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SGL 7 - BOOKINGS NOW OPEN


daz

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SGL7 Booking

Registration for SGL7 is now open! Please read through the page thoroughly – booking a place at the star party signifies your acceptance. Follow the link where you will be taken to the SGL shop to book your place.

SGL Shop

You must complete and pay for your booking there and then, and select the appropriate options:

Pitch Type:

• Tent

• Tent with Electric Hook Up

• Caravan/Trailer Tent

• Caravan/Trailer Tent with Electric Hook Up

Night:

• Monday

• Tuesday

• Wednesday

• Thursday

• Friday

• Saturday

• Sunday

You will need to add each night you wish to stay, to your basket (remember to check the pitch type is correct – it will revert back to ‘Thursday’ and ‘Tent’ by default)

You can also add a Hog Roast ticket to your order or you can just purchase a Hog Roast Ticket without booking a pitch

Costs

The rates will be £13.50 per pitch per night, with an extra £2.50 if you want electricity. Hog Roast tickets are £5 and include a roll, salad and apple sauce (and 2nd's!!)

Cheque

If you wish to pay by cheque, please email daz@stargazerslounge.com to arrange. DO NOT send a PM!!

If you do not wish to stay on the rally field (i.e. you intend to be a day or night visitor), we would encourage you to register by sending an email to daz@stargazerslounge.com (title “SGL 7 – Registration”) since there will be some follow up emails concerning activities we are planning on the Saturday. Although you can stay elsewhere on the site by booking directly with the campsite, please note - they will not take bookings for the rally field. Also, if you wish to extend your stay, please contact Daz directly to arrange, again, via email NOT PM!

Please note: Payment does not guarantee a pitch. There is only a certain capacity available to us, and so pitches are sold on a first-come-first-served basis. We will endeavour to secure additional capacity should we need, but this is not guaranteed.

Refunds

Refunds will be allowed up until 19th March (net of any payment fees).

Change of names

There is no charge for changing names on a booking – please contact Daz directly with the details

SGL7 STAR PARTY: Thursday 22nd March to Monday 26th March

Lucksall Campsite, Mordiford, Hereford, HR1 4LP Lucksall Caravan Park

We want SGL7 to be a great weekend! We want it to be fun for everyone, whether new or experienced, young or old, observer, imager or space tourist, seasoned star-party attendee or first-timer!

It’s the chance to: meet fellow enthusiasts; talk and hopefully ‘do’ astronomy; get to know people; have fun; learn; see things you can’t see from home or with your own equipment; experience darker skies; try different kit; solve problems together; and take pictures.

Location

For those with GPS, you won't need this info but for the rest of us with GOTO here's the site's latitude and longitude: Lat 52:01:26 North, Long 02:37:50 West. Over this weekend it'll be 'astro' dark (where the Sun is 18 degrees below the horizon and has no effect on the night sky) around 6:30pm and it'll get 'dark' around 8:30pm (GMT).

REMEMBER: The Clocks will change on Sunday 25th by 1 hour FOWARD to BST!!

Arrival

When you arrive at the campsite there is a sign saying ‘Please report to reception’, on this occasion you can ignore it! Instead, please follow the signs to the Rally Field and report to the Welcome Tent (see site plan attached). The Welcome Tent will be your first point of contact for any information, issues etc over the weekend. We plan on having a rota so that at least one Moderator is available at most times (the only exception might be ‘The Twilight Zone’ if it’s clear when Mods will also be looking to get their equipment set up for the night.)

The campsite

Lucksall is a very good site and the owners are very friendly and accommodating of our needs. The only thing that has been a problem in the past is concern about speeding on site, and respecting of the one-way system. So please remember:

There’s a 5mph speed limit on the site and the one-way system goes anticlockwise.

So how will SGL7 work?

SGL has reserved the rally fields at the site and will take bookings from members on behalf of the campsite for the nights of Monday through to Sunday, although we expect the majority of attendees will come just for the (long) weekend. If you wish to stay outside of these dates, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can arrange.

Pitches can be booked up to Monday 19th (or until all pitches are sold) and Hog Roast tickets can be booked until 10th March.

How are pitches allocated?

We’ll be allocating some pitches for administration and central functions, such as the Welcome Tent, Tea Tent, etc. The Rally Field has some hard standings and the rest are on grass. While it is possible to camp on the hard standings, most people will probably find camping on grass more comfortable! We have been asked to ensure that those with caravans and campers to use the hard standings. We’re asking for information on whether you’re in a tent or a caravan for this purpose. Within these constraints, it will be ‘first come, first served’ on the site. We’ll ask you to report to the Welcome Tent on arrival, and you’ll be able to choose from available pitches then. We can log where you’re pitching so that everyone will be able to locate everyone else. We thought it might also be an idea to get you to log up what kit you’ve brought, so that anyone wanting a chat about pros/cons, wanting to see something in the flesh, or see the views through particular equipment knows where to come.

