JO RICHARDSON – “SPACE DETECTIVES”

Jo is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society as well as the owner and founder of “Space Detectives,” a South-West based company inspiring people of all ages in Space Science and Astronomy.

Established over 12 years ago Space Detectives has grown from just working with local schools to now being involved with schools all around the UK, as well as adult community groups and wider well-known organisations. Jo also works abroad, proving that a love of space science and astronomy can get you everywhere!

In 2014, Jo became one of the 6 current UK Space Education Consultants working on behalf of ESERO-UK (European Space Education Office) who are directly funded by ESA and the UK Space Agency. She was part of the award-winning Tim Peake Primary Project and Mission X programmes. Today, Jo is still working with ESERO-UK in role of assessor for the Space Education Quality Mark (SEQM) which is a recognized OFSTED rated school science award.

Her one work mantra is to “inspire” – to inspire people of all ages to look up and be amazed by the wonders of our Universe around them. All the workshops and presentations hope to deliver that feeling to everyone attending….

Contact tel; 07859 066400  email spacedetectives@yahoo.com web; www.spacedetectives.com

STEVE TONKIN – CRANBORNE CHASE INTERNATIONATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE

I am a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and have authored many articles and several books on practical aspects of astronomy. I taught astronomy to adults and children for more than 40 years. I am the Dark Skies Advisor to both the Federation of Astronomical Societies and the International Dark Sky Reserve on the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and split my time between these and doing astronomical outreach. As well as astronomical societies in Britain and abroad, I frequently speak to Rotary and Probus clubs, U3A groups, and schools/youth organisations. I have a monthly column in BBC Sky at Night Magazine, for which I also write equipment and book reviews.

The IDSR:

In October 2019 Dark Sky International awarded Cranborne Chase National Landscape (then AONB) the status of International Dark Sky Reserve. It is one of only twenty-four world-wide and Cranborne Chase is the only National Landscape to be awarded this status in its entirety. The award recognises the exceptional and distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment, and helps protect these for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural and heritage value and for public enjoyment

Contact tel: 01725 517417 (Office).  email: stevetonkin@cranbornechase.org.uk
web:

LIZZIE BRYANT – STORYTELLER & WRITER

Lizzie Bryant is Dorset-based oral storyteller, writer, and heritage educator and facilitator, creating and delivering storytelling performances, heritage projects, story walks, bespoke workshops and training, working and playing with stories and the imagination to inspire connection, community, and creativity. After many years in the film industry, developing and shaping stories as script editor and film producer, Lizzie retrained as a stonemason and with her hammer and chisel, shaped stone. Following a BSc (Hons) in Heritage Conservation from Bournemouth University, her work in conservation on crumbling churches led her into the wilder places to explore the old stories, myths and legends told by our ancestors and held in the land and she tumbled into the world of oral storytelling and heritage education

Lizzie now draws upon the treasure trove of world myths and legends and a word hoard of traditional tales, wonder tales and folk lore to tell regularly at museums, schools, field centres, heritage sites and a variety of landscapes and spaces for children, families and adult audiences. She is a regular storyteller at the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranborne. As a director of the recently established CIC Castle Hill Heritage Skills, Lizzie has partnered with other skilled heritage educators to bring the past to life with story-led hands-on learning experiences

More recently she has been collaborating with the Cranborne Chase National Landscape and delivered night sky story walks and star gazing storytelling events in the landscape of the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve.  She performed her star stories for the Eyeview Wavelength Festival of Sound and Light at Torres Abbey in 2019. Lizzie believes engaging with the stars, moon and planets take us to a place of wonder and awe and taking time to gaze up at the night sky is to make a connection to an ancient and timeless human experience. 

Member of Society for Storytelling and National Association for Writers in Education

Contact tel: 07834 770234. email: ljbryant@btinternet.com. 
web:

LOUISE MCKENNA – ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER

I’m Louise McKenna, a landscape and night-sky photographer based in Dorset, though originally from the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Photography began as a way to record my travels, but over time my curiosity about the night sky and the natural world drew me deeper into astronomy and landscape photography.

Although I work full-time in children’s palliative care, I pursue photography as a part-time passion. Gazing at the stars or taking in a quiet landscape allows me to step away from daily life and feel grounded. It’s a practice that brings, calm, and inspiration, helping me reconnect with both nature the wider universe and gain perspective on my daily life.

My work includes both night-sky and daytime landscapes, depending on conditions. In the UK, clouds often shape the light and mood, and sometimes the weather simply doesn’t allow for astrophotography. I capture rolling hills, rugged countryside, and seascapes whenever I can. With a full-time job, I often head out early in the morning or take opportunities whenever the conditions and my schedule allow.

My approach to astrophotography is flexible: sometimes I use a full kit with tripod and tracker for detailed night-sky shots, other times I travel lighter especially for more remote locations. The aim is always the same—to convey the scene as I experienced it, natural and true.

Explore her stunning gallery of landscapes and celestial wonders.

Encouraged by family, friends, and fellow photographers, I now share my work so others can enjoy the calm and wonder of both dark skies and daytime landscapes. If you’d like to explore my portfolio or purchase a print, I’d love to hear from you.

email: louisemckennaphotography@gmail.com
web: https://www.louisemckennaphotography.com

JOSH DURY – ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER

Josh Dury Photo-Media AKA ‘Starman’ (B.A. FRAS), is an Internationally Acclaimed,
Award-Winning Landscape Astrophotographer, Presenter, Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Writer from The Mendip Hills AONB in Somerset, United Kingdom.

Check out his book “52 Assignments: Night Photography” for a year’s worth of inspiration!

His images have received notable endorsements, including NASA + Buzz Aldrin, the last living APOLLO 11 Astronaut

Further accolades include: The European Space Agency (ESA) + British Astronaut – Tim Peake, The World At Night (TWAN), PPOD, BBC & CBS amongst others. He also acts as a Delegate of Dark Sky International for Bristol, UK

Contact web: https://www.joshduryphoto-media.com