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The Piazzi Smyth Observatory was opened in October 2000 and provides an important resource in the teaching and public understanding of Astronomy.
The Observatory was named in honour of Charles Piazzi Smyth (OB) who was Astronomer Royal for Scotland for many years and a pioneer of high altitude observing. The project was funded by major grants from The Bedford School Trust, The Harpur Trust and The Wolfson Foundation, along with other generous donations from local businesses and Old Bedfordians.
The main 5m dome houses a Meade LX 200 16" computer controlled telescope which gives stunning views of the Moon, Planets and Deep Sky Objects. Several portable telescopes ranging from 6" to 13" diameter are also used from the outside observation deck.
The adjacent Wolfson Planetarium, opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in May 2002, houses a 4 metre dome and star projector.
The Planetarium acts as a valuable resource room and is available for use by schools and community groups for meetings, slide shows and projected views of the night sky.
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moreBedford Castle Rotary Club put a great deal of effort into raising money for good causes. Over the past few years we have made charitable donations to the following:-
moreKimbolton Country Fayre & Classic Car Show - Rotary Club of Bedford Castle will be supporting this event in 2024
moreThe Rotary Club of Bedford Castle are working together with students and staff from Bedford Academy to raise funds for much needed equipment.
moreThe Rotary Club of Bedford Castle has over many years sponsored many young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Courses
moreMembers of the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle volunteers attend the Bedford Food Bank each week to assist in sorting the food donations ready for delivery
moreEvery year the Rotary Club provides opportunities for adults and young people to build confidence and self-esteem by taking part in adventurous outdoor activities at the Calvert Trust's facility in the Lake District
moreBookTastic, Bedford’s Children’s Book Festival, brings the UK’s leading writers and illustrators to Bedford, inspiring children and encouraging them to engage with books and reading in an exciting and accessible way.
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