Become a member

About Sherwood Observatory memberships

We are a friendly and welcoming charity, which aims to share knowledge and discoveries through our shared passion for astronomy. We hold monthly members-only lecture meetings at the observatory, along with a number of other observing and training evenings for charity members. No prior knowledge or experience of Astronomy is needed to join.

Our monthly newsletter Event Horizon contains a wealth of information and insight to entertain all astronomers, from those recently joining us, to more established members.

Many members take an active role in the society, including volunteering at the observatory, hosting events and holding committee positions.

The current annual subscription rates are available here. Membership is charged pro rata according to when you join during the charity’s financial year, which runs from April to March.

A full list of the member benefits is available below.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Sherwood Observatory, please complete the application form linked below.

On the application form, there is a section asking about any skills you may have to support the Observatory. Please tell us in a few words, whether or not you are new to astronomy. You may be an experienced astronomer, or want to join and learn all about this fascinating science, and if you have any practical skills that would be useful, for example engineering, IT, teaching, building, astrophotography, or if you would like to help with volunteering.

We rely on the goodwill of our volunteer members to deliver outreach to the general public, and we have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which is equivalent to an MBE for our voluntary work.

You might like to consider membership as a gift for a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas present to someone else. If you do, then please contact the secretary directly at [email protected] for details of how to do this. This is to comply with General Data Protection Regulations.

Once your application has been submitted, it will require trustee approval. Please do not forward any fees until your membershhip has been approved.

Thank you.

Apply today

Junior and Family membership

Junior membership is available for those aged 16-18 years old at a reduced rate. Junior members may take part in all society events but must have the approval of their parent or carer as indicated on the membership form.

Family Membership consists of at least one Adult at least 18 years of age and at least one person under 18 years of age.

Please note that we can only accept members below the age of 16 as part of a family group since the charity’s child protection policies do not permit members below the age of 16 unless a parent or legal guardian accompanies them at all times.

Membership benefits

As a member you will be part of a landmark unique venture that makes a difference to the local community. Additional membership benefits include:

Become part of a social network with opportunities to meet like-minded people, with the opportunity to arrange viewing sessions, organise social events, and group visits to places of interest.
Exclusive member-only events, including monthly guest lectures
Early booking and discounts to Planetarium shows
The opportunity to learn about astronomy from fellow members
Monthly club magazine Event Horizon
Training on Observatory and Radio Astronomy Centre equipment (subject to the availability of volunteers)
Use of Observatory equipment for observation and scientific data collection (following training)
Training on Planetarium software to enable members to run shows and author new presentations
Access to sub groups and clubs
Opportunities to deliver outreach events and a wider range of volunteering opportunities

Apply today