| Title |
Papers of Herstmonceux Conferences |
| Reference |
GBR/0180/RGO 56 |
| Creator |
Royal Greenwich Observatory |
| Covering Dates |
1960–1996 |
| Extent and Medium |
3 boxes; paper/photograph |
| Repository |
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives |
|
| Content and context |
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The Herstmonceux Conferences were held once a year from 1957 at Herstmonceux Castle, Sussex, and subsequently at Cambridge. The delegates were invited from throughout the world, and attended a series of lectures and talks on topics of astronomical interest.
RGO 56 contains a wide range of papers relating to the Herstmonceux Conferences, including correspondence, programmes, forms, list of participants, seating plans, menus and invoices. There are also black and white group photographs of the delegates.
Material regarding the Herstmonceux Conference has been added periodically to the R.G.O. Archives. Details of later accessions can be found in the relevant sections of the catalogue.
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Access and Use
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Please cite as Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives, Papers of Herstmonceux Conferences, RGO 56 |
| Further information |
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Indexed
This description was created by Robert Steiner, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives.
|
| Index Terms |
| Herstmonceux Castle |
| RGO Archives/RGO 56 contains: |
|
1
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Conference photograph for 1960. A black and white photograph of the delegates at the 1960 Herstmonceux Conference.
1 photograph. |
1960 |
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2
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List of delegates of 1967. A photocopied list of the delegates at the 1967 Herstmonceux Conference.
2 pages. |
1967 |
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3
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Papers of the 1969 conference. A memorandum describing the 1969 Herstmonceux Conference; a memorandum on the conference dinner; a memorandum on arrangements; a note on delegates' sleeping accommodation; a list of delegates not staying in Herstmonceux Castle; a note entitled 'Conference Reminders'; a list of delegates' expenses; four catering invoices; and a note to 'Marilyn' thanking her for her help.
1 bundle. |
1969 |
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4
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Papers of the 1970 conference. A memorandum describing the 1970 Herstmonceux Conference; the final programme; a list of expected participants; a list of delegates; a memorandum on the dinner, including a seating list; a note on sleeping accommodation; a list of Observers; and the bill for the dinner.
1 bundle. |
1970 |
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5
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Papers of the 1971 conference. A circular describing the 1971 Herstmonceux Conference; a programme; a list of heads of astronomical departments (optical), heads of radio astronomy departments and individuals; a list of expected visitors; an application form for attendance; a list of delegates to be accommodated in Herstmonceux Castle; a list of delegates accommodated outside the castle, and their location; the conference photograph, with a key identifying delegates; a note from B.E.J. Pagel on sleeping accommodation; a note on catering arrangements; a list of Royal Greenwich Observers at the conference; a list of orders for the conference photograph; eight letters on the photograph and the identification of participants; a postcard on the working location of C. Rapley; a letter to Peter Dominic Limited on settling an account; a refreshments invoice; a special conference photograph, with a key and list of names; an accommodation list and a list of visitors; a memorandum on 'The Galaxy and distance scale' containing a schedule of events; a press notice on the conference; a memorandum on the conference; a memorandum on a cricket match - Herstmonceux v the World; an invoice for meals; a slip of paper on the cricket tea of 18 August; a memorandum entitled 'information for staff'; eleven letters from Donald Lynden-Bell; a preliminary programme listing events; a preliminary outline listing events; and a memorandum on arrangements.
1 bundle. |
1971 |
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6
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Papers of the 1972 conference. A circular describing the 1972 Herstmonceux Conference; the preliminary programme, with suggested agenda; the final programme, containing details of the conference; a list of delegates; an application form for attending the conference; a note on sleeping accommodation; a list of delegates' accommodation; an accommodation register; a list of conference helpers; a note about invitations to the dinner; the dinner seating plan; the dinner account; the conference photograph; a letter from Dr David George requesting a copy of the photograph; and a list of orders for the photograph.
