We need your help to save this historical and locally significant telescope.

The instrument in question - an over 100 year old, huge 24" newtonian reflector, originally built by George Calver, restored by David Sinden of Grubb Parsons and first used by Rev. Thomas Espin of Wolsingham and Tow Law, County Durham. It aided in his discoveries of nebulae, nova, variable stars and over 2500 double stars. He was such an influential astronomer that he even has a crater on the moon named for him; Espin crater!

This Telescope has been molded over the years by many an influential figure in the astronomy world. It was refurbished in the 1960's by David Sinden as his personal project after he found it being used as a feed trough in a farmers field. This is the same David Sinden who was Chief Optician at the world renowned telescope makers Grubb Parsons, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. He was responsible for the production of many massive optics. Including the 154” mirror for the Anglo Australian telescope, which at the time was the largest telescope in the entire southern hemisphere. As well as the 98” mirror for the Issac Newton telescope. He later went on to set up his own business, Sinden Optical Company. Many important optical instruments from all over the world have been graced by David’s talent. Sadly David died in 2005. We find it appalling that this telescope, that David held so dear, has been left to rot in its abandoned dome.

We cannot see this continue. Our group intends to recover this invaluable piece of local heritage and we hope to restore it to its former glory in respect of David's work and in the hope that it may once again bask in the light of it's original owners discoveries! We are working with local astronomers, observatories and charities to make this happen, but we also need your help;

The scope is currently located on land that was sold by newcastle university and we need to convince it's new owner to donate this scope so that it may be recovered, restored and housed somewhere open to the public so it may be used for the education of many more generations to come! If we don't do this now, then soon it will deteriorate beyond saving. Please sign the petition and help us save this over 100 year old telescope!

(Pictured - David Sinden using the scope after he refurbished it himself, then donated it to the University)