A former Teignmouth bank manager has been recognised for his contribution to astronomy.

A blue plaque, commemorating the establishment of the Torbay Astronomical Society by J Hedley Robinson FRAS (Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society), was unveiled last Saturday (September 20).

The plaque ceremony and civic reception at Torquay Town Hall marked 70 years since Hedley Robinson founded the Torbay Astronomical Society in August 1956. The event was attended by Torbay deputy mayor councillor Hazel Foster, members of the Torbay Civic Society and the Torbay Astronomical Society and Hedley Robinson’s grandson.

Hedley Robinson worked for Midland Bank and, before retiring in 1965, was second officer at the Dawlish branch. However, his spare time was devoted to stargazing. After retiring, Hedley Robinson served as a director of the British Astronomical Association’s Mercury and Venus Section until 1980. He was awarded the prestigious Walter Goodacre medal in recognition of his contribution to the progress of astronomy.

He was also the founder and president of the Devonshire Astronomical Association.

Well-known for the observatory he had in his Teignmouth garden, he counted Sir Patrick Moore as one of his friends.

Sharing his passion and knowledge about astronomy was important to him. He frequently gave talks and ran courses on astronomy and authored numerous scientific papers and articles. He also wrote three books: the ‘Astronomy Databook’ in 1972, ‘Using the Telescope’ in 1978 and ‘God and the Universe’ 1988.

Hedley Robinson also chaired the Teignmouth Probus Group in the mid-1970s.

The Torbay Astronomical Society used Torquay Town Hall as a meeting venue for several years. The Society now meets at Torquay Boys Grammar School where it maintains an observatory.

Hedley Robinson died in 1991 at the age of 86 following a short illness.