Westerdale Event 2026

Our annual visit to Westerdale is scheduled for Friday, 2nd October, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Westerdale Village Hall and car park. Plan A is a short indoor presentation followed by outdoor observations, weather permitting, as happened last year. 

The occasion will be tinged with sadness following the death of Westerdale grandee and WDAS stalwart John Randles last January. We nevertheless hope to welcome some familiar faces. 

Refreshments will be available in the village hall—a welcome option if it is chilly outside. Members who can assist should contact Mark Dawson. We expect to leave Whitby at about 6:30pm and arrive shortly after 7pm.

Fryup Star Night

Following an approach earlier this year, WDAS members will support a new event at Fryup Village Hall on 16th October, starting at 7:30pm. The format will likely be similar to Westerdale, with an indoor presentation followed by outdoor observations, weather permitting.

Whitby Youth Hostel Events

Following several successful events at Whitby Youth Hostel in recent years—often without outdoor observations—we will return twice this October. The first event is on Saturday, 24th October, and the second on Wednesday, 28th October. Both start at 7pm and are expected to finish at around 9pm.

The format will follow previous visits: a short introductory talk, a ‘Star Walk’, observations if conditions permit, and a closing presentation. Outdoor activities will depend on the weather and probably have the backdrop of Whitby Abbey’s Halloween light display assuming observations are from the WYH garden.

Members wishing to help should contact Mark. Two parking spaces are usually reserved at the hostel.