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The article presents a speech by Tom Boles, president of the Geological Society, delivered at the Geological Society Meeting, October 26, 2005. He discusses that looking for supernovae is not an easy thing to do and it takes between three to four thousand patrols to discover one. He also mentions some modern patrollers including the Great Britain team which is made up of Boles, Armstrong and Arbour, Lick Observatory Supernova Search, which has been the most productive team and Michael Schwartz.

The article highlights the meeting of the British Astronomical Association held on April 25, 2006, at the Geological Society, Burlington House in Piccadilly, London, England. The president opened the seventh Ordinary Meeting of the 115th session and invited Dr. Nick Hewitt to read the minutes of the previous meeting. Several papers were presented on a range of topics including outburses, orbits and oscillations.

The article highlights the Ordinary Meeting of the British Astronomical Association held on April 23, 2005, at the English Heritage Lecture Theater in London, England. The president opened the sixth meeting of the 115th session were 29 new members were proposed for election. Several papers were presented that discuss a range of topics including, quasars, black holes and galaxy formation, among others.

The article presents information on the general meeting and the special general meeting that were conducted by the British Astronomy Association on March 30, 2005, at The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London WI. Mr Boles opened the fifth Ordinary Meeting of the 115th session, and invited Dr Hewitt to read the minutes of the previous meeting. Further, the President opened the Special General Meeting of the 115th session, inviting Dr Hewitt to read the minutes of the previous year's SGM, which were approved by the members.

Highlights the joint meeting of British Astronomical Association with Royal Meteorological Society at the Geological Society in Piccadilly, London, England. Acceptance of the new members proposed at the previous meeting; Accounts of the event; Announcement of the approval of a new paper to appear in the Association's Journal.

Presents the transcript of the 2004 presidential address about supernovae as a tool for astronomers given by Tom Boles, president of the British Astronomical Association at the Geological Society, Burlington House in Piccadilly, London, England.

Presents news and developments relevant to astronomy and space research compiled as of December 2003. Issuance of a report from the Parliamentary Select Committee for Science and Technology on light pollution in Great Britain; Comet prospects for 2004; Number of visits into the website on mars; List of noctilucent cloud sightings; Rise in the sunspot activity; Discovery of spots on Saturn in visual wavelengths.

Highlights the British Astronomical Association's Ordinary Meeting and Christmas Lecture held in London, England on January 10, 2004. Welcome speech of president Tom Boles; Topics covered; Lecturers.

Often when the author, who is the president of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), speak to fellow astronomers about what attracts them to astronomy meetings and talks, they will readily admit that although the talks and presentations give them new information and guidance on this fascinating science, it is often the casual conversation in the corridors or over tea that they secretly look forward to. BAA is privileged in having people at all levels and experience among the members. If there is an area where advice is needed, there is always someone with the experience and knowledge that can help.

An obituary for California astrophysicist Weidong Li is presented.

Reports on the changes in the British Astronomical Association's (BAA) office in Burlington House in Piccadilly, London, England. Changeover of employees; Resignation of Patricia Barber after 18 years with the Association; Renovation of the BAA's office.

The article reports that Mars, one of the planets of the solar system will be at perihelic opposition again on November 7, 2005 when its disk diameter will be nearly as large as it was in 2003. It will however be much higher in Great Britain skies this year, and it is expected that as many members as possible will support the Section with their visual and CCD observations. The period from martian southern spring till midsummer is that in which large dust storms have often developed in the past. British Astronomical Association will be well-placed to record the recession of the S. polar cap during 2005.

The article reports on the changes in the office of British Astronomical Association (BAA). Patricia Barber, the Association's Assistant Secretary, has decided to move to pastures new after nearly 18 years with the Association. Pat's friendly face has been visible at most out of town meetings and she was always present and helpful on the exhibition stand at Astrofest. It is also reported that the Association is pleased to welcome Jean Felles to the role of office manager in Burlington House. Jean will also be taking over the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary following Pat's departure.

Reports that the British Astronomical Association has invested in a new system to provide basic services for its members in Great Britain. Key features of the new system; Capacity of the system to track the association's members; Suggestion that the integration of the new system may eliminate some of the human error inherent in moving large amounts of data between systems.

Focuses on the success of the British Astronomical Association's weekend meeting in the Isle of Man. Estimated number of attendees; Organizers of the event.

Highlights the Ordinary Meeting and Observers' Workshop of the British Astronomical Association held in Milton Keynes, England on February 28, 2004. Welcome speech of president Tom Boles; Lecturers; Topics covered.

Presents insights about astronomy in Great Britain. Discovery of supernova; Quality of images of JMU Liverpool Telescope; Observation of stars.

The author was lucky enough to be part of the June 8, 2004 transit of Venus. The transit of Mercury was a success but it didn't hold the same significance for the author as that of Venus. He had looked forward to the Venus transit for so long. He did expect the planet to look big as it passed in front of the star but its size still surprised him. With its stark blackness, the perfect disk contrasted against the two small sunspots near the centre of the Sun making them look a pale grey colour. It was hard not to think about the historical significance of previous transits.

Highlights developments in the British Astronomical Association. Success of the recruitment drive; Main decision-making body of the organization; List of officers in the Council; Financial advantages of being registered as a charity; Main resource that the organization lacks; Main routes for ideas into the organization.