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Hampshire Astronomical Group
Open Evenings and Sun Live Events
Terms and Conditions
General
By making a booking for an observatory visit you are deemed as accepting these Terms and Conditions.
Booking and Reservations
Booking for either a public open evening or a sun live event is only available through the Hampshire Astronomical Group’s Visits Coordinator. Booking can be made via the Group’s website, e-mail, telephone or by discussion in person.
Bookings, if not made in writing, must be confirmed in writing (letter or e-mail).
Contact details of the person booking the visit must be given so that confirmation of the booking can be made along with any adjustments to the booking that may be required.
Your booking is not accepted or confirmed until full payment has been received. If payment is not received, your booking will be automatically cancelled, subject to the terms listed in Payment and Cancellation.
Payment and cancellation
Full payment is required within one calendar month from the confirmation of your booking. Any booked visit not paid within one calendar month will be automatically cancelled and the places offered to another family/group.
All bookings will require full payment in advance of the visit.
Payment can be made by cheque or BACS transfer, both payable to the Hampshire Astronomical Group.
Any cancellations must be made/confirmed in writing (letter or e-mail).
The Hampshire Astronomical Group reserves the right to cancel any open evening or other planned event due to unforeseen circumstances. The Hampshire Astronomical Group will try to give as much notice as possible of such circumstances.
Refunds
If an event is cancelled by the Hampshire Astronomical Group, any payments made will be fully refunded, or if requested, can be used to pay for another booking.
If you cancel your booking, a full, partial or no refund may apply, subject to the following rules:
- 21 days or more before the planned visit, Full refund.
- Between 20 and 14 days before the event (inclusive), 50% refund
- 13 days or less before the event, No refund.
- If you cancel as a result of unforeseen circumstances, you can apply for a full refund. This may be granted at the discretion of the Visits Coordinator.
Accommodating Need
If any visiting party has any additional needs, these must be highlighted at the time of booking. Every effort is made to accommodate additional needs but the Hampshire Astronomical Group may need forewarning and advice in advance so that we may best accommodate those needs. This may involve additional volunteer staff on site for the visit.
Nature of Visit
Observation of the night sky through telescopes cannot be guaranteed. Therefore the visit will comprise, an introduction, including a safety briefing, tour of some of the larger domes & telescopes (and observing if clear). The visit will conclude with a short presentation. During open evenings warm drinks are also offered.
In the event of the weather precluding any observing, a return ticket is given for a free of charge entry to another open evening when the skies permit observing with the telescopes. Any visitor making planned return to the observatory with a ‘return ticket’ must notify the Visit Coordinator so we can adequately plan for your return visit.
The Hampshire Astronomical Group reserves the right to alter the viewing of any planned astronomical object.
Safety and Conduct On-Site
You are expected to:
- Take care during the visit and to supervise any children in your party.
- Follow safety advice and instructions given during the visit.
- You are expected to read and bring to the attention of your party the site safety information that is available from the Hampshire Astronomical Group’s website under ‘Open Evenings’.
On this basis, as far as it is able, the Hampshire Astronomical Group excludes liability for loss or damage suffered by any member of your visiting group because of your visit.
The Hampshire Astronomical Group accepts no responsibility for the safekeeping of any items whilst on its premises. It is the responsibility of individuals to ensure that all belongings have been collected at the end of the visit.
There is a strict non-smoking policy within the observatory site and associated buildings.
Miscellaneous
The Hampshire Astronomical Group is not liable for any breaches or delays in the performance of its obligations under these terms and conditions arising from any event outside its control, including (but not limited to) fire, flood, storm, strike, lock out, electrical failure, equipment failure, Act of God, explosion, war, terrorist activity or acts of governmental or parliamentary authority.
These Conditions shall not be enforceable by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by any person who is not a party to them.
These Conditions shall be construed solely in accordance with the laws of England. Any disputes arising from these Conditions shall be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Hampshire Astronomical Group
Ratified at Committee April 2016.
