CDAA

A Brief History of the
Clacton & District Astronomical Association
by David Pugh - Chairman

CDAA formed in 1969 as a result of interest in the Apollo Missions to the Moon. Its aim is to further the understanding of the Universe among its members in a friendly, informal manner. Meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday evening (see Meeting Programme), and for many years had been at the Friends Meeting House in Granville Road, Clacton. We have since moved to another venue (see 'Find Us'). It is the only astronomical society serving the Tendring and Colchester districts.

By 1974 members had built an observatory in the grounds of Clacton County High School. This was in use for 21 years until vandalised. However, a number of members have their own telescopes, in addition to the club’s Dobsonian telescope, and several enjoy taking images of astronomical objects (see elsewhere on this website).

In 1984 CDAA organised the first East Anglian Astronomical Convention with the assistance of Tendring District Council and guestspeakers included Patrick Moore. Today the society still attracts several guestspeakers each year to its meetings. CDAA is also keen to promote astronomy education through outreach activities in the local area.

We are a friendly bunch of amateurs and new members, including complete beginners, are always warmly welcomed.