Wiltshire charity putting on stargazing event
It's to raise awareness of homelessness
Salisbury-based charity Alabaré is well known for its annual BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral, but next month they are inviting everyone to join them for their first stargazing BIG Sleep at Messums West, Tisbury.
The event aims to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and to raise funds.
Messums West is in the middle of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, which has been designated an International Dark Night Sky Reserve.
‘Messums West wants to help Alabaré and those they support, and we look forward to forging an ongoing partnership to help this important work, commented Oliver Le Sueur, Events Manager at Messums West.
‘We are delighted to partner with Messums and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape team for our first stargazing BIG Sleep,’ says Events Manager Rebecca Mullen. ‘It is a stunning location, and we have shaped the event around the idea of star gazing while holding the idea that sometimes our clients come to us with absolutely nothing. We can all feel overwhelmed when we hear about the plight of those in need, but this event promises to be a very moving but practical way to show our care while helping the charity to raise funds to bring more people off the street and onto a journey of hope.’
This event has three key elements: a guided twilight walk that will feature poetry and stories led by the actor Pippa Haywood, a talk by professional astronomer Steve Tonkins of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and then, with the assistance of experienced astronomers, there is the chance for participants to take a close up look at the skies through telescopes.
Anyone aged eight or older and in good health can take part.
Visit alabare.co.uk