Visit to the Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath

South West TARS are planning an expedition to the far north of our Region. We would like to invite any TAR to join them in Bath on Saturday 1st March. Meet at 2.00 pm to explore the home of William and Caroline Herschel at 19 New King Street, Bath. The cost is a mere £3.00 per adult, £2.00 per Junior. The house is a unique example of a fully restored, modest Georgian home and garden. Before he came to Bath, Herschel was known more as a musician than an astronomer but it was in this house that he designed and built his own telescope with which, in 1781, he discovered the planet Uranus. His observations helped to double the known size of the universe at that time. Amongst his achievements was that of the discovery of infra-red radiation whilst Caroline, an astronomer in her own right, discovered eight comets. During the visit we will watch a short film narrated by Patrick Moore which will take us on a voyage of discovery through the universe.

Even if you are not of a scientific frame of mind, ie more Dorothea than Dick, the house itself is well worth a visit. The Grade II listed house underwent a major refurbishment in 2000 and everything has been painstakingly restored as authentically as possible to give the visitor a real feel of how people with a modest income would have lived in Bath during the 1870s.

After the visit there is the opportunity to take an open top bus tour of Bath at a cost of £10.00 per adult, £8.00 per concession and £6.00 per Junior. There is a 50% discount for National Trust members! However well you think you know Bath, you will undoubtedly learn something new on this tour of Bath's fascinating literary and historical heritage.

We will round off the day with a cup of tea and some Bath buns, of course, at Sally Lunn's teashop, the oldest house in Bath!

Transport

Driving into Bath is to be avoided. There are excellent Park and Ride facilities around the outskirts of the City at Odd Down if you are coming from the west, Newbridge if you are approaching from the Bristol direction, Lansdown for those coming from the North and at the University towards the east. Buses leave at 10-15 minute intervals.

There are many Museums and places of interest in Bath if you want to make the most of your day. Do look at the Visit Bath website

To give us some idea of numbers, please would you Email Diana Osborn, or telephone John and Diana Osborn on 01823 283684 to let us know if you will be joining us.  We hope to see some familiar faces as well as having the opportunity to meet some new members.

Please do come along.