Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre, Sutton in Ashfield, launched in November ‘024, and little did the team of 120 volunteer Astronomy enthusiasts know what was to be achieved within just six months of opening.
The Planetarium & Science Centre has proved to be a shooting star across the Ashfield area, welcoming in excess of 25,000 visitors to world class facilities, whilst championing STEM and acting as a valuable resource for education, developing individual’s skills and confidence, and working with like-minded organisations on visionary projects.
July has brought a memorable and inspiring ‘Time Capsule Ceremony’ which was held in the centre’s original Victorian Reservoir exhibition space (which doubles as a unique venue).
The capsule, buried on 14th July 2025 will be opened on the 5th October 2086 (200 years since the reservoir began providing clean drinking water).
61 years from now, a future generation will be able to discover the capsule’s contents and what life was like in 2025. Items including memorabilia, predictions from local primary schools about what they thought life in 2086 might be like, and digital media inc. messages for the future and time lapse recordings of the construction are amongst the contents which are designed to spark curiosity and inspire future generations.
Guests included Ed Attenborough DL, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, who delivered an inspiring message to local school children, founding members, dignitaries, and supporters. The event included speeches from Chair Dr Steve Wallace MBE, founding member Dave Collins, the High Sheriff, and event organiser Julian Best. “This capsule is our message to the future,” said Julian. “We hope they enjoy what lies ahead as much as we’ve enjoyed our journey so far.” All guests were treated to a follow-on planetarium show to experience the centre to its full.
The month also brought other exciting events and achievements including The Planetarium & Science Centre being awarded a Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Award for 2025. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
The build of the Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre was also highly commended at The Constructing Excellence East Midlands 2025 Awards, held in Leicester.
These industry awards are recognised across the East Midlands built environment as the biggest and brightest celebration of best practice. They are a clear demonstration of the core strength of construction in the East Midlands and the desire and commitment to deliver buildings, housing, infrastructure, and facilities of all kinds in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Representatives from the design and construction partners throughout the build attended the ceremony: AnotherKind Architects, G F Tomlinson and HSP Consulting.
Our Astronomer-Led planetarium shows have proved incredibly successful, with an evolving mix of family and thought-provoking shows. Volunteers also host the frequently sold-out Summer Open Day events, tickets for all future events are found on the website. There is also an array of evolving exhibitions this summer including ‘Microscopic Meteorites’ with University of Nottingham, StarStruck a photography collection by Mark Exon and ‘The Nebula Collection’ by member Peter Jenkins.
The volunteers, visitors and small inhouse team continue to steer new ideas for late summer and information can be found on our website including upcoming singing and music themed events, talks by renowned UK Astronomy, and local classical pianist Chris Miggells.
Tickets should be purchased online and in advance of a visit.
Posted on 11 August 2025