1 bundle. |
1972 |
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7
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Papers of the 1973 conference. A circular describing the 1973 Herstmonceux Conference; the provisional programme; a list of delegates; an amended list of delegates; notes by David Allen entitled 'Afterthoughts on the Conference', with a plan of the Long Gallery; two application forms; a note on sleeping accommodation; a circular on additional accommodation, with suggested local hostels; a list of delegates' accommodation at Herstmonceux Castle; the dinner list; a letter from the caterers, Edouard Frederic Limited, with a suggested menu; a memorandum of works sent by 'David' to 'Celia'; a list of orders for the conference photograph; a letter from T.E. Perkins, Edinburgh, requesting photographs; and the conference photograph, with a key identifying delegates.
1 bundle. |
1973 |
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8
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Papers of the 1974 conference. Correspondence and other papers regarding the 1974 Herstmonceux Conference:. 1. Organisation. A circular describing the conference; the programme and agenda; two copies of a list of delegates; and a blank application form for attending the conference. 2. Attendance. Correspondence arranging the attendance of delegates: C.A. Murray to Sir Martin Ryle inviting him to attend; Murray to W. Fricke suggesting that he write a paper to be presented at the conference; Murray to K.A. Ponds inviting him to attend the conference and to write a review paper; Ponds to Murray accepting his invitation and suggesting the subject for the review paper (recent satellite projects); Fricke to Murray accepting his invitation and suggesting a subject for a review paper; Murray to Fricke inviting him to stay at his home in order to continue the discussion on the review paper; a list of heads of astronomy departments (optical); G.A. Wilkins to members of the International Astronomical Union suggesting that their next General Assembly take place at Herstmonceux during the conference; Wilkins to members of the I.A.U. requesting more replies to his previous letter; 'David' to 'Andrew' concerning attendance at the conference; Patrick Wayman to Andrew Murray regarding attendance; Wayman to Murray on his attendance at the conference, his recent trip to South Africa (during which he saw Richard Woolley), and other subjects; Murray to Fricke thanking him for his letters; Fricke to Murray accepting his invitation; Murray to Fricke confirming meeting times; a request from G. Carpenter for further details about the conference; R.E. Spencer to Murray confirming the subject and length of his projected lecture at the conference; H.P. Palmer to Murray confirming the subject and length of review papers; R.H. Stay to Murray; A.P. Willmore on his being unable to attend; George Gray on the conference; Hubert Gert on the conference; Willmore on the conference; R.H. Stay to Murray thanking him for a good conference; and Fricke to Murray offering his thanks. 3. Accommodation. A note by Alan Hunter on accommodation; a list of accommodation at Herstmonceux Castle; a list of accommodation in the vicinity of the castle; and a brochure of the George Hotel, Hailsham. 4. Conference dinner. A circular regarding the dinner; a letter to F.J. Starling of Edouard Frederic Ltd on catering; a note to Mr and Mrs Holden about the provision of refreshments; a list of the costs of the dinner; and a note on quotations for the dinner. 5. Conference photograph. The conference photograph, with a key identifying delegates and a list of orders for the photograph.
1 bundle. |
1974 |
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9
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Papers of the 1975 conference. The programme and agenda for the 1975 Herstmonceux Conference and a list of delegates.
1 bundle. |
1975 |
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10
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Handbook for the Tercentenary Symposium. The handbook for participants at the Tercentenary Symposium at Herstmonceux on 'The Galaxy & the Local Group'.
1 bundle. |
1975 |
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11
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Papers of the 1975 conference. A draft copy of the provisional programme; a list of the titles of papers and of their authors; and a list of scientific equipment and surnames, beginning with the Schmidt Telescope.
1 bundle. |
1975 |
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12
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Provisional programme for 1976. Four annotated copies of the provisional programme for the 1976 Herstmonceux Conference, listing the agenda for each day of the conference.
