Cosmic dedication helps establishment flourish
As Volunteer Week approaches in June, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) is celebrating the individuals who give their time and abilities to assist its work.
Their newly appointed Volunteers Co-ordinator Kelly McGloin has been serving to to open the doorways to the centuries-old establishment for college kids, graduates, and group members alike.
Kelly McGloin, Volunteer Co-Ordinator at AOP
Since entering into the position, Kelly has overseen a surge in participation at AOP. From faculty placements and digitisation initiatives to environmental initiatives and public engagement, AOP has created alternatives for folks each domestically and from additional afield.
Initially from Armagh, Kelly returned residence two years in the past after a profitable profession in training in England, the place she labored as a main faculty trainer and deputy head.
“I had been roles inside AOP, however after I noticed the volunteer one I assumed it was undoubtedly proper up my road and it was one thing that I’d love,” mentioned Kelly.
She added that her background in recruitment, employees administration and organising group occasions meant she “knew she had the abilities for the job”: expertise that proved instantly transferable.
Kelly noticed the transfer into a job with AOP was not a departure from training however an extension of it. “Working throughout the Planetarium continues to be working inside training. It’s additionally such an iconic place… it evokes future scientists. It champions STEM topics, it’s hands-on, with sensible work in addition to idea. I simply love every thing about it.”
Alternatives for younger folks have expanded, particularly for secondary faculty college students, lots of whom have aspirations of careers in astrophysics and astronomy. They’re now gaining a behind-the-scenes expertise of what goes on at AOP.
“Plenty of the secondary faculty college students need to are available and see what a typical day seems like and resolve if that’s actually what they need to get into,” Kelly mentioned. “They’re creating their very own path ahead.”
On the similar time, youthful main faculty pupils are being launched to AOP via inventive outreach initiatives. Kelly has actively engaged native colleges, inviting them to take part in eco-themed litter picks throughout the Observatory grounds.
Kelly with pupils from St Patrick’s PS, Armagh
“It’s about getting them concerned but in addition exhibiting them the grounds… speaking about sustainability and preserving the place tidy,” Kelly defined.
“Then we’ll invite them in, present them round, possibly even a Dome Present. It’s getting folks in via the door and reminding them there’s a lot to supply.”
Volunteering at AOP “is not only volunteering as we might historically understand it,” Kelly defined.
“It incorporates work expertise college students, college placements, and analysis internships.”
Two college students from St Catherine’s School in Armagh are prime examples of the advantages that volunteering can deliver. Isabella, a long-term volunteer, helps preserve the Observatory library and contributes to content material creation, whereas Essra, who joined earlier this 12 months, has undertaken a serious digitisation challenge.
Esraa Malki volunteers weekly and has digitised the climate logs
“Essra has digitalised the climate logs and we’ve been in a position to get these up on the web site – there have been fairly a couple of years lacking,” Kelly mentioned. “She’s now moved on to digitising a few of the archives.
Isabella Hughes volunteers as library assistant within the Observatory and on stargazing evenings
“Isabella is hoping to go to Queen’s College subsequent 12 months, which makes use of the identical library system as we do at AOP, so she might probably get a part-time job with them whereas finishing her research.
“It’s wonderful work that they’re doing they usually adore it. It’s given them new abilities and given them a little bit of expertise for once they go on to school.”
The programme additionally attracts graduates looking for to construct portfolios. A current animation and design graduate is making ready to start volunteering, contributing inventive content material for the Planetarium’s dome reveals; an instance of how numerous talent units are being built-in into AOP’s work.
Zoe McFarland volunteers three days every week creating content material for the dome
Equally vital is the contribution of grownup volunteers, lots of whom dedicate important time every week. “One has accomplished 300 hours and one other has carried out 500,” Kelly famous. “They’re cataloguing archives, writing papers, attending conferences. The influence they’re making is tangible – you’ll be able to see it.”
For some, volunteering represents a chance to pursue long-held pursuits. “For these grownup volunteers, that is one thing they’d have beloved to have carried out years in the past. Now they’re in a position to commit the time.”
The vary of roles accessible for volunteers at AOP is in depth. They might help within the café, assist reception, contribute to academic supplies, and even tackle public talking duties, sharing the story of house exploration with guests. One volunteer just lately created a pop-up exhibition on a former director and astronomer in simply three months.
“There’s every thing happening,” Kelly mentioned.
As June approaches, the programme is getting into its busiest interval. Work expertise placements will peak, and a brand new digital initiative in partnership with Futures For All will lengthen alternatives to college students throughout the UK – a transfer which Kelly feels “opens up AOP to college students who may not be capable to journey”.
To coincide with Volunteer Week 2026, AOP is planning a particular celebration occasion. Volunteers previous and current will likely be invited again for a night of recognition, together with certificates displays, refreshments and a dome present, with senior employees in attendance. Above all else, it’s a chance to say thanks and recognise the efforts of those that have given up their time for AOP.
Regardless of the rise in volunteers, Kelly emphasises that the decision for volunteers stays open and versatile.
“It’s good to have several types of volunteers,” she mentioned. “Some commit weekly, some are available for initiatives, others for particular occasions. If anybody is , simply get in contact – it’s so simple as that.”
Wanting forward, Kelly sees continued potential for growth and influence. At its core, she believes, the success of volunteering at AOP lies within the distinctive nature of the establishment itself.
“AOP is such an iconic place and it’s very distinctive,” she mentioned. “You may have training, curiosity and analysis, all of it works collectively so nicely.”
