Port Macquarie Astronomy Club

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PORT MACQUARIE ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
It had all started in the post war years of the 1950’s when the owner of the “Royal Hotel” a Mr. Bob Stanfield, encouraged people to drop their small change into a container at the bar. A middy of beer was 10 pence (8 cents) at the time, and the two pence (2 cents) change out of a shilling (12 pence or 10 cents) built “Tuppeny Road” and in continuing the collection Bob Stanfield was able to purchase a telescope for the then Hastings District Hospital.
The hospital from its hilltop position had a magnificent view of the town and the telescope could be used for viewing ships at sea.
Unfortunately the telescope (a 5 inch refractor) was heavy to handle, and provided enjoyment to only a limited number of people at the hospital so the equipment lay disused for many years.
Later, Albert York a retired master builder and architect had attempted to build an observatory on the top of a building in Joffre Street but was opposed by a neighbour. The Council enquired into the matter and among those on the committee of inquiry were some Rotarians. They became interested in the idea of an observatory in Port Macquarie and Albert York was asked to address a local meeting of Rotarians.
As a result of the speech Dr. McLaren suggested that Albert York inspect the 5 inch telescope that was lying in disuse at the Hastings District Hospital.
Due to the size of the telescope it was realised that it would need to be housed in a proper building and Albert York was asked to draw up plans for an observatory.
Council approved the plans and the Lands Department set aside land in Rotary Park for the observatory.
The Rotary Club made the construction an official project and the observatory was built during 1961/62 and the 5 inch telescope was installed in the building.
Toward the end of 1961 at a public meeting was held in the C.W.A. Hall and the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association was formed.
Albert York as the first president and held this position until retiring in 1983.
The following year (1984) Albert York passed away at the ripe old age of 94.
Since then an auditorium and toilet facilities have been added to the building and the original 5 inch telescope has been replaced with a 14 inch Celestron Cassegrain focus telescope.
Today the volunteer members continue to provide open night presentations for the Port Macquarie Hastings community and visitors to the district. At the Observatory we are proud of our past and look forward to an equally exciting future.