Journal Contributor Andy Bucknell writes:
I was born in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire in 1952 and educated at St Albans Primary School in Denaby Main and then De La Salle College in Sheffield. I came along at just the right time to witness the tremendous achievement that was the Apollo programme and watched in genuine awe as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins carried out man's first landing on the Moon.
I worked for British Rail for 30 years and then as a local government officer for the last 17 years of my career. I am now retired and am spending as much time as possible observing the Moon through my 8-inch reflecting telescope and reliving the Apollo missions via the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal. The Journal is a fantastic resource and I have learned so much about the Apollo programme that I could not have obtained anywhere else. I am truly honoured to be associated with it even in such a miniscule capacity.
The photograph was taken in October 2007 at an Autographica event held at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel at London Heathrow Airport. A day I shall never forget! I had gone with the hope of just seeing Gene but, as I arrived early, I was just looking at one of the trade stands and became aware of someone standing next to me. I turned and there was Gene with his hand outstretched saying "Hi, Gene Cernan". What a moment.