Never say ‘Never Again’

mansfieldinnerwheel

Unfortunately, after great expectations of a July face to face meeting, we were back to Zoom again in Septmeber. Well done President Lynn, chairing the first meeting of your Inner Wheel year.

It was a great meeting. Steve Wallace gave us a superb talk on the Sherwood Observatory. Surprisingly, what started as The Mansfield & Sutton Astronomy Society, recently celebrated 50 years since its foundation. Just a group of volunteers, they showed true entrepreneurship finding a site and creating not only a building but also the largest telescope in the UK (now the second largest!). It’s incredible to think that to do this they used everything from old bricks to car engines to road signs – long before recycling was fashionable.

We were excited to hear about the planned expansion to build a discovery centre and planetarium on land adjoining the original site restoring and utilising an underground reservoir. They are working towards obtaining funding from various sources and we wish them all the best in their endeavour – as well as being a fantastic facility, it will have great economic impact, much needed in our area.

The Sherwood Observatory, which is situated on Coxmoor Road, is to reopen now that restrictions are being lifted and the first ‘Solar Day’ is on 25th July.

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