Hi all!
thanks for the replies, everyone. Been incommunicado for a couple of days.
The C5 may be a bit pricey- she is only my sister, after all...
the refractor may be an option, although I take on board mental4astro's comments.
I quite like the idea of converting a 114mm reflecor to a dob. thanks for the tip on that. Do you find the small reflectors require frequent collimation? I know it is not hard but...
you have all given me some good ideas...
cheers,
DJDD