ASTRA

History

portwin@easynet.co.uk

Oscar begins recruitment drive, putting cards into scientific books in local libraries, obtaining the BIS membership list and writing on Oct.12th to members in Scotland, proposing a meeting on the 21st, when Arthur .C. Clarke was to give the David Elder Lecture at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow (now Strathclyde University). 24 replies were received, all favourable. At the same time, Oscar was pursuing his own astronomical research at Airdrie Public Observatory - his notes were rediscovered 25 years later during the renovation (see 1978).

Nov.25th. Oscar issues invitations to meeting on Dec. 13th.

Dec.13th. Meeting of twelve BIS Scottish members at Glasgow Art Gallery & Museum, by courtesy of Dr. Henderson and P.H. Tanner, who was appointed Secretary. A committee was set up and Oscar was appointed Convener. From the meeting notes:

"It was suggested that we try to get Mr. Ovenden on the Committee and also Mr. Roy. Are we going to restrict members to people interested in astronomy or should anyone be allowed to join? Should astronomy be the main factor, as some members are more interested in the engineering aspect of the Society? Mr. Schwiglhofer has suggested that we have an experimental station at Forestfield and try to get help to build this from the British Radio Assoc." 40 years later, we are still trying to get into that area of research - see later!

The December issue of the BIS 'Information Bulletin' credits the attempt to form the branch to Philip Tanner.