Minutes of the IFAS Committee meeting held on Sunday 3 April at the COSMOS Star Party.
Chair; David Bell.
1) Election of Secretary. The position of secretary was vacant. Shane Culleton was proposed and seconded, and therefore appointed. As part of this nomination the problems experienced by IFAS member societies and IFAS itself in making contacts with the media was discussed. It was hoped that Shane Culleton could provide a direct link with the media on behalf of IFAS.
2) Insurance Policy. Copies of the IFAS member society insurance policy were distributed among the society reps. Copies of the policy are also being sent out to each society. Under this insurance policy the Broker must be informed of an event taking place which involves members of the public in advance of the event. While the policy states that only four public events are covered per year per society, this limit was not prescriptive and more events could be held. The events held under this insurance policy do not need to be described as IFAS events.
3) Payment of Insurance. Each society would be differing amounts of insurance based on how many members there were in each society. The cost-per-member will be 2.60 EURO.
4) Induction of New Member Societies. Two newly formed groups had expressed an interest in affiliating with IFAS. Dublin City University AS and Kildare Astronomy Society were both inducted unanimously. John O’Neill and Dave MacDonald of Kildare AS were welcomed as new reps to the IFAS committee. Unfortunately DCU AS could not send reps but both groups were heartily welcomed.
5) Payment of IFAS dues. Society reps were reminded that annual IFAS dues of 5 EURO would be payable at the Whirlpool Star Party.
6) Eclipse Trip. Details were given of the payment and account details for the upcoming IFAS eclipse trip to Turkey. Reps were asked to remind those members of their society who may be travelling that their contract was with the tour operator and NOT IFAS.
AOB
· Individual email addresses for IFAS officers were discussed, eg secretary@irishastronomy.org. The pros and cons of this system were discussed. Overall it was felt to be an excellent idea.
· A report was made on the Observing Challenges Programme. The extremely large number of downloads of the handbooks, as well as the international interest expressed, was discussed. Generally everyone in attendance was extremely pleased with the progress made by the members of the group.
With no other issues to discuss the meeting was closed.
Shane Culleton.
Secretary, the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies.
Shane Culleton.
Dozo Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu
