Northampton

Microscope Users

Leader: Mike Gibson Tel: 01604 714513
Deputy: Charles Bond Tel: 01604 409251

Monthly meetings on first Friday of the month 10am until 12.00, Unless otherwise stated.
Town centre venue: at Northamptonshire Natural History Society, Castilian Terrace, Northampton (just off St Giles Street);
See the article about our Microscope Users Group published in the Spring 23 issue of Third Age Matters and reproduced by permission of the Editor.

PROPOSED PROGRAMME FOR 2024/25

All meeting, unless otherwise stated, are held on the first Fridays of the month at the Humfrey Rooms, 10 Castilian terrace from 10am until 12.00 noon. We hire both the rooms and equipment from the Northamptonshire Natural History Society which is a registered charity. Guests and visitors who are u3a members are most welcome to attend meetings, but we ask EVERYONE please, to make a donation of £3 which covers cost of room hire, heating lighting, sundry items for practical work, and, last but not least, tea, coffee and light refreshments. THANK YOU to everyone for your continued support which is most appreciated.

Mike Gibson & Charles Bond.

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• Microscopes and equipment provided;
• Beginners welcome - no previous experience needed;

For anyone who may be wondering what this group is all about, let me explain………

First of all, it is a beginners group, therefore no experience or equipment is necessary to join in. The idea is to interest and maybe encourage people to learn, have fun, and get involved in a fascinating new hobby.

On the way, we’ll come across different types of microscope, from the very simple to the complex, and learn about how they are used. There will be plenty of opportunities to try out different microscopes and even make our own! Aspects of the history of microscopy will be covered and we’ll delve into the fascinating world of the Victorian slide makers.

One of the key aspects of our work will be learning how to set up and use microscopes. This will also include practical activities of looking at prepared microscope slides, making our own slides and observing a range of materials and specimens from fur and fibres through to rocks, crystals, plants, pond life and many other living things. And of course, for anyone interested in purchasing their own microscope, there will plenty of advice and help on hand. (Only recently, one of our U3A members in the photography group managed to purchase a fine second-hand quality instrument for a mere £15.)

To find out more, or to join the group, please phone the Leader or send an email by clicking the link on the right.

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See the Sources June 2016 article by Mike Gibson by clicking this link.

Mike Gibson

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! Remember, you don’t need to have your own microscope to join as there are ones for you to use. We even have our very own “Swift microscope kit” for members who would like to borrow a microscope for home use on a month’s loan.

For further details contact me, Mike Gibson by email by clicking the link on the right or phone me or Charles Bond.

Mike Gibson, Group Co-ordinator

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Do you want to learn more about microscopy? Listen to IN OUR TIME Radio 4 podcasts related to Microscopy.

1. Microscopy
2. Robert Hooke
3. Microbiology
4. Rosalind Franklin
5. Louis Pasteur

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