From the President: Our astronomical heritage

Dr Richard McKim had kindly checked the records and found that the BAA had first held a meeting at Savile Row on 1970 January 28, and it was therefore difficult to believe as this latest meeting closed that it was for the last time after about 32 years. By coincidence I first joined the Association in 1970 so had only known Savile Row as the meeting place. As I indicated at the meeting, departure from this venue is unavoidable but plans are already in place to hold meetings throughout 2003 in various venues, both in London and further afield, so it is very much 'business as usual'.

Unfortunately this was not the only sad news recently. Many of you will have read an article in the Independent newspaper of 2002 November 27 and indeed I have received many telephone calls from our members expressing concern.

The article by Michael McCarthy, their Environment Editor, reported that five of Britain's most prestigious learned societies might face substantial rent bills after 130 years of rent-free existence in their offices at Burlington House, Piccadilly. As your Council are aware, the Government, and in particular the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, are proposing that rents be payable which could amount to over one million pounds per year between the five learned societies. One of the five is the Royal Astronomical Society and, as you will all know, we occupy part of their premises for the purpose of running our office and housing our library of valuable books.

Naturally the imposition of substantial rents would have a devastating financial impact on all five main societies but as there are other societies like the Association who also occupy part of these premises the effect widens considerably. I can add no more to the formal actions which may follow other than to say this dispute over the rents appears to be heading for the High Court and may become quite a protracted affair. Rest assured your Council will watch the position closely and liaise regularly with the Royal Astronomical Society who will also receive our full support in the difficult times ahead.

However, in many ways, an almost greater concern here is the view taken of our heritage whether astronomical or in the wider scientific arena. Our country has much to be proud of in science as well as many other fields. The contents of the libraries of the societies occupying Burlington House alone reflects the amazing achievements of the past and to attempt to convert such institutions on to a purely commercial basis with no regard for heritage seems to me a grave mistake.

We have also learnt that all these difficulties are part of an even larger picture. The House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee have published reports on the issue and did indeed recognise that the societies at Burlington House operate under a broad obligation to 'serve the public interest'. I can vouch for this since we receive many enquiries on all aspects of astronomy. Although many are from members, there are also queries coming from non-members and the public at large. In addition the media and various news correspondents frequently ring for help with articles or news stories.

The BAA Office staff and Officers are more than ready to help, often at quite short notice, because it is vital that we encourage everyone to share in both the constant stream of new discoveries and development of ideas and also in the history of one of the oldest of our sciences.

It seems that Government comments to the Science and Technology report are due next but thereafter it will be debated, possibly in the House of Commons. As yet we do not know when this will take place but clearly if the public can attend we should make sure that the viewing area is full for the duration of the debate.

I thought it right to make sure you are all kept fully informed of the challenges we face. Naturally your Council are already discussing contingency arrangements but rest assured the BAA will survive regardless of the outcome of legal cases. If any of you have advice to offer or can help us in our support to the Royal Astronomical Society in this matter please contact me.