The Wessex Astronomical Society (WAS) traces its origins to the amalgamation of the Poole Astronomical Group (PAG) with the Bournemouth Astronomical Society (BAS) in 1970 when the combined membership was around twelve persons!

The older PAG was formed in 1948 by enthusiasts local to the Parkstone/Poole side of the conurbation. In 1967 the BAS was formed to cater for the Bournemouth/Christchurch area. At that time the regular meeting place of the newly named Wessex Astronomical Society was a school in Lower Parkstone but, after four years and with a membership exceeding forty, new premises had to be found and we were accepted at the Poole College Annexe.

Following a couple of successful exhibitions at the annual Hobbies Fare at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne, the decision to move our meetings there was made in Autumn 1976 and it has remained our 'home' ever since. The Centre has a huge on-site car park . The WAS has outgrown the Quarterjack Suite (which has a seating capacity of 100 and was regularly filled at our monthly meetings) and now meets in the Main Hall. Adjacent to the Hall is the Cafe from which refreshments can be purchased during the interval.

The WAS attracts members from around the Wessex region including Swanage, Weymouth, Dorchester, Yeovil, Salibury, Andover and Portsmouth. The Society meets on the first Tuesday of the month.


TO JOIN the Society simply come along to any meeting and ask at the desk. You will be asked to fill in a small form with your contact details and to pay the annual membership fee of 15 pounds. This is reduced if it's part way through the year.