The Widescreen Centre is a family owned and run business and has remained so since starting out in 1971. We are fully independent and deal with all the major brands in our specialists' areas. We are not a high-pressure sales organisation as we have no quotas to fill. Our emphasis is on customer service backed up with the quality not only of our products but our expertise and our after-sales service. Whether you are a beginner, seeing to upgrade, or want the latest and the best equipment for your pursuits, it is in our interests to help you make a fully-informed choice - as we want to see you again!

Things have come a remarkably long way in the world since The Widescreen Centre started out 38 years ago. For example, amateur astronomers are today routinely publishing better astrophotographs than the Hubble space telescope was taking when it was launched.

But at the same time, the world is changing - the practicalities - and the opportunities - of owning and using such equipment as part of a modern lifestyle have changed beyond recognition. People travel more. The pace of life has increased. Opportunities for hobbies and recreational activities have to be 'grabbed', requiring equipment which is always at hand.

Help is at hand - here at Widescreen our impartial experts will help you choose the equipment that you need to enjoy and to progress in your area of interest. We only deal with the quality brands. So unbiased, expert advice in all of our areas is yours for the asking. We can advise you on and recommend the right combination of products for your needs. Mix and match from a very wide and diversifying range of quality products & innovative ideas.

Visit our showroom and see major brands side by side or visit our website and browse and shop online. We are here to answer questions if you need us.

We attend all major exhibitions and events (see a partial list below) and hold specialist in-house Open Days on a regular basis. See our website for updates & news items.

The Widescreen Centre: Covering the full spectrum of telescopes & binoculars, screens & projectors, 3D, 8mm cine and life in HD in the 21st Century - and much, more besides.

 Meet the staff

Dr. Simon Bennett - Telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, 3D & VR and company MD.

My interest in astronomy started at the age of 8 in the summer of 1971. My sister married and moved to America and my first US visit was to an Air Force Base in California. That summer,  Mars was at a very close opposition, Apollo 15 was on the Moon, and I got to ride in an F111 simulator. That was it -I wanted to go to the Moon!

Simon with Sir Patrick Moore on the set of BBC 'The Sky At Night'

Progressing from a 60mm refractor through Fullerscopes 6" and 8 3/4" reflectors, I started writing to Patrick Moore, and in 1975 was invited to his house, the first of many visits over the years. I went to UCL to do Astronomy & Physics and ended up with a degree in Geophysics. I went on to a field-based Geology PhD still with intention of going into space. However I got drawn into the oil industry & was there for several years at the end of the 80s, eventually going back to work in Academia.

It was during this time that I started to visit the local Astronomy store, The Widescreen Centre. One day I went in and my predecessor had quit. Within a week it was all signed, sealed & delivered. I started work August Bank Holiday Weekend in 2003.

Again, Mars was at a very close opposition and I knew straight away that I had found my ideal job. The last 6 years has seen Widescreen grow from the entry-level end of the telescope market to one of the UK's premier retail Astronomy outlets - and the only one in London.

We live in fascinating times, and this is only the beginning. All we ask is that you check in with us once in a while, to see what we are up to. We may have a few surprises for you. Who knows, we may have exactly what you have been looking for.....

Elena Kostyaeva - Screens & projectors, Opera glasses, 8mm cine processing, import/export and company Director.

Elena has extensive experience in the optical business having started work at Zenit in Moscow, before going on to start her own company exporting Russian optical devices all over the world including the UK. So, her product knowledge as well as her business skills are what make Widescreen run smoothly.

Elena with Simon and William Yang from William Optics.

Ethan Hayes Kalemjian - telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, shipping

Ethan is a long-time amateur astronomer and one-time customer of The Widescreen Centre, and is at the front line of our astronomy department. Whatever your astronomy needs, Ethan will be able to guide you through it.

Daniel Astbury - telecine, 8mm film & processing

Daniel joined the company in 2005 and is our telecine expert, transferring all your 8mm film onto digital formats. He is also one half of Astbury Films, together with brother Jake, and is active in film making - we only employ real hands-on experts here at Widescreen. It may well be Daniel who answers the phone if you call us. Whatever your enquiry, you are in safe hands.

 Our Friends:-

Andy Green, Stardome Planetarium www.stardomeplanetarium.co.uk Andy is a roving astronomy & space lecturer and we usually catch up at Star parties, although Andy & I recently went to meet Michael Light at the 'Full Moon' exhibition at nieghbouring Atlas Gallery in Dorset Street. An expert on the Apollo Moon landings, Andy probably will make it into space someday.

Richard Day, Skylight Telescopes www.skylightelescopes.co.uk Richard is London's expert in antique and second hand telescopes, and in additon to putting business each others' way we have worked together at exhibitions. If you want a valuation on an old telescope you have at home, Richard is the one to speak to.

Gordon Haynes astrophotographer www.imagingtheheavens.co.uk Gordon is the one who has provided us with the remarkable astrophotos that we use in our advertising and publicity, and he is also a regular visitor and helps us with Astrofest and the major Star Parties. If you are feeling brave, see the 'astronomical jokes' section on his website....

Star Parties and Events

We are regualr attendees at the following regular Star Parties and events and encourage any and all interested parties to attend if at all practical

Autumn Equinox Star Party at Kelling Heath in Norfolk NR25 7HW, organised by Loughton Astronomical Society and the Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA). See www.starparty.org.uk

Spring Equinox Star Party at Kelling Heath in Norfolk NR25 7HW, organised by Norwich Astronomical Society. See www.starparty.org

- visit the website of the beautiful campsite and grounds of Kelling Heath, an amazing place to visit at any time of year www.kellingheath.co.uk

Kielder Star Camp in Northumberland 55:13:58 North; 02:35:32 West. A superb event in a stunning dark-sky location in darkest Northumberland, organised by the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society. See www.richarddarn.demon.co.uk/starcamp