Where can I park?

Cars can be parked on your pitch (pitches are large). However, if you are arriving or leaving after dark, and it is a clear night, we would ask you to park close to the site entrance so that your headlights do not disturb the star gazing and imaging. (NB: Much more about light later!)

What facilities are available?

The site is level and has good facilities. There are three sets of toilets and showers.

There is a small shop on the campsite and a Post Office, other shops and pubs in the nearby village of Fownhope. If you need a supermarket, there are plenty in Hereford - Morrisons, Sainsburys, Co-op, Tescos and Asda. The Asda store on the south side of Hereford City on the main Belmont Roundabout also has emergency medical and dental facilities available (although of course we hope no-one will need them!) Details are available here Asda Hereford Store - opening times & facilities and Herefordshire GP Access Centre - GP Surgery Website. All about your doctors surgery, the opening times, making appointments, ordering your repeats, health information and more.

What should I bring?

Bitter experience is that it will almost certainly be colder than you imagine. And this year is even earlier than previous years! So bring all the layers you think you’ll need - TWICE!

The clear view from previous years is that a small 'festival' tent is just not up to the job for Spring camping (just ask NickH!!). A double-skinned tent will retain heat much better (and keep out any rain better too).

Under your sleeping bag, you will also certainly need some form of insulation between you and your groundsheet eg a foam roll (ideally with a metallic insulation side), and an inflatable mattress, lilo or bed. Remember you’ll probably be going to bed cold and so extra layers and a heater and/or hot water bottle will help you to thaw out!

I’ve never camped before - will there be help available?

Yes. If you need help (whether it’s advice on kit preparation in advance, or with pitching your tent at the site itself), just ask! And if you’ve forgotten to bring something, ask too. Ask your neighbours, or come to the Welcome Tent.

If you are using electricity then you’ll need a special cable to safely connect to the site outlets. If you only need electricity for charging powerpacks then someone will be happy for you to use their supply.

Is catering available?

There will be a Hog Roast on the Saturday evening, provided by a professional catering company. This is always a good focal point for catching up with old friends, and new!

We will also be providing a Tea Tent, which will include tea and coffee making facilities - and there will probably be a supply of homemade cakes available too (please bring some to share if you can). This will give a communal focus, and allows a warm in the middle of the night! You’ll need to bring your own mugs! We are also hiring a couple of marquees from the local scout troop to provide a covered area for communal use and for a few astro activities, so it is essential we keep it (and the hospitality tent) clean and tidy. We therefore ask that everyone does their bit and takes care, using the bins provided for tea bags etc. If using late at night, please can you also be considerate about noise levels.

Where can I set up my scope?

Usually scopes are set up on individual pitches by the owner’s tent (although sometimes a group will set up together). You should ensure that there is enough room around your scope for you to operate, and potentially for others to come and see what you’re doing/have a look through your scope (if you’re comfortable allowing that). If you’re an imager you should also consider where to place your IT to ensure you don’t disturb any close by visual observers with your screen (which should be shielded/red screened).

You should take care over any trailing cables - the darkness, trailing cables, and fragile equipment can be a potentially dangerous and costly combination!

Equipment care

Scopes etc. are the responsibility of owners and you should ensure that you have a level of insurance cover that you are happy with. SGL is not responsible for any damage however caused. Owners leave scopes unattended at their own risk, although the vast majority of people tend to set up at the start of a star party and pack up at the end, leaving their kit assembled throughout (and covered in case of rain etc when not in use). There are generally other stargazers around on our part of the site the whole time, and so security concerns are reduced.

Its part of the fun of a star party to wander around during the day admiring (drooling over!) other people’s kit and asking questions. You just need to take appropriate care as you will be responsible for any damage you may cause. And if you bring children and/or pets please can you make sure they too are properly controlled to ensure no damage or ill-feeling.

Do I have to bring a scope?

Certainly not - you can stargaze any way you like! The great thing about communal events like SGL7 is the opportunity for sharing! You’ll find many people will be more than happy to let you have a look through their scope. It’s a great way to find out what you might like, both in terms of scopes and eyepieces (warning: this can prove expensive in the long run!!). It’s also a great way to learn.

Just one word of caution: don’t simply assume it’s OK to have a look or touch any equipment - please do ask the owner first. Avoid leaving fingerprints on any optics, and do remember to say 'thank you'!

What about light?

The handling of light at a star party is something that is a bit different, and so we’ll go into some detail. This may appear pedantic, but it really can make a huge amount of difference to the viewing/imaging experience for everyone.

