Star Parties

[AstroTiger]

Hi guys

i know with the issues of light pollution, Star Parties have to be quite remote.

However, i like the thought of not having to drive several hundren miles to one

Esp as how northants is not so bad. ok avoiding northampton itself, corby etc etc.

So given the fact its quite central, with some reaonable sites to consider

Who would be interested if i looked into arranging one down here?

please feel free to pm.

Many thanks

Al

[Jamie]

Sorry mate but i don't have the time...

[Whippy]

I'd be interested as Northampton is only an hour away from me. But it'd only be for one night (saturday) due to my wife's 'crazy' work hours...

Tony..

[AstroTiger]

so u live an hour away then whiplash?

Where abouts exactly?

[Whippy]

St. Neots, Cambs.

Tony..

[AstroTiger]

yes think i know it.

I am looking at poss areas around northants where a star party can be held.

Although it does have some towns, there are i am sure some areas untouched and unspoilt.

I will keep u briefed as to my findings

Al

[Whippy]

Cheers, I'm always interested in getting out the house ......

Tony..

[AstroTiger]

just FYI

This event is far from dead, i am presently in talks with a few people re arranging this.

I understand there are some people who have approached Dave of HantsAstro.org on this.

I will of course keep my blogg updated too.

I am aiming to have something organised for this coming winter!

Watch this space

[AstroTiger]

we seem to have a venue now ppl

Bosworth field

The date will be end of october, so we are not plagued by the moon.

Anyone interested, please drop me a pm.

The event will be £10 per person per night, regardless of how many in a party.

for safety reasons, no children, sorry (no one under 18)

This event will be on a first come first served basis as well. The limiting factor here is 15 tents. That is all their safety provisions can allow.

BBQs are allowed, i will be bringing one.

Toilet facilties are available.

Any interest, please drop me a pm.

many thanks

Al

[Kai]

Couple of questions........

What safety reasons for no under 18's ??? (Is this a adult only campsite ??)

When you say that there will be toilet facilities available , does this include washrooms ie showers ????

Finally Does the pitches have electric hook up provision ???

Cheers

[Ford Prefect]

I'm in cambridge and would also be intrested as long as we had electric hook up. I tend to find i need a small powerstation to keep all my imaging kit running .

Jon

PS I'm a dab hand on a BBQ even though i do say so myself

[Ant]

Can I have a link to the campsite?

I have to consider the family... Also if the age restriction is due to insurance I have my own personal Public Liability Insurance (as do most people with Buildings and contents insurance).

Please tell me that the toilet facilities are a little more than a bush

Ant

[AstroTiger]

ok, hi sorry, for the delay in replying. the thread had been moved lol

OK location,

its not actually a campsite, its Bosworth field.

They do not normally offer this as a service but i have been in discussions.

I am also planning a visit there next weekend to talk a closer look

Washrooms

not sure, i am aware they have toilet facilites, again this is an issue i will raise with them. (its a good point)

Electrical hookup is another i need to ask them

Age limit

ITs as you say it, i do not like to impose it, but yes its liablity insurance.

Something i need to ask them on since that is another shady area.

Keep them coming though.

My own email is AstroTiger1986@gmail.com

and rest assured, if this site is not suitable to our needs (which i am sure it will be) i will find another.

This party WILL happen

thanks

[Kai]

Is this the place ????

http://www.bosworthbattlefield.com/country.htm

[AstroTiger]

yes, affirmative, this is the venue

seems to have most of what we need, though washrooms etc could be an issue

i apologise i am also new to this, but i am learning, and will ask. :scratch: :scratch:

perhaps with ur help we can compile a definitive list of what is needed?

I know you have done it before for SGL parties :-)

I know between us, we can make this happen.

And so far its looking good. Bosworth are keen to host this.

[Kai]

"I take it the toilets you refer too are the Resturant ones , if so will they be open 24 hr ???"

"Who's Public Liability insurance is covering this ???"

"What security arrangements are there "

Maybe it would be better to pm me rather than discuss it on open forum.

[AstroTiger]

i pm'd you

[Ant]

A few other things to think about.

I would suggest that for the end October , electrical hook up's are vital. Dew, possibly ice is going to be an issue. Power packs are not going to last all night running heaters etc from them.

