MEMBERS' AREA

HISTORICAL INTEREST 'THE WAY TO GO'

Dear fellow Members.

I know that many of you feel as I do that our Website has become an increasingly important and vital part of the Club's activity. The sterling work of Tony Saunders-Davies, and Tony Jarratt in setting up and running our web site so efficiently and attractively, has justifiably earned them the praise and grateful thanks of all our members.

From conversations that I have had with members, it has become apparent that some of you do not attend Club meetings as regularly as you used to; I include myself amongst this number. Nevertheless, the wish to continue being in touch with Club activities and fellow members seems to have diminished very little. The proliferation of regional meetings has I believe, been one of the most positive changes in the last decade or so. This has gone some way to offering attractive, and viable alternatives to the London meetings, with less demanding journeys. For those members who live in remote parts of the United Kingdom or Overseas, hitherto membership offered them the Journal and Bulletin only. This is potentially a means of engaging overseas members more closely, and who knows where that may lead.

The hectic pace of technological and scientific advances has opened the possibility of greatly enhanced communication for everyone, no matter where they live on our planet. Of course, one needs to be able to purchase a computer and a connection to the Internet. The additional benefit of digital photography has completed the triumvirate of marvels, which are the basic tools for the job I have in mind.

Of course I am aware that our Website already offers every chance for communication. However what I propose for this section, open only to members, is somewhat different. We now have the potential for easy communication on almost a 'chat' basis for those who have access to the site. When we attend meetings the opportunity to exchange ideas, show equipment, seek advice and so on, is the foundation of the Gossip. We know that we are in a 'secure' and friendly environment with like-minded individuals. This gives the confidence to discuss any line of microscopical interest or endeavour, amongst friends.

Why be deprived of this if you cannot attend meetings or live abroad? What our Club has above all of its other assets, is the encyclopaedic knowledge within its membership. Each of you has always been more than willing to share that knowledge and experience, and this will be an additional way of doing so, without leaving home.

So how can this develop? At this point I am not certain of the details, they will evolve as we go along. Essentially anyone can post a question about equipment of any period, slides, accessories and people associated with microscopy. If you want to identify a maker, period or origin of slide or lens, old book or catalogue, then this section of the Members' Area will be the place to do it. It is then available to anyone with access, no matter where they live.

Increasing numbers of us use a digital camera, which comes with a programme for downloading the pictures. This makes the task of illustrating any objects much simpler, and thus sending it to the Website becomes less of a challenge. I envisage photos of interesting and thought provoking pieces being sent in for views, advice and identification where appropriate. All of this in a secure setting.

At this stage I would greatly welcome your thoughts on what I have suggested. Does it have any relevance to you? How could this develop and is there anything additionally that you could see as a benefit to you personally?

Do contact me.

Best wishes

Brian Davidson