Flamsteed Astronomy Society

John Griffiths — a tribute

April 2010

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John continued to do projects for the Science Museum.  In 2004/5 he organised astronomy star parties at the Museum’s outstation at Wroughton in Wiltshire.  It was here he first began discussions with Andy Burns of the Wiltshire Astronomical Society about John’s pet project, to build an educational observatory at El Bosque in Spain where he and Kath were establishing their second home.

John’s astronomy activities continued to flourish.  He expanded his children’s classes to other boroughs and local schools, and started adult classes outside the ROG, working with Bromley and Bexley adult education departments.  He was also very active in his local community in Grove Park, SE12. where he was chair of the Grove Park Community Group at the Ringway Centre.  At the Ringway he organised public star parties which proved amazingly popular with local people.  Long queues formed as visitors waited for the clouds to clear to get a glimpse of the Moon or some planet through the array of small scopes.

Recently John’s activities had continued to bear fruit.  He worked with artist Anthony Burrill on a collaboration for the “If You Could” programme.  Using John’s astronomy insights, Burrill produced a set of works in Perspex on the theme of ‘abstract representations of celestial bodies in conjunction’.  They were exhibited in January 2010.

John and Andy’s work together to build the GEO ‘Griffon Educational Observatory’ had also come to completion.  With the structures put in place by John and equipment by Andy, GEO was hosting its very first group of visitors when John was tragically struck down.  GEO is a fitting memorial to be enjoyed by amateur astronomers and school groups under the crystal skies of southern Spain.  Just what John would have wanted  –  “Tremendous!”

John will long be remembered for his bubbling enthusiasm for astronomy, and his passion was infectious.  He was always ready to offer help and encouragement.  He never made anyone feel foolish or ignorant.

There are now hundreds if not thousands of people, young and old, who have been inspired by the fascination of the Universe because of John.

Your star was the brightest.

 

Mike Dryland

 

Partial Solar Eclipse — Greenwich 2005 [Pic: Mike Dryland]

‘Evening with the Stars’ event — Greenwich 2010 [Pic: Grey Lipley]

[Pic Mike Dryland]

[Pic Mike Dryland]

[Pic Mike Dryland]

[Pic Mike Dryland]