1 bundle. |
1976 |
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13
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Papers of the 1976 conference. Three folders of papers on the 1976 Herstmonceux Conference:. 1. 'Herstmonceux Conference 1976 General'. Details of the conference (on the folder's inside cover); a letter from F. Graham Smith on the theme of the conference and the agenda; two application forms - one requesting information about the applying institution, the time of the delegates' arrival and meals, and the other regarding meals only; two notes on the conference; a programme detailing events of 29 March - 1 April, and a second copy with some adjustments; a list of delegates; a paper on the allocation of bedrooms at Herstmonceux Castle, including room numbers; a diagram showing room allocation; two copies of a diagram of seating arrangements for the dinner; a menu for the dinner; a list of meal times; a list of dinner guests; two copies of a memorandum listing the bar opening times for the dinner; a memorandum concerning putting conference queries to 'FGS' [Francis Graham Smith]; two letters to the Royal Greenwich Observatory from people adjusting their conference visiting days; a letter from W.A. Goodsell to Miss Mills regarding the S.I.R.A.; a note from 'Dennis' to 'Graham'; a letter from Dennis McMullan to Mrs Harris, 2 April, thanking her and the staff for their conference work; a paper regarding the conference, including the subjects studied and attendance figures, and also concerning the meeting on instrumentation for optical telescopes; a document entitled 'The Twentieth Herstmonceux Conference' regarding events at the conference; a letter from J. Hutchinson to Professor Delhaye on the meeting of European astronomers on instrumentation on 4-5 December; details of this meeting; a listing of topics for the meeting of 1 April; a list of participants for the meeting on the third day; budget estimates detailing the cost of accommodation and meals; a memorandum on the meeting on 'Instrumentation for optical telescopes', including a list of participants; a letter from Dennis McMullan explaining the time and purpose of the meeting of European optical astronomers, with a list of names, and a second letter from McMullan with a different list of names; the agenda for the meeting of European astronomers, listing meals and lectures; a list of names for the 'Special Meeting for Instrumentalists'; and an untitled list of names. 2. 'Herstmonceux Conference 1976 Participants'. Three different versions of a list of delegates; a list of confirmed conference participants to date, divided into outsiders and Herstmonceux staff; a note from 'Hazel' to 'Richard' confirming the attendance of various people; a list of people who have accepted invitations; a note from 'Hazel' requesting the addition of more names to the list; and papers on the costs for meals, giving details of the meals eaten by delegates. 3. 'Herstmonceux Conference 1976 Scientific Programme'. Invitations from Herstmonceux, written mainly by Dennis McMullan, to attend the conference and the meeting of European astronomers, with the responses, January - March 1976.
1 bundle. |
1976 |
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14
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Papers of the 1976 conference. A blank application form to attend the conference; two memoranda on the conference by F. Graham Smith, 16 January 1976 and 21 January 1976, with an application form to attend; a provisional programme; a revised programme; a list of delegates; a list of attendees at the 'Special Meeting for Instrumentalists', 1 April 1976; and an untitled list of names.
1 bundle. |
1976 |
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15
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Papers of the 1977 conference. A list of participants and the programme for the 1977 Herstmonceux Conference.
1 bundle. |
1977 |
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16
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Papers of the 1978 conference. A list of participants; a timetable; and a photocopy of a report on the conference from 'The Observatory', Vol. 99, No. 1033, December 1979, pp. 169-182.
1 bundle. |
1978 |
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17
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Papers of the 1979 conference. An information leaflet for participants, including a list of participants; the programme; and a photocopy of a report on the conference from 'The Observatory', Vol. 99, No. 1033, December 1979, pp. 183-195.
1 bundle. |
1979 |
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18
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Papers of the 1980 conference. An information leaflet for participants, including a list of participants; the programme; and blank forms for meals and attendance.
1 bundle. |
1980 |
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19
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Papers of the 1981 conference. An information leaflet for participants, including a list of participants; the programme; and a black and white photograph of the delegates.
