South Downs Planetarium
& Science Center

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?

There are a number of ways to get involved.

Find out more by contacting Ann Mills

•  07743 755376
• e-mail: sdownsplanet@proton.

For further information about all South Downs Planetarium activities:

Postal Address

For SatNav use PO19 8EB

The King's Award for Voluntary Service

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 center 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.”