General
We cater for members of all ages with interests in the various facets of astronomy. As a Registered Charity, VAS has a Constitution and a Committee. Please read these pages before applying for membership as they provide the structure and legal framework under which we operate.
Subscription Details
Our annual subscriptions run from October 1st to 30th September and payment is due by 1 October.
A Membership application form is available here.
Rates
- Adults £30.00 p.a.
- Senior Citizens £24.00 p.a.
- Full time students/Under 18 £12.00 p.a.
Membership Benefits
Meetings
Our main monthly meetings are held at Newchurch Pavilion, right next door to the observatory, at 7.30pm on the fourth Friday of each month except December when there is no meeting and August when the meeting starts at 7.00pm for our AGM. See Meetings for more details.
We have lectures given by members and invited guest speakers from various parts of England, when a wide range of subjects may be covered from the elementary to specialized professional astronomical activities.
Visitors are welcome to these regular functions but please put £2 in our collection box.
Observatory
We have a superb modern astronomical observatory at Watery Lane, Newchurch, This facility, which was purpose built, houses a 12inch, LX200 Meade ‘Go-To’ computerized telescope. We also have other telescopes and binoculars for specialized use, and a range of computers for all astronomical applications.
The Observatory is open on Thursday from 7.30pm for members and 8.00pm for visitors. Members meet at the Observatory for viewing sessions, or if it is cloudy, projector shows, advice and instruction.
Magazine
Our monthly magazine New Zenith is free to members, and contains some of the latest astronomy related news, instructive articles and details of current astronomical events.
Telescope Loans
Members may borrow Society telescopes and equipment, subject to permission, availability and conditions.