Stargazers "out of this world" £14,500 funding boost

A STARGAZING club is setting its sights on a rocketing membership after landing more than £14,500 to help expand its facilities
By Michael Upton
Published 10th May 2018, 12:43 BST
Updated 11th May 2018, 09:21 BST

Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society has been awarded £9,761 from the Big Lottery and £4,800 from the Audrey May Hampshire Lowe Memorial Fund towards its Project Aquarius. 

The project aims to build an extension with a mains water supply, a waste management system and disabled-rated toilet at the J. A. Jones Observatory at Hoober, with the nearest facilities currently 200 metres down the road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chairman Les Marsden said: “The society has a fantastic set of telescopes at the observatory that are used by the public and our members to look at the wonders of the night sky. 

Most Popular

    “However, there is no running water or toilet and this means that not everyone can come and use our instruments in comfort.  

    “Project Aquarius aims to install a disabled-rated toilet and a larger work space allowing many more people to come and explore the night sky.”

    Les went on to say that the Big lottery Fund’s grant had gone a long way in securing the £29,000 needed for the project, alongside the £15,000 the society has raised itself, but more help was needed to complete the project.

    Hide Ad
    Hide Ad

    “If you can help us with materials, services or donations, please contact us through our website at msas.org.uk,” he said.

    Programme Co-ordinator Steve Taylor added: “We want to add an extension to the observatory. It’s been a long process but we’ve got the result we wanted.

    “We have got to match-fund the amount so we have been raising funds over the years to ensure we can get there.”

    The society, now in its 40th anniversary year, meets every Thursday at Swinton Working Men's Club, Swinton for talks, demonstrations and workshops.  

    Hide Ad
    Hide Ad

    It also works with schools, youth and adult groups in Rotherham and South Yorkshire providing demonstrations and talks on astronomy. 

    In addition, the society has close working relationships with RSPB Old Moor and RMBC (Parks and Amenities). 

    The public is welcome to all our weekly meetings but visits to the observatory presentations should be booked via the contact page on the website at msas.org.uk. 

     

    Related topics:MexboroughSwinton