It's also going to be cold, so a number of people I know will be running fan heaters inside the tents.

Being able to have a hot shower is also going to be vital for people I think, it quite often goes below freezing at that time of year. If you're cold, you're going to be unhappy.

Also before you go to all the trouble of sorting out venue's, why don't you start a thread with a poll and ask the question if the rough area and date are OK for people.

Ant

[Ferox]

Hi,

I used to take part in the battle at Bosworth field, unless things have changed dramatically there will be no electric hook up as there is no camp site as such (this is the actual battle field) camping was just in a field.

Also the field where we camped was not at all flat. It's some years since I was last there so it may have changed but I'm doubtful, hope I'm wrong because it's a great place.

[AstroTiger]

i will go there and see,

i have noted all your concerns

as said earlier, if its no good i will find another suitable site

but lets remember, this is astronomy star party being planned, not a 5 star holiday

Light pollution makes it hard to find a suitable here.

We suffer the cold, we suffer the lack of home comforts, cos its who we are

Astonomers.

At the end of the day we all know, the conditions will be harsh, ice will form on our instruments and our laptops.

This is no summer holiday ppl.

I for one would forego the showers, and fancy meals, just for a good nights observing.

At the end of the day, we cannot cater for all

apologies if that sounds harsh. I think you all understand

As well as offering obstacles why not some assistance, after all, it is for you i am trying to do this

If Bosworth is no good, help me find another

[Ant]

i will go there and see,

i have noted all your doubts and issues

as said earlier, if its no good i will find another site

but lets remember, this is astronomy star party being planned, not a 5 star holiday resort ;-)

Light pollution makes it tough here.

We suffer the cold, we suffer the lack of home comforts, cos its who we are

Astonomers.

At the end of the day we all know, the conditions will be harsh, ice will form on our instruments and our laptops.

This is no summer holiday ppl.

I for one would forego the showers, and fancy meals, just for a good nights observing.

At the end of the day, we cannot cater for all :-)

But people have to enjoy themselves. I doubt very much if anyone will camp in a uneven field with no electric and no facilities.

There are proper campsites that will accept bulk bookings - therefore alleviating your need to PL insurance. The facilities will be there - a shop, a pub (always a good move), electric.

You do not have to put up with second rate camping facilities.

If you want my advice, get a copy of the Dark Sky maps (I believe that Philips do one), then overlay that with camp sites in your area, I bet you'll find a camp site that has just as good dark skies.

£10 per PERSON per night for a field sounds real excessive - I think they've seen you coming. Kelling heath for example charge £10 per PITCH per night for the starparty fortnight, usually it's £16 per night PER PITCH and for that you get a shop, three restaurants, pub, showers, electric AND some of the best skies in the country.

I'm not being negative, you organising a local meet up is great - it's what this section is for. But remember that to get people to go, you need to cater for what the need and want not just the dark skies. Do your homework first and decide what you need for the event, then discuss with people the dates that might be good then sort the venue.

Ant

[AstroTiger]

Thanks for that Ant

Your right, i take it on board

Guess its hard trying to organise something, feeling great when things go well, to meet a wave of resistance after

I will look into it.

Apologies to all, and thanks for ur input.

I will speak to Bosworth tomorrow, poss even go there

if its no good, then see if we can find another.

Either way, its encouraging to see the feedback

Thanks again SGL i am sure this will work. part of the learning curve

[Ant]

We looked at organising a SP for this year and we just ran out of time, so we continued the plans but moved the date to next year.

Don't be frightened to delay and get it right.

[Ferox]

Hope you find somewhere as I think it's a great idea.

[AstroTiger]

as promised ppl. i will go there

i apologise again for any flippant comments i made.

But here is what i will do, i will go to bosworth with all ur concerns (and i noted them on the back of an old envelope)

I will ask if these facilities exist, if not can thet provide them.

As i see it we need

Adequate toilet facilities (they say they have)

Electrical hookup

Washing facilities

Bathroom facilities

Parking (would be useful)

Can anyone add to this list?

As Ant said its a battle field (in more ways than one with LP

The other snagg is they can only cater for 15 tents. not many i know.

Thanks again

AT