Observing (2021/2022)

2021/2022 Archive pages:

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We use three four observing sites - Lugg Meadows, Fownhope Recreation Field, Bartestree Village hall and Berrington Hall.

We normally meet on the third Thursday each month from October through to March with members arriving at the observing site from 6:30pm and activities starting at 7pm. We move between the different sites according to which site is available - i.e. no-one else using the facilities! We will move the observing meeting to another day if the weather forecast indicates it would be better. Look out for the latest news on this website and we'll email out any change to arrangements to members.

If you are not on our emailing list, please contact Mark and Chris for the latest news - contact details here.

If you need a lift or are able to offer a lift please come to one of our society meetings at the Kindle Centre to liaise with other members.

The society's Cole (an 8" f/10 Schmidt Cassegrain) and Hulme (an 8" f/4 reflector) Telescopes will be available for use and members are encouraged to bring their own telescopes to view and share. On cloudy nights there will still be plenty to talk about with new and more experienced members able to share thoughts, tips, recommendations discuss problems and projects.

Provisional Schedule:

Lugg Meadows Observing Site

We've found a new observing site that's on private land but with the owner's permission for access once a month by members of the society. The site offers unrestricted views, a flat 360 deg. horizon, a solid surface - and above all no gates, lights or advance booking requests to contend with! It is a private track off the Ledbury road just to the east of Hereford on the way to Lugwardine. Plus two nearby pubs for anyone who wants 'afters'! The trump card for this site is our ability to announce a planned observing date in advance, but to refine it by 'slipping and sliding' it at short notice according to the weather forecast which is now our only (if not inconsiderable) enemy.

Please park on the left side with cars nose to tail but giving enough room between the cars to set up telescopes etc. It might be chilly so I suggest wearing warm clothing and extra thick socks.

Fownhope Recreation Field Observing Site

Fownhope Recreation Field (HR1 4PJ) is at the southern end of the village. Drive down the B3224 through Fownhope and immediately after Pritchards butchers turn right by St Mary's church into Capler Lane. About 200m along Capler Lane there's a right turn between two houses - signposted "Recreation Field and Parking, River Wye". Go down here and you'll see the recreation field and the Pavilion. We'll set up our telescopes near here.

Bartestree Village Hall Observing Site

Bartestree Village Hall (HR1 4BY) is at the Hereford end of the village on the A438 Ledbury road from Hereford. Turn into the short drive to the Hall - there's plenty of parking. We'll set up our telescopes near the hall on the hard standing.

Berrington Hall Observing Site

Berrington Hall is off the A49 Leominster to Ludlow Road at postcode HR6 0DW.

Please note that the main entrance gate will be closed. You will need to drive along the A49 a few hundred metres to Ashton and turn left. After a few hundred metres again you will arrive at the other entrance to Berrington Hall. Do not take the first entrance but proceed down the second marked deliveries only: