1. k-o) Gate, Camping Areas and Main Observing Field
Back to volunteering index Book 1
This item forms part of Book 1: FACILITIES
1. l) Marshalling the Camping Areas
1. m) Marshalling the Main Observing Field
1. n) Setting up and Maintaining the Pit Toilets
1. o) Putting out the Fireplaces
1. k) Attending the Gate
Things that you will need:
- Hat
- Sunblock
- Umbrella (as needed)
- Copy of program
- Watch
- Volunteer lanyard
- High-visibility vest
- Copies of site map
- A list of registered participants
- The portable gazebo
- Walkie-Talkie to communicate with PA operator and Check-In Desk
Procedure:
- Check that the names of the people arriving are on your list of registered participants (even if they are members and regulars at the star party). Note their arrival times on your list.
- Welcome participants as they arrive and indicate how to get to the Check-In Tent.
- Advise them when the Check-In Tent will next be open.
- If after dark on Thursday or Friday, advise them to turn off their headlights and proceed VERY SLOWLY with PARKING LIGHTS ONLY.
- Indicate where they should park their vehicle/set up camp (as appropriate). Caravans, camper vans, camper trailers and mobile homes should turn left at the CARAVANS sign or proceed all the way to Barry Gerdes Lodge. Campers with tents can use the lower camping ground, Bon Glen or Barry Gerdes Lodge. In theory, they will have made their selection when they registered and camping vehicles on the Lower Camp Ground will have been allocated a numbered Site.
- Offer them a site map if they need one.
- If people arrive after dark on Saturday, get them to park near the front gate.
For people NOT on your list, explain that everyone was supposed to register in advance.
Ask if they read the website and emails that were sent to contacts.
State that there are NO onsite registrations, and that this information is made perfectly clear on the website. You can also explain that anyone who enters the site who is not registered is not covered legally and is not entitled to any of the registered participant privileges.
For people who persist, refer them to Lesa or the President.
Times of operation:
- Thursday 10am - sunset. Early arrivals will be mostly volunteers, but you will be provided with a full list of registered participants, as some will have requested permission to come before 2pm.
The start on Thursday is a soft start, with duties commencing whenever the members of the gate crew finish setting up their own camps. - Friday 10am - sunset (to 8pm if busy).
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. The welcome at the gate closes down at the start of the main presentation on Saturday afternoon. The gate itself is closed at sunset on Saturday. Participants who arrive between 2pm and sunset can figure it out for themselves!
When the gate is closed, a notice is to be posted on the gate with a contact phone number so that latecomers can gain access, but also be reminded about turning off headlights.
1. l) Marshalling the Camping Areas: Thursday am to Saturday pm
Things you will need:
- Hat
- Sunblock
- Umbrella (as needed)
- Copy of program
- Watch
- Volunteer lanyard
- High-visibility vest
Procedure:
- Greet people as they enter your area (Bon Glen, lower camping ground, Barry Gerdes Lodge).
- Answer any queries they have.
- Indicate where they can set up their camp/caravan.
1. m) Marshalling the Main Observing Field
No vehicles are to be left on the Main Observing Field after dark.
- Report to the Check-In Desk with the rego number of any vehicle seen to contravene this requirement.
- Only approach the owner if the owner is present and you feel confident that you can make the request without inflaming the situation. If participants object or refuse to move their vehicles, ask them to report to the Check-In Desk.
There is STRICTLY NO CAMPING on the Main Observing Field.
- Note that some participants may use some kind of tent arrangement to protect their observing equipment, especially in the case of inclement weather.
- If you notice anyone attempting to set up a camping tent or caravan on the Main Observing Field, please interrupt them immediately. Determine whether they are planning to camp or whether it is simply for telescope protection. If the former, explain the policy, point out the signs and ask them to relocate to a suitable area.
- If the situation becomes inflamed, report to the Check-In Desk, or refer the participant to the Check-In Desk.
1. n) Setting up and Maintaining the Pit Toilets
- Ensure that the lights are working from the solar panel and batteries.
Report any issues to Joe if not working. - Fill drums with water from the tap at the back of the Gents Amenities Block.
- Place the drums in position at the Pit Toilets so that people have hand-washing water.
You will need a vehicle to do this. - Place the sign on or near the water drums:
"Hand-washing water only. For general water supplies, please go to tap behind the Gents Amenities Block."
Laminated signs will be available at the Check-In Desk. - Check the water supply during the day on Friday and Saturday. Refill as needed.
1. o) Putting out the Fireplaces
Get the fireplaces from next to the ASNSW Storage Shed and distribute the fireplaces at the bottom end of the lower camping ground. The idea is that they are far from the observing field so that light and smoke will not interfere with telescopes and observing.