Established in 1969
About Us
Originally formed in 1969 as the Rayleigh Astronomical Society, the Castle Point Astronomy Club is a small and friendly group of people meeting near Rayleigh in Essex with a common interest in astronomy and the sky at night.
We meet at:
St Michael and All Angels´ Church
St Michael´s Road
Daws Heath
Hadleigh
Benfleet
ESSEX
SS7 2UW
Our meetings are a varied programme of activities that include something for everybody.
We have regular Wednesday meetings aimed specifically at beginners. Learn what exciting objects are up there and how best to see them.
We also have talks given by members and outside speakers on various topics within the subject, both theoretical and practical.
We hold regular observing nights where members get a chance to observe the night sky (weather permitting!) and the ´old hands´ can show the newcomers round the skies. (These Observing Nights are usually on the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of each month)
We also make regular trips out to our dark sky sites at wallasea island nature reserve and the Dengie to escape light pollution.
We would always suggest to anyone potentially interested to come along to the Club for a few weeks to decide if it is for them, and sample our varied meetings without pressure to join. There is no need to make an appointment, just check our Programme to make sure we are meeting and if we are, just turn up.
Club Chairman Mike Cully giving one of his excellent talks
Dave is the clubs meet and greeter and will welcome you to the club and introduce you to our members.
Usually we will ask for a small donation of £2 for visitors, or £3 if a guest speaker is giving a presentation. These meetings are indicated by the **symbol in the Programme.
Click Here for full details of Membership Fees.
Dave Stratton Meet and Greet
The club can offer lots of help and advice in setting up and using all types of astronomical equipment, from telescopes to CCD cameras and software, maybe you are thinking about buying your first telescope and are looking for advice, Jim and Ron will be happy to help point you in the right direction.
If you need help or advice on equipment you already own, bring it along on to one of our meetings on the the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month. Just contact us first to let us know you are coming.
We also have a selection of telescopes and other equipment available to loan to club members.
Ron
Jim Vincent
Our venue at St Michael and All Angels´ Church has good wheel chair access and has disabled parking spaces, Families are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.
So why not give the Club a try, make new friends and explore the Universe with us!