[Glenhuon (Bill)]

I believe the local state school here in Coota has an (unused) observatory, just been waiting for the opportunity to talk to someone who has knowledge of it. I'm sure it just needs someone to have the time to get it back in operation. There is no doubt about the greater affordability of telescopes and imaging equipment, when I got my first telescope (and still have it, I'm a Scot, never part with anything LOL) a 25mm 1" Kelner eyepiece cost me $70. I could now buy a usable plossl for 2/3 of that. Listening to younger folks around there is no doubt that the interest in space and astronomy has grown, probably through the internet but also there seems to be more about it in the news on TV and print. Talking with my partners daughter (13) I was quite pleased with how much astronomy comes into the science lessons at her school, something that was sadly lacking in my day. The amateur astronomer is here to stay, and will I think continue to make increasing contributions to our knowledge of the universe.