1 bundle. |
1981 |
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20
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Papers of the 1982 conference. An information leaflet for participants, including a list of participants; two copies of the programme; a photocopy from the section on 'Science and Discovery, 1982-1983' in 'Whitaker's Almanack 1984', pp. 1058-1059, including a mention of the conference; and a black and white photograph of the delegates.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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21
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Programme for the 1983 conference. A copy of the preliminary programme for the 1983 Herstmonceux Conference.
1 bundle. |
1983 |
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22
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Papers on reports in 'The Observatory'. 'R.G.O. Library News. Appendix No. 2' listing the reports on the Herstmonceux Conferences in 'The Observatory', and an extract from 'The Observatory', Vol. 107, No. 1077, April 1987, pp. 53-58, reporting on the 1986 Herstmonceux Conference.
1 bundle. |
1987 |
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23
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Conference photographs. Black and white photographs of those attending the Herstmonceux Conferences of 1959, [1960], 196[ ] and 1964, with keys identifying the delegates.
1 bundle. |
1959-circa 1964 |
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24
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Papers of the 1982 conference. A general letter of invitation to the conference; copies of a form on transport, accommodation and meals; copies of 'Notes on completion of Participation Form'; copies of the participation form; copies of notes and a table regarding accommodation available in the vicinity of Herstmonceux Castle; a form requesting details of available accommodation in the area; copies of a blank table of available accommodation; copies of a letter requesting completed participation forms; a list of available accommodation in the area; letters enquiring about available accommodation during the conference; and an envelope containing a large copy of the participation form.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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25
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Papers of the 1982 conference. Folders for conference delegates containing the provisional programme, a list of speakers, a participation form, information about accommodation and transport, and payment details.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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26
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Forms for the 1982 conference. 'Note on processing of participation forms' and copies of various types of 'Acknowledgment of participation forms' for regular guests and invited speakers, regarding transport, accommodation, meals and payment.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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27
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Expenditure forms for 1982. Blank expenditure forms for invited speakers, R.G.O. staff and other participants; blank forms containing a receipt and statement of account; sheets to be attached to envelopes sent to delegates; a small envelope, 'How to find us' leaflet and blank attendance form; and bundles labelled 'Money to General Office from RGO Staff' and 'Money to General Office from participants' containing blank and completed forms recording the meal costs of various delegates, with attached receipts recording money that has been received.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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28
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Papers on the 1982 conference meals. A bundle labelled 'Conference Dinner' containing tickets to the lunch for R.G.O. staff and tickets to the dinner; a folder containing copies of the dinner menu; a bundle labelled 'Lunch RGO staff' containing lunch tickets; a bundle labelled 'Supper' containing supper tickets; a bundle labelled 'Lunch, participants' containing lunch tickets; pages of lunch and supper tickets for staff and visitors; and an envelope containing dinner menus.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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29
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Transport forms for 1982. Copies of a form for recording details of delegates' arrival, departure and transportation; copies of a form for recording details of accommodation, meals and payment; a transport summary sheet and a transport requirements form for recording travel information; and completed transport requirement forms.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
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30
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Papers of the 1982 conference. Various labels and stickers created during the preparations for the conference; letters to prospective delegates regarding the conference; a form for invited speakers to record their travel, accommodation, meal and transport details; a list of delegates and their accommodation; a table for recording accommodation and meal information; a list of delegates and their institutions; a blank confirmation of accommodation form; information leaflets for participants; various different versions of the conference programme; a page of address labels for the Conference Secretary, R.G.O.; an order form for the purchase of the conference photograph; two versions of a form for the submission of papers to the conference; a form for recording questions and comments; a diagram and instructions for how to set up the Long Gallery and stage for the conference; a diagram of table arrangements for the dinner; and forms for recording meal information, some with annotations.
