The annual OAS Starbeque took place on Sunday 22nd June, this year it was held at a new venue, the Otford Village Memorial Hall.
The venue was perfect with lots of room inside the hall and outside on the paved area and some of the grassed area too, of course the venue is familiar to us as it is also used by the Society for our monthly observing evenings.
42 adults and 8 children were in attendance (Society members and guests).
It did not take long to set up the tables inside the hall and before too long there were copious amounts of food, soft drinks and juices laid out, including salads, jacket potatoes, dressings, sauces, hamburger buns, hotdog rolls, etc..
On the paved area outside the hall, the two barbeques were fired up and ready to go – and then burgers, sausages, chicken pieces, steaks and other food items were being cooked over the hot coals, and then enjoyed by all who were mostly sitting in groups outside socialising.
We had already erected the Society gazebo to sit under, and many had brought their own foldable chairs and sun shades to use.
Some solar scopes were set up, but it was disappointing as cloud cover rolled in for most of the afternoon and it was difficult to observe the Sun much at all.
Although there was some cloud cover it was still a warm and pleasant day. It was great to see the solar scopes set up and many attendees were able to ask questions about the equipment on display.
There were stomp rockets set up for the children who had great fun jumping on the pads to launch the rockets 50 feet into the air again and again.
It was then soon time for the Celestial Cake Competition. There were some great inventive cakes on display and a winner and runner up were selected, and were given prizes. Then soon after those in attendance were able to sample the cakes on display and it did not take long before the plates were empty.
A Model Rocket Competition followed where attendees brought in their rockets that were built using old household products like plastic washing up bottles, yoghurt bottles and cardboard tubes. A winner and runner up were selected who received some prizes.
Finally, there was a Paper Airplane Challenge to make a paper airplane and see how far it can fly! This was great fun with many participating. Of course a winner and runner up also received prizes.
There was still time for more socialising and finishing off any food and drinks before we had to clear up. Many thanks go to all of the society members who volunteered to bring different items needed, and thanks to those who attended and helped on the day, and participated in the competition and challenges, which in turn made this year’s Starbeque so much fun and enjoyable, we all had a lovely day.
Prepared by Dave Allen