An Island group will be better equipped to help curious IW people reach for the stars, thanks to a major grant from WightAID
Vectis Astronomical Society is committed to taking studying the stars to a wider audience and already entertains visitors at its observatory and undertakes outreach visits to schools, clubs, interested groups and local events.
The £3,172 grant given by Island good causes supporter WightAID in its latest grant rounds will allow it to buy a specialist camera to capture those magical moments in the night sky.
A spokesperson for the society said:
“The Altair Hypacam 26M camera MX571 along with filters and filter wheels will enable us to capture images of celestial that are impossible to see with the human eye.
“Additionally, images can be stored for processing, analysis and display, allowing future examination and comparison to assist with education, and furthering the science of astronomy.”
“We are very grateful to WightAID for this amazing support.”
The society’s grant was one of nine, totalling £7,242.53 awarded by WightAID during its July and September grant rounds.
Long-time supporter Christopher Scott and representatives of accountants Bright Brown presented the cheque at a recent ceremony. The next largest grant was £589 to Corf Scout Camp at Porchfield.
The campsite climbing team provide rock climbing, high ropes, crate stacking and abseiling to young people from the age of 4 to 25 and the money granted will be used to procure an additional 6-chest type harnesses, associated slings and an adult full-body harness.
Seven further grants, for amounts below £500, were also granted.
St Saviour’s Catholic Primary School £480.93 – For a den-building area as part of improvements to the reception class outside zone.
The Totland school said:
“They will build castles, planes and boats in the area and go on adventures around the world.”
Ventnor School of Mosaics £500 – To be used towards installation of one large and 18 smaller mosaics onto paddling pool wall on Ventnor Seafront. This group of enthusiastic mosaics artists, come together once a week to create community mosaics which are then installed in the town.
Dementia Careers Friendship Group £500 – The Totland-based group needs to increase the variety of equipment, games and materials to accommodate the changing needs of people with dementia and their carers who attend the group. It also takes members out for a social outing twice a year.
Oakfield Youth FC £500 – Grant towards a new playing kit for Oakfield U14s football team to make the kids feel and look professional.
The club said:
“This will help the team give it their all in a sport they are really passionate about.”
The Bay CE School-Secondary Site £500 – The grant will enable the school to purchase outdoor tables and wobble chairs specifically for its SEND students. These resources would provide flexible, comfortable seating options that support sensory needs and encourage engagement in outdoor learning and social activities.
Ventnor Carnival £500 – The money went towards the free Carnival Community and Heritage Day in August at the Park and Putting Green. It funded theatre group/storytellers, circus skills, craft leaders and materials for craft.
Medina College £500 – For a school orchard to help the college be able to offer deprived members of the community fruit/vegetable hampers and simple home-cooked food that students will prepare. The grant will buy fruit trees and create a large strawberry patch.
WightAID founder Geoff Underwood said:
“The breadth of organisations that have been helped in the last two grant rounds is incredible…from dementia groups to schools and youth clubs, WightAID is continuing to make a big difference.”