1 bundle. |
1982 |
|
31
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Papers of the 1979 conference. An information leaflet for participants; a programme of events; two letters regarding the conference photograph; two pages of addresses for recipients of the photograph; an envelope containing the photograph; a travel leaflet containing details of how to reach the Royal Greenwich Observatory; a memorandum entitled 'Requirements for setting up Long Gallery & stage'; a memorandum listing requirements for the conference; a diagram of the layout of the Long Gallery during the conference; a diagram of the layout of the table for the dinner; a memorandum containing details of meal costs; a menu for the dinner; correspondence regarding the conference, including letters concerning Dr Bath's expenses, with invoices from the White Friars Hotel; a list of meals supplied and their cost; a diagram showing seating arrangements for the dinner; a memorandum on bedroom accommodation recording names, room numbers and nights of stay; figures for meals; lists of people dining at each of the meals; tables recording transport information; and a list of conference participants.
1 folder. |
1979 |
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32
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Papers of the 1982 conference. An envelope containing the conference photograph; a list of the number of people attending meals and the meal tickets issued; a list of delegates and their room numbers; a letter to Boship Farm Hotel enclosing a page of information about accommodation, arrival times, dinner and transport; a list of the travel, accommodation and meal details of delegates; tables recording the payment of expenses to various invited speakers, with a general letter on this subject; a short note on attendants; the provisional programme and list of principal speakers; a letter from M.W. Feast stating that he cannot attend the conference; letters of invitations to the conference; a list of forms for various attendants; and letters regarding arrangements for the conference, with invoices for accommodation, meals and travel costs.
1 envelope. |
1982 |
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33
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Papers of the 1980 conference. Two different copies of the programme; a memorandum regarding arrangements for the conference; a memorandum on setting up the Long Gallery and stage; two copies of the table plan for the dinner; a diagram of the layout of the Long Gallery and stage during the conference, with instructions; an envelope containing the conference photograph; details of meals and drinks breaks and the names of those attending the breakfast; tables recording the transport requirements of delegates; a list of foreign participants and invited speakers; a letter of invitation to the conference and a blank acceptance form; a letter enquiring about available accommodation for the conference and a form for recording this information; a list of accommodation available in the vicinity of Herstmonceux Castle; a list of the room numbers and nights present of people staying at the castle; a list of where delegates will be staying; a list of delegates' names and institutions; correspondence regarding conference accommodation, with invoices and details of guests' expenses; a list of charges payable to the R.G.O. for invited speakers; menus for conference meals; letters regarding other aspects of the conference; and two black and white conference photographs, with keys identifying the delegates.
1 envelope. |
1980 |
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34
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Papers of the 1981 conference. An envelope containing the conference photograph; the provisional programme; the revised provisional programme; a programme containing a timetable of events; two copies of a letter to prospective delegates; two blank participation forms; a list of foreign speakers; correspondence and telexes regarding arrangements for the conference; messages to staff regarding the organisation of the conference; correspondence on arrangements; correspondence regarding accommodation, transport and meals, with invoices and a list of the delegates' names and institutions; tables of expenditure chargeable to the R.G.O. for invited speakers; a table recording delegates' accommodation, dining and travel details; notes on accommodation available in the vicinity of Herstmonceux Castle; and tables giving the addresses of available accommodation.
1 envelope. |
1981 |
|
35
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Stickers and forms for photographs. 'Do not bend' stickers for the conference photograph and two pages of application slips for the photograph.
1 bundle. |
1981 |
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36
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Papers of the 1990 conference. The programme for the 1990 Herstmonceux Conference, held at Cambridge; a list of participants; a list of participants presenting poster papers; and information for participants.
1 envelope. |
1990 |
|
37
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Papers of the 1993 conference. 'Conference Guide and Note Book, Abstracts' for the 1993 Herstmonceux Conference, held at Cambridge; the programme of the conference; an update on participants, with a note on the use of computers; a map of the local area; and abstracts of talks.
1 folder. |
1993 |
|
38
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Papers of the 1994 conference. The programme of talks at the 1994 Herstmonceux Conference, held in Cambridge, and a list of attendees.
1 folder. |
1994 |
|
39
|
Guide for the 1996 conference. The Conference Guide for the 1996 Herstmonceux Conference, held in Cambridge.
1 binder. |
1996 |
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