Adventure group – Dark Sky experience
Are you interested in stargazing? If so, then you’ll want to take advantage of this rare opportunity:
| Nature of activity | Stargazing experience on Exmoor’s Dark Sky reserve |
| Name of u3a organiser and organiser’s contact details | Deborah Wallis, email via: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info |
| Location of activity | Exfordbridge Tea rooms, Chapel St, Exford TA24 7PY |
| Date and start time | Friday 29th November, 6 pm to 10 pm |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Cost | £50 per person |
| Cost includes | This Wild About Exmoor activity includes a three course home cooked meal; stargazing presentation (1 hour); two expert astronomers; telescopic observations (if clear); short stroll into the Dark Sky Reserve for laser guided star hopping (if clear); use of the planetarium projection inside (if weather inclement/cloudy). |
| Equipment provided | Use of telescopes. |
| Terms and conditions | There is a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 25 places available.
Wild About Exmoor terms and conditions can be found here. |
| Deadline for payment | Deposits of £20 by 3rd November. Once transport arrangements are confirmed, balance of £30 will need to be paid by 14th November. Deposits will be returned to anyone for whom we cannot arrange transport.
Bank details are as follows: Name of bank: NatWest Please note, it is really important that you add the reference so our Treasurer knows what the funds are for. Cheque payments: |
| Cancellation policy | If you cancel before 15th November then your deposit will be refunded. Once the balance has been paid you will only get your money back if you can find somebody else to take your place. |
| Procedure for notifying group if provider cancels | The provider has an indoor plan for if the weather is not suitable for going outside so there is no expectation that they will cancel.
However, in the event of cancellation I will send an email to all those who have booked and update the details on the website. Please check the website before you leave in case of last minute cancellation. |
| Level of fitness required or any particular skills (you must satisfy yourself that you are physically able to participate in the activity). | The activity includes a short walk in the dark on potentially uneven ground. Participants should assess their ability to take part. Also the stargazing activity may not be suitable for anyone with a severe visual impairment. |
| Personal medical conditions | If you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to participate then you should declare this to staff on arrival. |
| Disclaimer | Please note that whilst the u3a organisers are concerned for everyone’s welfare, by taking part in this activity you should recognise that your safety is your own responsibility. |
| Appropriate footwear & clothing | Participants should have weather appropriate clothing and footwear for a short walk in the dark on potentially uneven ground. |
| Storage of personal belongings | You will be responsible for your own belongings at all times. |
| Toilet / refreshment facilities | The activity includes a three course meal. There are toilet facilities at the venue.
You should declare any dietary needs when booking. |
| Meeting point | Exford Bridge Tearooms |
| Transport and car parking facilities | Exford Bridge Tearooms have a small car park, but there is also on street parking and a small municipal car park within walking distance (5 mins).
Drivers are asked to offer their spare seats to other group members. Please feel free to find your own passengers or notify Deborah and she will fill places for you. If people pay a deposit without having transport arranged, then they will be allocated spare seats on a first come first served basis. Please contact Deborah as soon as possible to arrange this. If there are insufficient car spaces then deposits will be returned to those who cannot be accommodated. |
| Wheelchair accessibility | The walk into the dark sky reserve is not suitable for wheelchairs as the ground is uneven and much of the walk takes us across open fields. There is however accessibility to the telescope immediately outside the cafe itself as this is flat and hard standing. |
| Risk assessment | A risk assessment has been conducted for this activity. It is recommended that you read this. Please find it here. |
Any questions? Just get in touch via email: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info.
Last updated 21/10/2024