Looking back at the Penylan Observatory
WITH reference to my recent item on Penylan Observatory, Dave Powell writes: “I well remember the observatory back in the 1960s and ‘70s.
“By this time it was very run-down. To actually look through the telescope, one had to climb a two-sided ladder and today ‘Health & Safety’, I am sure, would have put a stop to it.
“The gentleman who ran the observatory was Ron Lane who lived in Canton and he passed away many years ago.
“Calver signed the mirror and although he was well thought of in the UK, in the USA his stock was even higher.
“During its time the observatory saw several amateur astronomy clubs form. I myself, was a founder member of the current society formed in 1975.”
Mr Powell goes on to say: “In the 1970s the Penylan Observatory was closed after vandalism rendered it impossible to keep open.
“I well remember being phoned at work to say the council had sent a small crane and workmen to the observatory because vandals had somehow managed to get a concrete lintel on the roof and let it fall into the observatory.
“It was stuck half in and half out the roof hanging right over the telescope.
“I was called to move the scope into a better position so as debris would not damaged the mirror.
“The scope itself was taken to be stored in a council shed and remained so for several years before getting ‘mislaid’.
“Fortunately the society was asked to store the main mirror and a 4 brass refactor and tripod.
“This was done for a number of years until I heard about the Cardiff Museum that was in the process of being set up.
“After consultations with the council we were given permission to donate the mirror and smaller scope to the museum.
“As far as I am aware they still have these items, although on my visits I have never seen anything on display.”
■■Please send your stories and pictures to Brian Lee, Cardiff Remembered, South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR, or email brianlee4@virginmedia. com – please include your phone number as I cannot reply by letter.