On this Day 1967: Stoke on Trent Astronomical Society ‘amateur observatory’

OTD, November 28th, 1967…

Gwyn Richards reported for ATV Today about an observatory that had been built by a group of amateur astronomers at Newchapel in North Staffordshire.

Constructed by four men who formulated their plans at the Stoke on Trent Astronomical Society. Gywn speaks with Tony Pace about the design and construction of the building, his thoughts on UFOs and a petition created by local residents who were concerned that the astronomers would be peeping into their windows. The report also features views of equipment including a space telescope.

The plans for the Newchapel Observatory were started in 1964, with the initial building completed by winter 1967. In subsequent years the rented land was bought by the astronomers and a visitor centre was added to the site. In 2002 Dr Kevin McKay was so impressed by the work of the team that he paid for a new piece of equipment – a specialist telescope to observe the sun.

As The Natural Science Centre in Newchapel, the site continues to operate.