Member Article

A starry, starry night with Calvert Trust Kielder

GUESTS at this year’s Calvert Ball in October are in for an ‘astronomically’ good night thanks to a partnership with Kielder Observatory.

Kielder Observatory experts will be manning a five metre digital mobile planetarium cinema dome at the Ball which will give guests the chance to observe a simulation of the night sky above Gateshead without light pollution as well as provide demonstrations of how it works and explain the technology involved.

The planetarium can simulate varying degrees of light pollution so guests will be able to view a direct comparison to how light pollution from street lights etc has had a huge impact on how we observe and relate to the night sky.

John Homes, operations manager at Kielder Observatory, is confident people will be amazed when they are able to compare the light polluted sky to the ‘clean’ night sky.

“Kielder Observatory is already a huge success with star-gazing becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages. We believe in making astronomy accessible to everyone and still want even more people to learn about it and enjoy it so the chance to take the mobile planetarium to a great event like The Calvert Ball is a fantastic opportunity for us.

“Calvert Trust Kielder is one of our neighbours and we have worked with them for a number of years now hosting visits for their guests. We recognise what a very important resource it is and what a huge difference it makes to a lot of people’s lives so we’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Ball.”

Also pledging support and donations for this year’s Ball are Patricia J Arnold & Co, I am Sold, Perro Design & Communications, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and Robson Print.

Calvert Trust Kielder is a registered charity which enables disabled people to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure. CEO Peter Cockerill is delighted with the support of Kielder Observatory and so many of the region’s businesses.

He said:“The Calvert Ball is a very important fundraiser for us. In the last seven years it has raised more than £220,000 which has allowed us to create some truly life-changing experiences for thousands of disabled people, their families and friends.

“It’s a fantastic evening and, if you haven’t already booked a place, hurry up as it’s selling out fast!”

The Calvert Ball takes place on Saturday 15th October 2016 at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. For further information or to book visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder/the-calvert-ball or call Charlotte Gaunt on 01434 250232.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .