Project Aquarius’ aim is to bring the awe and wonder of the night sky to all regardless of their physical needs or capabilities.

Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society is a charity with the stated aim of:-

‘the advancement of education for the public benefit in astronomy and its associated sciences’.

In order to achieve this aim the society not only invites the public to its regular Thursday night meetings but we also run an extensive outreach project from the observatory near Rotherham.  We welcomed 1036 members of the public to the observatory in the year 2014/15.

However, many members of the public cannot take advantage of our expertise and facilities because of the lack of disabled enabled toilet facilities at the observatory and lack room for mobility challenged individuals.

Project Aquarius will achieve these aims by:-

•Installing a disabled enabled toilet so that all those who want to visit and use the telescopes and other equipment can do so in comfort.

•Have the room to use wheel chairs and other mobility equipment at their leisure.

Project Aquarius is composed of the following stages:-

•Installing a water supply to the observatory as the observatory is 300 metres from the nearest water supply.

•Install a waste collection tank, the nearest mains sewage is over a mile from the observatory.

•Install a disabled enable toilet.

•Erect a 5m x 5m extension to the rear of the observatory.

•Rearranging the internal layout of the ground floor of the observatory.

The cost of the project totals £30,000 which includes all materials, labour, insurance and fees.

If you are able to help us by providing materials, expertise or funding support please contact:-

Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society

Project Aquarius
c/o The Secretary,
147 Queen Street
Swinton
MEXBOROUGH
S64 8NG