Norman Lockyer Observatory
STEM & History Group’s Monthly Talk Series
“The Torbay Astronomical Society”
Speaker: John Stapleton, TBA Chairman
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 14.30 – 15.30
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth EX10 0NY
Our speaker, John Stapleton, has had a lifelong interest in, and professional engagement with, astronomy. At school he co-founded an Astronomical Society, obtained a self-taught O-level in Astronomy, and joined the Torbay Astronomical Society.
John developed these early interests becoming Secretary, Chairman and President of astronomical societies both in the South West and Hampshire, and becoming an Adult Education Lecturer in Astronomy. He was an early mentor of Chris Lintott, the BBC “Sky at Night” presenter, and was a close friend of Sir Patrick Moore.
John’s talk will focus on the history and wider influence of the Torbay Society.
FREE to NLO Members and Non-Members
Refreshments available (small donation)
Travel: Lifts to the NLO by car-owning regular attendees from Sidmouth, and other local areas, is possible. To enquire please contact the organisers, Robin Devonshire and Bob Miles, via: STEM.at.the.NLO@gmail.com