Gifford Observatory Trust

Description of Activities

The Trust exists to restore and operate the Gifford Memorial Observatory.

Once the observatory is restored to an operational condition, the Trust intends to recover maintenance and operating expenses from voluntary donations and membership fees from users of the observatory facilities.

Progress

The Trust has already raised almost all of the material cost to complete the project. Already significant progress has been made.

Trustees

Peter Graham, Duncan Hall, Marilyn Head, Ed Budding, Sean Hann, Rob Campbell.

The Gifford Observatory Trust is incorporated as a non-profit organisation under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. The Trust's trustees reside in Wellington and currently are:

Dr Edwin Budding

Robert Campbell

Peter Graham

Duncan Hall

Sean Hann

Marilyn Head

Trust Objectives

The objectives of the Trust are to restore, maintain and operate the Gifford Memorial Observatory located between Wellington College and Government House for the benefit of - and use by - all young people in the Wellington region.

The Gifford Memorial Observatory had been a facility operated wholly by pupils and staff (with some occasional outside assistance) at Wellington College from 1924 until it fell into disrepair in the late 1970's.

The Gifford Observatory Trust has now been set up to widen the base of astronomically inclined individuals - beyond Wellington College staff, pupils and their parents - who wish to support its use and promote astronomy to all the youth of Wellington.

Why promote astronomy to young people?

There are several reasons why the Trust wishes to promote astronomy to young people.

Firstly, most of the Trust's trustees are - or have been - passionate amateur astronomers. They understand the nascent enthusiasm for the subject in many young people. This enthusiasm can be developed into rewarding and positive learning experiences for these young people - experiences that often ignite further enthusiasm to further explore other areas of pure and applied science, mathematics and technology.

Secondly, the subject of astronomy has recently been accorded greater weight in science curricula within primary and secondary schools with the creation of the "Planet Earth and Beyond" syllabus for years 1 to 13. Practical equipment is needed to teach children about astronomy, as otherwise it can become a rather 'bookish' affair. Nothing beats actually seeing something interesting through a real telescope - like the Gifford's 130mm Zeiss refractor.

Thirdly, while the subject of astronomy by itself has no immediate direct 'economic' value, it is an ideal vehicle to explore the development of the 'scientific method' and the use of information technologies. The scientific method focuses on:

• Systematic collection and analysis of data
• Formulation of hypotheses
• Testing of predictions against observations

The scientific method and its goal-oriented relative 'technology development' have been one of the mainsprings of economic growth in the Western world. There is a strong case to be made that the success of the scientific method in formulating today's explanations for natural phenomena is firmly based on astronomical observations and explanations of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and others roughly 300 years ago. These early applications of scientific method would be easily repeatable by young people using the Gifford Memorial Observatory today.

Modern observational astronomy also relies on extensive use of information technologies. The pursuit of astronomy is an ideal means of introducing young people to using computers in real-time data acquisition situations.

Prominent Old-Boys

Some examples of prominent Wellington College students who have benefited from the existence of the Gifford Memorial Observatory are:

Sir William Pickering

Emeritus Professor John Harper

Dr Robin Adams

The late George Eiby

Why Restore the Observatory

The Gifford Memorial Observatory is now literally only the shell of its former self. While the walls and telescope pier base appear to be structurally sound, the roof and 4.1-metre diameter dome need to be completely rebuilt. In addition, electric power will have to be reconnected, and an intrusion alarm system installed to deter potential vandalism - a recurrent problem that plagued the original building.

Cost

Preliminary estimates of cost for the restoration of the Gifford Memorial Observatory are in the order of $40,000 covering:

• Construction of wooden steps and path to observatory site (already completed)
• Purchase and installation of a new 4.1-metre fibreglass dome and shutter
• Rebuilding the roof over instrument room
• Structural support of existing walls and installation of beam to support roof and dome
• Provision of electric power
• Provision of an intrusion alarm system
• Restoration of the 130mm diameter Zeiss refractor
• A new electronic drive system for the Telescope
• More than 500 hours of labour (mostly volunteers)

Financing the Renovation

The Trust has already raised an encouraging amount through various fundraising activities during 1999. The Trust's objective is to seek funding for the remaining expenses to complete restoration of the Gifford Memorial Observatory from the following sources: Philanthropic organisations, corporate subscriptions, community grants, Philanthropic Individuals, Additional fundraising activities and Volunteer labour

The Trust intends that the labour element required to restore the Gifford Memorial Observatory will be provided voluntarily from Trust members and other supporting individuals. This is likely to amount to about 500 person hours.

Philanthropy Recognition

The Trust plans the following means of recognition for funds providers:

For Principal Funding Providers (funding of $5,000 or more) appropriate publicity will be generated at the opening of the restored observatory in line with the wishes of the Principal Funding Providers

Current Principal Funding Providers

• Wellington City Council Strategic Grants Fund $10,000
• Lotteries Grants Board $10,000

For Principal Donors (individual donations of $500 or more) an acknowledgement will be made on a plaque to be placed within the restored building

For both Principal Funding Providers and Principal Donors acknowledgement will be made in the Gifford Observatory Trust's annual report and accounts in line with their wishes

Under the 'Adopt-A-Post' scheme, individual engraved brass plaques on posts supporting the handrail leading up to the Gifford Memorial Observatory will be mounted for each $50 donation.