Hi Tony, Many thanks for the reply. Its a pity its not attended any more as it is a pretty good venue and pretty much the closest decent dark sky to where I live. I know what you mean about being up there on your own. Probably not a good idea. Maybe interest will rekindle now the nights are drawing in. I will keep my fingers crossed. Dave

Hi Dave, just saw your post. I use to enjoy it at Blaenavon on the occasions I attended. I think it was myself and Mike (L8-nite) who attended last as part of the group. It was to risky to go there alone that is why I went with Mike, and have not been since. Unfortunately, like all things Dave, people loose interest or some other reason and these groups fade away.

Hi, Does anybody still go (or planning ) to the Foxhunter carpark for stargazing? I've not been for ages but am getting fed up of my light polluted back garden. Dave

Hi folks, I’m in Aberaman and would love to join a local club. Any advice/knowledge would be great. Clear skies😃

Justyn I have just booked 5 nights at Pencelli from 24th April.

Of course Justyn, but don't hold your breath. I'm sure the public are pre booking every pitch before the rush. The uncertainty at present would not allow me to mass book pitches without full up front booking fees.

Hi Tony, please keep me up to speed on this. If it's on, then I'm in!!!! Cheers, Justyn

Hi ST_Steve and welcome to the SWAG. We always look forward to newcomers to our star parties.

Hello from Cardiff. New to Astro and thought I'd say hi to everyone. Hope we can meet up whenever the dreaded COVID will allow...

Sorry, missed this! Happy birthday to you! Don't do Facebook, but will have a look at the website. I'm just down the road, but we have sessions in a school in Bridgend and would be interested in access to a darker location. I'm hoping to get them out to me when things ease a little!

HI everyone, An update on Bridgend Astronomical Society, you can find us on FB at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/114433805560367 Our website is http://www.bridgendastro.org.uk We are a growing and very enthusiastic sociey, with a growing 84+ members and over 1.4K facebook members. We offer online courses and mentoring to our membership. This year is our 39th birthday and we would just like to say hello.

Since the C-19 outbreak the SWAG star parties have been uneventful, with members making their own arrangements according to national or local lockdown and travel restrictions. It is hoped that a spring event can be organized next April around the weekend 25th - 26th April. Attempting a meet in March, I think, is a bit ambitious in the current climate. A New Moon is on 23rd, with a Lyrids shower on the 22nd. The Star Party will then be officially on the 24th, 25h and 26th April. Dates either side of these can can also be booked. This is provisional, and will of course be conditional with the C-19 restrictions at the time and Pencelli's decisions. I will post more information nearer the event. Take care, stay safe and hope to see you all at the next SWAG Star Party.

Hi Lisa Marie, Welcome from Pontywuan. Not much happening here at the moment but after Covid dare say it will all kick off again Pat

Hello Lisa Marie, Welcome from Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Hi Everyone, Another newbie here who has just joined from Swansea. 👋 Just wanted to say Hi and that I'll probably be on the general forum, if not I'm on Facebook 🙂

Hello Ross, And Welcome from me too. As Pat says, its been slow, and I've been out of the loop for awhile now; but most of us still seem to be active on the general forum. This plague has changed the whole fabric of life, but fortunately we have a hobby that's the least affected and can always enjoy it at home. It will be nice to catch up with familiar faces and meet other kindred Observers, and hopefully, that will be sooner than later. I'm confident that other members in the group will chime in soon. Hang in there, this group is still alive and kicking.

Hi Ross, Welcome to the SWG. It is still active but has been not been very busy because of the Covid. No meetings etc. Hopefully some time in the future things will get back to normal and meetings will begin again at Blaenavon. Not holding out for a early return to normal but fingers cross maybe before next summer. Welcome again Pat

Hi all... fairly new to this site... is this club still ongoing? (with obvious covid measures in place :))

My cars been off the road a month (dont ask) so I am limited now, got one or two things in mind hoping for clear skies sunday night fingers crossed

Yes, a friend did that, and someone did Caerphilly castle as the foreground. It's probably worth doing sooner rather than later as the comet will fade and the tail get smaller. Helen

I'm thinking Caerphilly Mountain looking back up into the valleys could be a spectacular shot in the next few weeks if the opportunity arizes

Friday night was special. Here's my noctilucent clouds - with a phone 😉

Fantastic Image Paul - I'm assuming its not the phone lol

Hi Helen so pleased we had a chance tonight and now I know where I'm looking hopefully Sunday/Monday night should be even better and I can take a tripod with me to get some better photos though I'm glad to have a momento 8anyway 😆

Now home and find I can see it from my doorstep 😎😎😎 Not quite the scenic backdrops used by others, but a lot less hassle!! (And safer for a lone female 😉) Helen