The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding
work by volunteer groups that benefit their local communities. It was
created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and,
following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to
continue the Award. The winners are announced on 14th November each
year, the date of the King’s birthday.
The dedication and professionalism of the volunteers at the South
Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester were recognised
when they were honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service,
the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and the
equivalent of an MBE.
South Downs Planetarium was opened by the Astronomer Royal Lord
(Martin) Rees, President of the Royal Society, and its Founding Patron
was the late Sir Patrick Moore the eminent astronomer, author and
broadcaster. It serves a broad catchment in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey
and across the South of England. Since it opened in July 2001, the
Planetarium has welcomed nearly 300,000 visitors and is currently
visited annually by around 9,000 children of school age and 6,000
adults.
Responding to the exciting news, Chairman of Trustees Ann Mills said:
”The South Downs Planetarium volunteers are truly delighted to receive
the King's Award for Voluntary Service. It is wonderful that their
loyalty, expertise and enthusiasm in every aspect of our work has been
recognised in such an amazing way. This is a well-deserved award from
His Majesty The King that recognises the unique contribution of our
volunteer team.”
The Planetarium is a highly-regarded and professionally-run
educational facility that is managed and operated on a day-to-day
basis by some 50 unpaid volunteers with multiple skills and
experience, many of them retired experts in science, engineering and
other professions.
Founding Trustee, Dr John Mason explained: “As an educational charity,
the Planetarium’s fundamental objectives have always been to stimulate
an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in
people of all ages and to inspire young people and adults to learn
more about our planet, the wider Universe and the scientific
developments and discoveries that are taking place to explore and
understand them. Without our incredible team of volunteers, none of
this would be possible, and it is amazing that their skills and
commitment have been acknowledged in this way.”
Fellow Trustee, Robert Kirk, said: “After 16 years working with the
Planetarium team, it never ceases to amaze me at the dedicated and
talented people who volunteer here. They come from all walks of life
but the common factor is their willingness to give freely of their
experience, expertise and above all time, for no reward other than the
satisfaction it brings them serving the community. I am proud to be
associated with this remarkable group of people and am delighted that
His Majesty the King has seen fit to recognise their contribution with
this award.
Civic Award
The South Downs Planetarium received the Community Award for
outstanding contribution to the community of Chichester. This award is
for the remarkable work of every member of the Planetarium Team, much
deserved by us all. Councillor Richard Plowmman read out the citation
for this award and highlighted the huge contribution of skill and
knowledge by the whole Volunteer Team.
Robert Kirk Ann Mills Russel Slater Dr John Mason MBE and Meryl
Goulbourne at the Annual Award Ceremony at the Council House in
Chichester, Tuesday 7th February 2023.
Dr John Mason MBE. received a Civic Award for his unique contribution
and work as an Astronomer & Presenter in the field of Education.
Starting from 24th July 2023. We are embarking on major building works
to create a vastly improved entrance foyer and exhibition area at the
Planetarium. Once completed in 2024, you can expect a significantly
improved customer experience. The new entrance foyer will be more
spacious and welcoming, while the expanded exhibition area will
eventually showcase a wider range of exhibits and displays. We assure
you that we are working diligently with our contractors to minimize
the impact on your visits, ensuring that cleanliness, safety, and
accessibility are maintained throughout the construction period. We
sincerely appreciate your continued support and understanding. Thank
you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to our
enhanced facilities in 2024 for an even better customer experience.
Plans have been unveiled to expand and improve the Sir Patrick Moore
Building at the South Downs Planetarium.
The plans will see the extension on the west side of the building
adjacent to the High School in Chichester’s Kingsham Road to create a
larger entrance lobby and welcome area to the building.
Most of the current Sir Patrick Moore building is being retained as
existing, the main development being to significantly alter and extend
the existing entrance space.
The main changes include:
The demolition of the existing foyer and exhibition and draught
lobby, the demolition of a couple of internal walls.
A new extension to the North-west of the existing building for a
shop and café.
A new North-east fire exit and wall.
Raised floors, with underfloor heating in new spaces.
New access ramp and stairs to the building, and alteration to
existing car park levels.
Why not become a Volunteer?
Do you have a few hours to spare during the day, in the evening or at
weekends on a regular basis?
Would you like to join our team of volunteers and help with our
visitors from Schools or our Public Shows?