4th KIELDER FOREST AUTUMN STAR CAMP

[Whitters]

4th KIELDER FOREST AUTUMN STAR CAMP
Northumberland
18 - 22 October 2006

I'm pleased to give you first details of the 2006 Kielder Forest Autumn Star Camp.

It will be staged over five nights from 18 to 22 October 2006 in the spectacular Border countryside - the darkest area of England according to a
CPRE study.

Once again, the Forestry Commission and Sunderland Astronomical Society have joined forces to organise the event, which is based at Kielder Campsite. The main day will be Saturday 21 October at nearby 18th century Kielder Castle. We will have top speakers and a full line-up of the nation's leading astronomy vendors, together with events for novices.

During the winter, the Forestry Commission plan to undertake improvements to the drainage and hard standings on the electric hook-up side of the campsite. Hopefully, it will make the site somewhat more water-resistant. Pitch fees have been kept at £12 per night for an electric hook-up and £10 without (per pitch, not per person). There's also a minimum two night stay. Activities on the main day will be free of charge to those registered and we will also provide a warm room. Other free talks and workshops will be arranged before the main day, after the success of those staged at the 2005 event.

We also have something new to tell you - a Spring Star Camp, set to be staged over three nights from 21 to 23 April 2006. This is being organised by Sunderland Astronomical Society, who have block-booked Kielder Campsite. It's not meant to compete with our Autunm event, but rather offer a friendly observing weekend before summer arrives.  Pitch fees are from £8 and booking should be made directly with Sunderland AS.

You can find more details on both star camps and  how to book  at www.richarddarn.demon.co.uk/starcamp.  If you require any further
information, please contact me at starcamp2006@richarddarn.demon.co.uk. We hope to see you again under Kielder's dark sky!

Richard Darn

[JohnP]

Isn't there 2 or 3 DSC's first.... February here we come... brrrrrrrrr.....

[Whitters]

February 24th - 27th

[Carole]

Is any-one from the group going to this, sounds interesting but don't fancy the drive, especially on my own.

Carole