An unused observatory

[Ludd]

I joined a group of folk at 4 this morning for a walk up to a disused observatory where we watched the sun rise.  Thanks go to the Aylesbury Astronomical Society for enabling access.  Wouldn't it be great to see this building back in use one day?  Having said that, the Society has a shed observatory a little walk away where they do have a modern scope and facilities.

[Alan White]

Sometimes building fall out of use due to issues such as failed structure etc., could this be such an occasion?

I too hate to see derelict structures, it’s such a waste and love it when they are reused or repurposed.

 

[Ludd]

4 minutes ago, Alan White said:

Sometimes building fall out of use due to issues such as failed structure etc., could this be such an occasion?

Indeed, I think there was a major collapse of the innards many years ago. 

[Peter Drew]

It was in much better condition when I last visited, some 40 years ago!. I remember the visit as someone had forgotten to switch off the heating in the club house from the previous meeting, it was like an oven inside.

[Mr niall]

That’s got heritage lottery fund written all over it! That’s the most Art Deco observatory I’ve ever seen!

[DAVE AMENDALL]

Be interesting to know when it was built and how long it was used. Does the building have a name/title I could do a google...Dave

[Ludd]

I think a chap called Doug Saw, who died in 1990, was instrumental in setting it up. It is also known as the Colin Hunt observatory. 

I don't yet know much more that that. 

[JamesF]

There are a couple more photos here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/landie_man/sets/72157623121713894/

James

[Guest chaz2b]

Wow! What a building to leave alone, glad to see that the Aerosol Sprayers Society (ASS) hasn't visited.

Chaz

[DAVE AMENDALL]

Great Pics James, Looks a bit like  what can be seen in the Canary Islands.......Dave

[JamesF]

49 minutes ago, DAVE AMENDALL said:

Great Pics James, Looks a bit like  what can be seen in the Canary Islands.......Dave

Not my pics.  Just some I found online of the observatory in happier days.

James

[Obsession 30]

That’s a real shame, I would love that on my property, if they are looking for a good home for it I would be interested 

[Gina]

I doubt it would be possible to move it.

[Obsession 30]

30 minutes ago, Gina said:

I doubt it would be possible to move it.

Would of thought they could lift the dome with a crane and put it onto a lorry

[Gina]

Possibly but it would need to be done very carefully.  Looks to me like it might disintegrate if moved.