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It is with great sadness that I report the passing of John Wilson Smith MBE.

A founder member and tireless worker for VAS, John died on Sunday 30th December 2012

John was instrumental in the establishment of the Isle of Wight Observatory in Watery Lane Newchurch and will be remembered fondly by all members of the Society as well as the wider community of Newchurch

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Pavilion (next to the observatory), on January 24th at 11am, followed by a family only interment at Springwood Cemetery

The BBC has just announced the death of Sir Patrick Moore

A group of his friends and staff said in a statement the broadcaster “passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon”.  It added: “After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home, Farthings, where he today passed on, in the company of close friends and carers and his cat Ptolemy”.

Anyone with even a passing knowledge or interest in astronomy will surely know the important contribution Sir Patrick made during his life – His Wikipedia entry tells the story far better than I ever will.

Sir Patrick, an honorary member of the Vectis Astronomical Society for many years, will be sadly missed by astronomers everywhere.

It is with deep sadness that Vectis Astronomical Society announces the death of  long-serving member and Observatory Director Roger Hayward.
Roger died at St Mary’s Hospital on 21st January. The Isle of Wight County Press obituary is available  here.

The funeral service will be held at St Blasius Church, Church Road, Shanklin on February 3rd. at 2pm, followed by a private service at the crematorium.