Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objects

The object of the Society is the advancement of education for the public benefit in astronomy and its associated sciences.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees of Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 4(6) of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activities of the Society in the year to March 31^st 2009.

Summary of Main Activities

The core activities of the Society are the provision of a Community Access Programme of meetings covering a wide range of astronomical topics, the provision of access to an astronomical observatory through our Community Access Programme, offering observing opportunities and information and advice through an Outreach programme, and offering support and advice to members of the public on astronomical matters, for example the purchase of a telescope or responding to enquiries relating to observations.

Our philosophy is to offer access to all regardless of personal circumstances, race, gender, ability, or faith. The Society operates mainly in South Yorkshire however visitors from further afield are always welcome.

The programme of weekly meetings is open to all, although disabled access to our meeting room is sadly limited.

Our Community Access Programme opens the J.A.Jones Hoober Observatory to give supervised access to the general public and to organised groups such as schools, Scouts, and Round Table. With our Outreach activities we take solar telescopes out to fetes and galas or to public spaces such as country parks. Fees are charged for these services but these are kept at a low level, concession rates do not apply as the full fee is small and the administrative overheads of concession rates would be disproportionate.

Membership of the Society is open to all, concessionary subscription rates and flexible payment options are available in order to ensure that those on lower incomes are not excluded.

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