[ngcles]

Hi David & Carl,

Yes it is very sad that Nick is going and he is the last of the "old-brigade" to go. When I say old-brigade, I mean those who were at the obs when it was a working research observatory prior to its re-opening as a public observatory.

There are several academically qualified people with masters levels and PHds who work at the obs in the daytime (and a several at night too), but I don't think they are looking at filling Nick's job with someone else at least for the present.

The announcement of Nick's pending retirement was very low-key. In fact, it was so low-key I missed it and didn't know he was going till Stuart Gary (producer of Star-Stuff) told me on the phone about five weeks ago.

I went to the send-off in the grounds of the Obs last week. In the attached photo (I took) you can see Dr Nick being suitably lauded and farewelled by Fred Watson.

I don't think Nick will be doing much by way of observing in his retirement -- he's moving to Melbourne ...


Best,

Les D