 11am-1.00pm. Volunteers from HSS/CATS are on hand to assist visitors.[10]
Camden Astronomy & Telescope-making Society
The Camden Astronomy and Telescope-making Society (CATS) was founded in 1966 as an evening Astronomy class set up by Doug Daniels (HSS Astronomy secretary from 1988), later evolving to include telescope making under the expert tutelage of Terry Pearce.
After the closure of the original venue at Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park, the class moved to Westminster Kingsway College, Regent's Park and continued with healthy attendance figures for many years at this location until government cuts led to the class being cancelled in 2005.
This precipitated the formation of CATS as it is today, however, it is still under the mentorship of Terry Pearce and affiliated with the Astronomy section of the HSS. From 2016 the Camden Astronomy & Telescope-making Society's home has been the Holly Lodge Community Centre in Highgate and classes are fortnightly on Wednesday evenings. The class caters for all levels and welcomes anyone interested in making their own telescope.[11]
Events
In addition to the society's AGM and functions it also has a monthly lecture programme. The lectures cover a broad range of scientific areas and, like the observatory, are open to the public. The lectures are held at the Crypt Room of St.John's Church in Hampstead.[12]
References
- ↑ "CINDEX-Services & Organistations in Camden".
- ↑ "British Scientific Association Affiliate".
- ↑ "A Guide to Hampstead".
- ↑ "History of the Hampstead Observatory".
- ↑ "Patrick Hepburn BAA - Solicitor, Eclipse-chaser and Major".
- ↑ "Cooke refractor telescope".
- ↑ "Henry Wildey Obituray" (PDF).
- ↑ "About the Hampstead Observatory".
- ↑ "HSS History".
- ↑ "The Hampstead Observatory".
- ↑ "Camden Astronomy & Telescope-making Society".
- ↑ "HSS Lecture Programme".