Rosliston Astronomy Group is asking shoppers to vote for them to win Tesco Bags of Help cash – Burton Mail

A South Derbyshire observatory is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative to help build an observatory which has been years in the planning. Rosliston Astronomy Group has secured most of the funding for the new facility, but also hopes to build a ramp which will enable people with disabilities to use the space-gazing building.

Now, organisers are urging people to vote for the project in Tesco and if their project wins the overall vote, they could be presented with 4,000 all raised from the 5p plastic bag levy.

The group's overall project is called "Outreach to the Stars", which aims to develop its work with a number of community groups around Burton and South Derbyshire.

With the observatory set to be completed in July 2017, they are hoping to raise the funds to provide an access pathway to the observatory, suitable for everyone, including those with disabilities.

Heather Lomas, treasurer for the group said: "A pathway is crucial to the success of our overall project - and will benefit a much larger group of people, young and old, interested in the sun and the stars."

"Rosliston Astronomy Group has been carrying out a range of community "outreach" activities for 17 years.We believe in encouraging lifelong learning and raising aspirations for all community groups not just our members.

"We voluntarily support Rosliston Forestry Centre, providing the astronomy aspect, at their events for the general public such as weekend science days, "Bat, Moth and Astronomy" evenings, and we hold our own events such as the solar eclipse - when more than 200 people attended.

"We work regularly with primary and secondary school class groups, with scouts, guides, and give practically-based talks to various adult groups.

"Over time at Rosliston we have noted that a number of people in the general public and community groups have found outdoor 'observing' very challenging, both during the day and even more so during the evening - using an unfamiliar object like an eyepiece, having to balance on uneven ground, in often cold temperatures, frequently in the dark - especially children, the elderly, infirm, and those with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

"To resolve these problems we have for the last two years been raising funds to build an observatory.

"Burton Mail readers have helped with this. We are grateful to South Derbyshire District Council for leasing us the land, and to the Forestry Commission for supporting us.

"The observatory will give us a safe, indoor environment with all its health and safety, enabling us to engage with an even-wider community, such as parent and child 'shared' learning, and disability groups, in addition to all the other groups - both for solar and night sky observing.

"We will be able to deliver 'practically based' learning and experiences to a much wider audience, including those who would never be able to access or afford such equipment themselves.

"However, none of this can happen unless we have a suitable access pathway, and this is why we are asking the people using Tesco Stores in and around Burton, Swadlincote, Woodville and Measham, and anyone else who are able to do so, to please help us by choosing our project ' Outreach to the Stars' for your tokens - please ask for one."

Voting is open in stores throughout May and June. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Tesco's Bags of Help project has already delivered over 28.5 million to more than 4,000 projects up and down the UK.

Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco's regions will be awarded funding.

Lindsey Crompton, head of community at Tesco, said: "We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for May and June. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can't wait to see them come to life in hundreds of communities."

The new community-use observatory will be built this summer after the South Derbyshire astronomy group hit their fund-raising target of 20,000. It is hoped it will allow people young and old to discover the wonders of the universe.

They were boosted by a 10,000 grant from the South Derbyshire Community Partnership Fund.

All this means that work can begin in earnest within the grounds of Rosliston Forestry Centre. Astronomy group treasurer Heather Lomas said she was "thrilled" that they had hit their target.

Mrs Lomas said: "Gaining the last few thousand pounds was tough but Derbyshire County Council helped us out with the last bit and now it's all systems go. We're hoping that building can begin in either June or July and it will be a great facility for us to share with the community, the elderly, local schools and other community groups."

Members plan to invite schools, groups and individuals to visit the new centre to learn about and explore the universe.

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Rosliston Astronomy Group is asking shoppers to vote for them to win Tesco Bags of Help cash - Burton Mail