SPSP: Problem with early arrivals

[Geoff45]

Fowarded message from Margaret Streamer (President ASNSW) to all ASNSW members.

Hi All,

This email is for those attending the South Pacific Star Party at Wiruna.

In the past I believe some people have gone to Wiruna in advance of the Star Party.

However, due to some rather unusual circumstances, the gates into the Wiruna site will only open from about 4.00pm on Thursday, 12th April and no earlier. Therefore there will be no access to the site ahead of this time.

I apologise for this late notification but I have only just found out that no accredited members are able to go to the site any earlier.

Regards,

Margaret

[Rodstar]

Thank you Margaret (and Geoff) for the advanced notice.

I will see all of the Thursday crowd at the gate at 4pm!! That is still plenty fo time to set up a tent and get out the scope to cool before sun down.

[h0ughy]

dang, thats not good. that means that there will only be and hour and 3/4 daylight left to set up. I hate setting up inthe dark. On the upside the traditional lunch at the pub in Mudgee will be a hit

[GTB_an_Owl]

what is this traditional lunch that i know nothing of ?

does it have anything to do with BEER ?

[ariane]

Just typical. Rules, Rules and Just More Rules...

Clearly the true message here is that "accredited members" have it better over "ordinary members", then over the general other societies and then the public - with this Society on the other hand wanting to suck "attendance fees" for their own profit. Clearly, the message is clear - the ASNSW here desperately wants your money to subsidise their own coffers but are much unprepared to properly support those who want to just "enjoy the experience". To bad for those who make this the main astronomical event of the year!

Frankly, this "contempt" is just not good enough, as the astronomical community in which you feed expects much better.

Indeed. Perhaps the "traditional lunch at the pub in Mudgee" will probably be much better value - as you can stay a few days, observe, then arrive and depart when and at what time you want too!

I was going too Ilford site this year - but not anymore.

[Peter Bobroff]

This is a big setback for those travelling long distances. This might suit the Thursday crowd but it certainly doesn't suit the Tuesday and Wednesday crowds.

Perhaps a non "accredited" person could bring the main gate key earlier in the week. No buildings need to be unlocked before Thursday.

I would be happy to assume some degree of responsibility if I could get a gate key. I have been to every SPSP so far, always arriving on Tuesday or Wednesday and have never been convicted of any SPSP related crime or emitting a white light photon.

[Geoff45]

Just for the record: accreditation is open to all members of ASNSW. It simply means that you are familiar with the site facilities--gas, hot water, power, club scope etc. Any regular attendee at Ilford can become an accredited member--it is not something exclusive. The same thing applies to the ASNSW site at Bowen Mountain. I don't know the "unexpected reasons" for no accredited members going down early, but I suspect that the recent tragic death of one of the main stalwarts of the Ilford site may have had something to do with it.

[Satchmo]

The lack of an acredited person on Ilford site would proclude anybody on the site , regardless of whether it was the star-party, or any of the usual monthly gatherings.

Ariane , would you let strangers into *your* back yard if it contained hundreds of thousands of dollars of private instrumentation and club developments , if you weren't there to oversee organisation and security?

The ASNSW work tirelessly each year to put on Australias premiere star party. This year, with the loss of one of their most valued and tireless contributers, that work is going to feel that much harder. So give 'em a break.

[h0ughy]

Mark,

It is very inconvenient for us and those travelling large distances, but I do fully agree with you.
I might have to get accredited one day, but since I only just joined ASNSW then I wouldn’t let me go on there either without knowing the site rules and responsibilities.

[spacezebra]

Hi there

I appreciate the need to secure equipment etc, however it is also important that you keep participants/registrants informed on any changes. I have suggested to Adrian that a blanket email/letter be sent to as many attendees as possible - to avoid confusion. I think that generally most people will understand - so long as you let them know.

I agree with David that you will have people travelling considerable distances that need to be kept informed.

They may also need to consider having someone on the gate to ensure a smooth entry into the site. Rather than a staggered entrance, in previous years - you will now have people potentially in a queue . Just a few things to consider.

Cheers Petra

[xstream]

I have just finished talking with Don Whiteman on the phone and there Will be an accredited member on the property from approx 12:00pm Wednesday.
So those wishing to arrive on the wednesday will be able to do so. If you have any further questions or concerns I would contact either Margaret Streamer or Adrian Saw.

[ausastronomer]

Yes Rod and your scope should be just about nicely cooled by the time the moon rises as well :)

CS-John B

[Geoff45]

Please check with Adrian. I know he will be there from early Thursday, but I don't know who will be there on Wednesday. Also, people should have indicated their date of arrival on the registration form, and according to Adrian nobody has booked in earlier than Thursday, so Wed may be a nonissue anyway.
Geoff

[xstream]

Geoff, we always arrive on the Thursday and leave on the Monday so it's not really an issue for us.
Just in the discussion with Don he indicated to me that someone Will be there from mid Wednesday, I don't know who but they were concerned about someone being available for early arrivals. Apparently there was no-one available to be there early and for insurance reasons unless there is an accredited person on the property no-one is permitted to enter.

[Geoff45]

Latest email to members of ASNSW

Hi all
Contrary to earlier emails and to settle any confusion.
As the marquee and generator are being delivered to 'Wiruna' on the
Thursday prior to the SPSP, I will make myself available on site from early
Thursday morning. The gates will be open and access to the site can be had
by all those who nominated an early arrival.
Regards

Adrian Saw (Treasurer)

I will post any further info.
Geoff

[Rodstar]

Thanks Geoff for that update, which is greatly appreciated (as is Adrian Saw's commitment to SPSP and the ASNSW).

Also, I must concur with Mark S's comments. It is going to be a somber occasion for many this year. The late Mike Kerr no doubt would have been the guy there early to open up in many previous years. May he rest in peace.

[CoombellKid]

Ariane,

There is always Astrofest Qld ;) :) an excellent event well worth travelling
to, lots of prizes and a great bunch of folks you'll ever meet. It goes for 7
days and I believe next year they are going to trail and extra weekend :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Check it out...
http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/

regards,CS

[iceman]

It's great that someone will be there earlier, to allow those travelling longer distances to get there early and setup.

I can understand why it was necessary initially, especially for insurance reasons.