The History of the L.A.S.

It is with no small amount of shock that I realised that in only two more years the society will be entering its Fortieth year. The creation of the Society took place in the latter part of 1969, a few months after the epic Apollo 11 Moon landing.This thrilled the public at the time. Although space flight and astronomy are quite different areas of interest there are some important connections. Being aware of the widespread interest in the town, the University of Luton (then the Luton College of Higher Ed.) put on a course involving a series of lectures concerning space flight and astronomy. The course was organised by Jim Hysom a local manufacturer of astronomical optics. It turned out to be very interesting and well attended A range of topics were presented by a number of speakers, chiefly on astronomical subjects. At the end of the course, several people wanted to continue in some way or another, with either further lectures or perhaps form a group that could meet somewhere regularly, triggered discussion. The outcome, the formation of the Luton and District Astronomical Society occurred in December 1969, with the meeting being held in the Youth House in the town centre.
The facilities were not exactly ideal in this our first home. It was semi-open plan, with no blackout or screen and projectors had to be borrowed. We had to endure the noise raised by team games, whistles and other noises associated with a busy gymnasium. Nevertheless a small group of enthusiasts led by Steve Anderson, got the Society on to its feet and running with support from outside speakers when they were available. At this time well-established amateurs like Jim Hysom, Jim Muirden; an astro writer, Peter Drew and the authority himself - Horace Dall, gave helpful encouragement. The continuing Apollo moonshots stimulated a growth in more members and resulted in the birth of similar astronomical societies throughout the country. Many of those that survived will shortly, like us, be celebrating their 40th anniversaries.
In the autumn of 1976, the committee approached the College or Luton Tech as it was generally called, to see if it could rent a room on a regular basis. The College authorities considered this and with support from the Department of Physics a room was granted. This turned out to be Room 233(the lecture theatre) - a great psychological boost for the Society. The theatre had a large screen, a projection box, good blackout curtains and tiered seating as well as an illuminated blackboard and rostrum. In all, a facility which was the envy of less fortunate societies in the Midlands and London area. It was the start of the special association with the University, which we still enjoy today.
In the late eighties the meetings transferred to the Putteridgebury campus where we meet today. This was out of town and suited the Society from the point of view of astronomical observation. The LAS had acquired the Dall Telescope and its original observatory. This was after the death of Horace in 1986 - the year of Halley's comet. He claimed it was his 2nd time round; he had seen it as a child! The aim of the Society at this time was to raise money for the construction of an observatory on site at Putteridgebury. Permission had been granted by the powers to be, but we would have to pay a peppercorn rent! There was no objection and work on the site started in 1990. With the generous financial help from many local firms and organisations, the LAS finally got its observatory in October 1992.The Dall Telescope had been refurbished and set up and Patrick Moore did the honours by officially conducting the opening ceremony. We had many old friends and many good wishes on that special day.
In 1993 we took up the role of an educator. We actively encouraged schools and other groups to bring parties to the Dall Observatory for special observing sessions at minimal cost. This is now very well established and more organised. If skies are cloudy, a slide show is always an alternative after a tour of the main instrument and its mode of operation. Our public open evenings are another aspect of the work of the LAS, which will continue with increasing success.
With the construction of a half metre rich field telescope the New Generation Dall Telescope the success of the Society continues; the secret is perhaps the band of dedicated people who give up hours of their time year after year and never complain. The LAS is indeed fortunate to have such people. Our membership remains fairly steady and has built up many external friends over the years.
We always welcome new members.