STARGAZERS have enjoyed the fourth annual meeting of an increasingly popular live astronomy event in Cam.

The Cam and Dursley Astronomy Club started life with just a handful of people in 2010, including founders Martin Sinton and Ian Smith, huddling in the corner of Tesco car park with their telescopes.

But in just a few years it has grown to an event now featuring ten telescopes of varying sizes, with 15 members who this year enjoyed a crowd of 75 people keen to find out more about the hobby.

This year’s event included interviews with Jo Durrant from BBC Radio Gloucestershire and talks by members on subjects including the moon and astrophotography.

The initial evening on Thursday, January 9, to be held at Cam Parish Council’s office, was postponed for one day as the weather was deemed too cloudy to catch a glimpse of anything.

But those who returned ended up catching views of the moon, Jupiter and the Great Nebula in Orion as well as enjoying refreshments from Berry Blue Cafe.

Mr Smith, a driving instructor from Woodview Road, said the stargazing event was proof that there were interested people in the area.

“For me it was an outstanding event, providing something for everyone,” he said.

“On the viewing night it was great to see people turn up with their own telescopes to find out from us how to set them up and use them to their full potential.

“As a new club we are learning all the time about putting on events and were pleased this time that other club members came forward to help with talks and setting up.”

More information can be found about the club’s future events at www.camanddursleyastronomyclub.co.uk