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I am looking for some parts from a Skywatcher Dob base if you happen to have scrapped one. We use these as loan scopes and members have lost the handles that screw through the side bearings plus the plastic grommet that goes into the outside of this hole. ours are the 200P version but I think the parts are the same on the 150 and 250 versions. Many thanks, Linton

A very high quality build! All the attention to detail will pay off, this Observatory will last for decades. Well done Kevin, looking forward to seeing the finished structure. All the best, Linton

Hire a car and drive up to the parking area near the Rocks of Garcia. If you take the longer route it's an easy drive. Remember it will be much cooler up there even on a summers evening so go prepared! Have fun! There are several pull off spots if you don't want to go all the way up.

Pm sent re 17.3mm

Very bright pass of the ISS in a beautiful dawn sky yesterday. Bedford Park has some great mature specimen trees including several Giant Redwoods. Hopefully the image captures the scene. A great way to start the day. Click on the image for better resolution. Linton

Plastic Keter sheds are great! No condensation or maintenance. I haven't tried removing the roof but for a dob its just a couple of steps outside and you are in business.

Thank you for clearing something up for me! I remember watching Sir PM in the early 1960s and I thought it was during Children's Hour but I could not remember the name of the programme. It must have been Seeing Stars, I know I was too young in those days to be able to stay up for The Sky at Night. I wonder if any video tapes exist of those early shows? They certainly got me hooked for life. Thanks for reviving some happy memories. Linton

I have heard mutterings this exam may not be offered in the future following the present review of GCSE. It would be a great shame as I know many have found it very worthwhile. Linton

Many congratulations, I am certain you will enjoy the event, looking forward to seeing the image. Linton

Looks great! How have they fixed it to the slabs? And is there any special gasket to seal it to the slabs or just silicone sealer? Internal pictures would be great Enjoy!!

Having seen a Nexstar 6se in action I have to say I was quite impressed with both the goto function and the optics. An improvement on a Meade ETX 125 for general observing, more light grasp and shorter f ratio. The Meade may have the edge on planetary detail. If you want a compact goto scope and can find one at the price you quote, then I don't think you would be disappointed. New price from FLO is £789 and I doubt there is a cheaper supplier? Linton

But when you do get the chance to observe from a dark site with a 12" or above and you see the spiral structure of M51 then you are hooked! The only problem is it is so disappointing when you get home to your light polluted garden and try looking at the the same object.

The Ladybird book of the night sky! I was given mine around 1967, great images and fondly remembered.

We had a great time at Sixpenny Handley a few years back, I just want to check these dates are correct as Full Moon is October 8th? All the best, Linton