Northumberland's Kielder Observatory given a makeover with wooden buildings 'reinvigorated'

A Northumberland observatory has had a makeover thanks to a recent funding boost and the help of volunteers.

Dozens of friends of the Kielder Observatory gathered with cleaning equipment, gardening tools, and paintbrushes as part of its summer solstice maintenance week. Volunteers became gardeners, cleaners, painters, electricians and tree surgeons, as the Gillian Dickinson astro-imaging classroom was updated and modernised; amongst other improvements.

The observatory has secured a £10,000 sponsorship package with from professional services company Accenture. The observatory plans to use the funds on several of its key initiatives, including half-day workshop sessions for ten North East schools, support for 35 volunteers over a three-month period, and site improvements to enhance the visitor experience.

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Leigh Venus, CEO of Kielder Observatory, said: "Our wooden buildings are exposed to the bracing elements of Kielder Forest, and need constant care. We took a week out during the summer solstice to reinvigorate our observatory and the Gillian Dickinson Astro-Imaging Academy, and we’re incredibly grateful to our volunteers and everyone who chipped in."

David Darlington, associate director at Accenture, said: "It’s been great to help such an awesome charity, ensuring that this amazing facility continues to inspire the next generation of astronomers and stargazers. We look forward to working with the team at Kielder Observatory more in the future."