Robin - Life member Hampshire Astronomical Group - Clanfield Observatory
Created by Richard 3 years ago Robin Gorman
1940 ~ 2020
Robin Gorman, former President, Chairman and Life member of the Hampshire Astronomical Group – Clanfield Observatory
died peacefully on the 14th October 2020 at the age of 80.
Robin was one of the original pioneers from the early start of the Group’s founding in 1960. He was the main driving force behind most of the facilities the membership enjoys at the Clanfield observatory today.
Overseeing three observatory site moves firstly from Crookhorne in Purbrook then from Fort Nelson on top of Portsdown Hill and finally seeing the Group establish one of the finest amateur observatories in the UK at Clanfield. Robin's enthusiasm was infectious and he wasted no time in coercing, by gentle persuasion of course, the small band of members in the early 1970s and galvanized the action in to building the 24 inch reflecting telescope and the dome it housed.
He negotiated with the Royal Navy to acquire the 5 inch Cooke refractor telescope, which is still to this day a great asset to the Group, and then oversaw the acquisition of the large dome to house the scope brought all the way from the Royal Observatory in Herstmonceux East Sussex.
He joined the Hampshire Astronomical Group in 1964 just 4 years after it began when they were constructing their first 12-inch telescope and observatory on and old war time gun emplacement east of Crookhorn Lane in Purbrook. At first, he was very puzzled by their efforts to construct it with mainly scrap materials as funds where low in those early days and offered his assistance. At that time, the Group decided to upgrade to a 20-inch mirror which meant making it themselves. Robin immediately begun constructing a mirror grinding machine out of an old work bench thus setting the tone that persisted throughout his membership. As an SEB electrical engineer his skills proved invaluable. He soon took over as leader of the "Instrument Section". His passion for astronomy, his natural leadership and communication skills proved to be a great asset to the Group over the years that followed. He often said, "it is not what you know, but who you know" and that again stood us in good stead when he found and negotiated our present site at Clanfield
Robin's membership spanned 56 years. Committee Member and Instrument Section Leader since 1965. Chairman, 1972 to 1983. President, 1983 to 2003 when he retired from the post and yet remained an active committee member ‘till very recently.
Originator of the first National Astronomy Week in 1981. There having been five further such events since.
Robin’s connection with the University of Portsmouth began in 1994 when the first students started the new BSc Mathematics with Astronomy course. It continued to strengthen over the years with the introduction of astronomy elective units with Robin giving the annual introductory lecture at the university and hosting student visits for observing and talks at Clanfield.
Furthermore, he ran an adult education evening class in astronomy for over 25 years and tutored students for GCSE Astronomy. During this time, pursuing his life’s interest in telescope making, producing over 100 astronomical mirrors ranging from 6” dia to 20 inch.
He Designed and devised the Space Trail at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield. This is a large-scale layout of the solar system, through beautiful park land. It even shows the current position of Halley’s Comet!
Robin’s interest in astronomy extended to giving lectures to schools, young persons and the general public to broaden astronomy awareness. These include various organizations around the south of England such as – U.3.A, Probus, W.I. and neighbouring astronomical society venues; plus, many appearances on local and national TV and Radio.
Indeed, Robin's contribution to Astronomy and astronomical education was acknowledged by the University of Portsmouth by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate in 2006.
The Hampshire Astronomical Group is now one of the finest and best equipped amateur observatories in the country and currently has over 170 members. This is in no small part due to the dedication and enthusiasm and the huge driving force of Robin Gorman; The Group has lost both a pioneer and a dedicated loyal member the like of which are a very rare breed indeed; we will miss him.
For and on behalf of the Hampshire Astronomical Group -
Clanfield Observatory
From the President Graham Bryant,
the committee
and the entire membership.
Our heartfelt sympathies for Robin’s wife Celia, Sons Andrew and Chris and their families
1940 ~ 2020
Robin Gorman, former President, Chairman and Life member of the Hampshire Astronomical Group – Clanfield Observatory
died peacefully on the 14th October 2020 at the age of 80.
Robin was one of the original pioneers from the early start of the Group’s founding in 1960. He was the main driving force behind most of the facilities the membership enjoys at the Clanfield observatory today.
Overseeing three observatory site moves firstly from Crookhorne in Purbrook then from Fort Nelson on top of Portsdown Hill and finally seeing the Group establish one of the finest amateur observatories in the UK at Clanfield. Robin's enthusiasm was infectious and he wasted no time in coercing, by gentle persuasion of course, the small band of members in the early 1970s and galvanized the action in to building the 24 inch reflecting telescope and the dome it housed.
He negotiated with the Royal Navy to acquire the 5 inch Cooke refractor telescope, which is still to this day a great asset to the Group, and then oversaw the acquisition of the large dome to house the scope brought all the way from the Royal Observatory in Herstmonceux East Sussex.
He joined the Hampshire Astronomical Group in 1964 just 4 years after it began when they were constructing their first 12-inch telescope and observatory on and old war time gun emplacement east of Crookhorn Lane in Purbrook. At first, he was very puzzled by their efforts to construct it with mainly scrap materials as funds where low in those early days and offered his assistance. At that time, the Group decided to upgrade to a 20-inch mirror which meant making it themselves. Robin immediately begun constructing a mirror grinding machine out of an old work bench thus setting the tone that persisted throughout his membership. As an SEB electrical engineer his skills proved invaluable. He soon took over as leader of the "Instrument Section". His passion for astronomy, his natural leadership and communication skills proved to be a great asset to the Group over the years that followed. He often said, "it is not what you know, but who you know" and that again stood us in good stead when he found and negotiated our present site at Clanfield
Robin's membership spanned 56 years. Committee Member and Instrument Section Leader since 1965. Chairman, 1972 to 1983. President, 1983 to 2003 when he retired from the post and yet remained an active committee member ‘till very recently.
Originator of the first National Astronomy Week in 1981. There having been five further such events since.
Robin’s connection with the University of Portsmouth began in 1994 when the first students started the new BSc Mathematics with Astronomy course. It continued to strengthen over the years with the introduction of astronomy elective units with Robin giving the annual introductory lecture at the university and hosting student visits for observing and talks at Clanfield.
Furthermore, he ran an adult education evening class in astronomy for over 25 years and tutored students for GCSE Astronomy. During this time, pursuing his life’s interest in telescope making, producing over 100 astronomical mirrors ranging from 6” dia to 20 inch.
He Designed and devised the Space Trail at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield. This is a large-scale layout of the solar system, through beautiful park land. It even shows the current position of Halley’s Comet!
Robin’s interest in astronomy extended to giving lectures to schools, young persons and the general public to broaden astronomy awareness. These include various organizations around the south of England such as – U.3.A, Probus, W.I. and neighbouring astronomical society venues; plus, many appearances on local and national TV and Radio.
Indeed, Robin's contribution to Astronomy and astronomical education was acknowledged by the University of Portsmouth by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate in 2006.
The Hampshire Astronomical Group is now one of the finest and best equipped amateur observatories in the country and currently has over 170 members. This is in no small part due to the dedication and enthusiasm and the huge driving force of Robin Gorman; The Group has lost both a pioneer and a dedicated loyal member the like of which are a very rare breed indeed; we will miss him.
For and on behalf of the Hampshire Astronomical Group -
Clanfield Observatory
From the President Graham Bryant,
the committee
and the entire membership.
Our heartfelt sympathies for Robin’s wife Celia, Sons Andrew and Chris and their families
Pictures
Robin's Honorary Doctorate - Portsmouth University