thanks guys all advice appreciated!
i live in eltham north Paddy and will check out that link
those other links gave me a better idea of what i'm after Eric. although i don't understand all the telescope terms i get the gist of what they do. i am probably after a newtonian dob as it sounds the best overall for a beginner. i'm willing to spend a fair bit for qaulity optics and mounting.
the event in november sounds great, but i can't commit to it now due to work and will definitely think about it.
i'm just so keen to get into it
thanks again