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My first telescope was a self made 6 inch reflector back in 1965 when in second year at Taroona High School in Hobart. I had been inspired by the views through another student's reflector and determined to build one myself. I ground the mirror in a cramped space under the family home. Dad helped with some fabrication and the building of an alt-az mount on a steel tripod.
It was quite successful and I remember many cold but enjoyable nights exploring the night sky. I entered the scope and my observations in the then BHP Science Talent Search and was fortunate enough to win one of the major prizes.
Unfortunately the scope was lost when our house and farm was destroyed by the 1967 bush fires. Then came a long break whilst at Uni, a career on the Australian mainland and a family. Astronomy is now quickly becoming my main interest having finished work. And yes I am setting out to build another reflector - the design is complete and work will start soon.
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