It takes the human eye at least 20-30 mins to become properly ‘dark adapted’ for stargazing. White light ruins that hard-won dark adaptation in an instant and also ruins images. This is therefore by far the easiest way to make yourself truly unpopular at a star party!

We will be working with the campsite to minimise the amount of light in our area (for instance, using blackout material in the shower block windows). The lights that really need to be there will be shielded red wherever practical.

You should ensure that you do the same wherever possible after dusk. If it’s clear at all, you should only use dim red light torches, as these do not significantly affect dark adaptation. And if you are using a laptop with your equipment, please shield the screen from others around you (a sheet of red film is ideal for this). Lights in tents should be similarly adapted, as they can shine through tent canvas walls.

A big potential problem for a star party on any campsite is car lights. So please take some time before you arrive to work out how you will handle this if bringing your car on site. Most cars have interior lights that come on when you open the door or the boot. If you can’t disable this, please shield the lights with red tape or similar. Similarly, if your car lights flash when you lock or unlock your car please ensure that either you don’t do this when others are viewing or else park your car away from the viewing area.

If you are arriving or leaving after dark please do not switch your lights on, otherwise park by the entrance to the park and walk to the rally field. Remember also that white reversing lights can’t be disabled, so always park facing forward.

Laser pointers

We will be operating a ‘no laser pointers’ rule, as they can be dangerous and can ruin night vision and photographs for others. The only exception will be if we decide to do an ‘SGL guided tour of the heavens’ at the start of an evening.

What about noise, music etc?

This is always a tricky one. Tents lack soundproofing! And so please be considerate particularly after 11pm and before 11am. If it’s cloudy, people might retire early - and if it’s clear many people will be sleeping in after a very late night!

You might find ear plugs useful (there were a few cases of severe snoring at previous star parties!) And on music, one person’s music is another one’s irritating noise, so please keep it down. We would also like to minimize the disturbance for the few houses which are close - we’re asking them to be considerate about their use of light during the weekend and so we think it's only fair that we reciprocate by keeping noise levels reasonable too.

Is alcohol allowed?

Yes. We just ask that you be considerate of others.

What happens during the daytime?

Aside from many people sleeping through the morning after a long night, there will be many options available. Some people explore the surrounding area, others are happy to stay on site and chat. We’re again looking to organise a few astro activities though. These will include:

• solar viewing (sun permitting!);

• a bring and buy stall where you can sell surplus kit, and spend your hard-earned money

• a few talks and demonstrations

• some ‘clinics’ where you can get 1-1 advice

• And FLO are likely to have some goodies for inspection too!

We’ll announce more details closer to the event.

Is there anything else we should know?

This is an official SGL event and so we have to take account of insurance and Health and Safety issues. SGL and the campsite will have appropriate insurance but you will be responsible for your own equipment - such as loss and / or damage but also including injury to other members in the event of an accident.

Although this sounds draconian, the rules can be pared down to ‘please be considerate, careful and apply common sense’! The moderator team will need to keep an eye on things and should they see a risk may ask you to modify your actions. Please take this in the spirit it is intended - which is simply to ensure a safe, fun experience for everyone!

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

** ALL PITCHES/HARD STANDINGS ARE NOW SOLD OUT - HOG ROAST TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE - WE ARE HOPING TO GET MORE SPACE SOON, WATCH THIS THREAD!! **

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I'm booked in. Monday night to Sunday night inclusive with a tent and electric hook-up, free battery charging can be arranged :)

Main toys will be the Lyra Optic Ha solar scope (LOHA) and DSLRs and probably another NEQ6 Pro if I can't resolve the problem with the CG5-GT mount lol

Also if anyone has a DSLR and is thinking "now what do I do?" I've spent 30 years making most of the mistakes possible and I'll be happy to help anyone out.

edit: make that Monday night - Sunday night inclusive, seems daft not to make the most of it :)

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Booked Thursday through Sunday nights... Still trying to work out what I can fit in the car although the OM might be roped in to deliver and collect kit...

At the moment I am planning on the EQ3-Pro with the DSLR and L's The TV Pronto with the Samsung video cams and their lenses in case peopel want to have a look at waht they can do (me included) ... Maybe the Vixen if I can fit it in...

It will be the fist time I will have had a few days and nights at one of the events so looking forward to sharing a few bevvys...

Peter...

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I'm booked from Thurs - Sunday. I'm wimping out again and bringing the caravan :)

I'll bring a scope or two plus a box of green and black eyepieces, if anyone fancies a gander :)

Really looking forward to meeting old and new friends again :)

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I don't think it is as dark as yours.

I think Tony is right, but the skies are only half the reason for attending a Star Party :) Just think of meeting all those people whose eyes won't glaze over when you start talking astronomy :)

Helen

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