Swindon Stargazers is a club which looks beyond the normal boundaries.

It was founded over ten years ago by its previous chairman Peter Struve, who comes from a long family line of astronomers. These include George Frederick Wilhelm Von Struve who commissioned an observatory in Pulkovo St Petersburg Russia funded by Tsar Nicholas 1st.

“Our main activities involve meeting once a month for astronomy talks and practical stargazing,” said Robin Wilkey, chairman of the club.

The club hosts stargazing evenings which are free, and has access to several dark observing locations around Swindon.

These observing sessions are usually organized at short notice by emailing interested members who have registered for ‘ad-hoc’ stargazing via the club’s website.

“Non-members are also welcomed, as are members of the public,” said Robin.

“You do not have to own or bring a telescope with you, as all resources are shared by the amateur astronomers present,” he said.

Members do not need any prior knowledge or experience of stargazing, and visitors are often given a tour of the night sky as an introduction.

Robin said: “The night sky is vast and contains endless objects, stars, planets and galaxies with which to explore with binoculars or telescope.”

The astronomy club also regularly meets on the third Friday of each month at Liddington Village Hall, Church Road, Liddington SN4 0HB.

They host lectures by invited speakers on a range of topics including the history of astronomy and providing a more in-depth look at specific planets.

“Astronomy is a fascinating subject,” said Robin.

“And as you know, when you look up and see a clear sky on one of those rare occasions in Swindon, there is always something new to see."

The club also host social events and sessions to involve the local community.

“We also pride ourselves in engaging with the general public at outreach observing events, as well as supporting local groups, such as the Girl Guides and Scouts for example,” said Robin.