Shouldn't be a problem with going to the HOW night. My impression is that visitors who are astronomy enthusiasts are welcome, it's the ones who ask "what's a star?" 10 times and/or then spill their beer which they brought on your scope which we don't get along with too well. Have a chat to Chris (president) or Jacquie (runs HOW night) at the meeting tonight.
And yeap, quite normal to only get there at 8pm, that's what I'd do.
There's a 60% chance I might be at the HOW night on Friday, have to see how things go with the invitations
Roger.