Border Stargaze 2008 in review (pics to follow!)
Border Stargaze registrations were 181 by the time we settled in at the retreat on Wednesday 27th August and reached over 1000 participants by the end of the star party.
What a great start to a fantastic star party!
We had a very special outreach program set up for the schools in our region with invitations to attend going out in early June. The response was nothing short of exciting. Thanks to our crew of volunteers and Tanya from Journeyman the children that attended were treated to the Cosmodome and a range of fun science activities. In all we hosted 12 schools and 396 students from age 7 to 17.
The outreach program began early on Wednesday morning courtesy of the Albury City Council and the management and staff of the North Albury Stadium. Students from Wewak Street School Albury and James Fallon were the first of many students whose excitement could be heard throughout the sessions. The operation then moved out to the retreat in readiness for the Thursday - Friday program.
Rob McNaught joined our team of volunteers running demonstrations of measuring the distance to the Sun and enthralled students with lively discussions about discovering near Earth objects. Many thanks to Rob for his support. Every student that attended enjoyed the interactive program with sundial making and Saturn building generating the most noise and excitement. Each student left with an Australian Geographic bag filled with activities and a special activities book courtesy of significant support by the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Teachers, Carers and volunteers pitched in for a memorable experience. With two days of magnificient blue skies Solar observing was a hit for students and our crew of volunteers, followed up by Cosmodome sessions with Tanya and Miles to round off the program.
To cap off the community oureach program we hosted the general public between 6 - 10:30pm on Friday 29th. The Cosmodome sessions were booked solid and were a joy for families, children and the child in all of us and the young at heart. Attendances this year were up on last with our counters stopping at 427. Many improvements were made to the organisation of our program with our volunteer crews on the gate, traffic and meet & greet working like clockwork assisting the public to get safely to the observing field. A very special thanks to John Bambury and his 18 inch Obsession from 3RF and the generosity and support of our guests who volunteerd to join our team of telescope tour guides. The laser guided tours were again a success with many people rejoining tours.
The best part for our team of volunteers was to be treated to expressions of appreciation from the public as they left for the evening. In a number of instances the public rolled down the windows of their cars and thanked our team as they drove past. We are lucky to have such a fantastic community spirit and thank the public for helping to make Border Stargaze a success.
Many of our guests were still talking about how much they enjoyed being a part of something special. With all the good vibes our guests were further treated to two clear night skies and an extensive quality program. Phil Hart started the ball rolling by running successful workshops on astrophotography that impressed beginners and pros alike. Rob McNaught again delivered a quality presentation, many thanks for returning. In spite of a sore throat Fred Watson completed the cast and delivered a sterling and entertaining presentation of 'Stargazer - the past, present and future of the telescope?' with one guest commenting that 'not one word was wasted'. Our special thanks to our guest speakers and to our registered guests for supporting them and us.
Sponsors
We extend our gratitude and personal thanks once again to the on-going support of our sponsors for their significant contributions in making this event spectacular. This support not only included donations of prizes and funds it also extended beyond that as they volunteered their time in contributing to the successful outreach program. We are indebted to them for the strong support they provide us with throughout the year and at the event itself.
Wymah Valley Retreat
On behalf of ASAW we would like to thank Aspen Parks the management team and staff at the
The Wymah Valley Retreat who delivered a service well above expectations and are to be commended on their patience, professionalism, and community focused spirit. A special thanks to Mullengandra P&C who fed an army of hungry people.
We look forward to hosting you in 2009, so watch this space!
Regards
David Chandler (BSG 08 Project Manager)
and you made the event the best. 
. 
just ask Petra, about BSG 2007, and Vic/South 
