We will be asking Dr Nicholson of HartRAO to present a lecture at one of our meetings.

On the Saturday nearest New Moon at Tom Budge’s Farm in the Magaliesberg. Remember that this is by arrangement only as most observers will be following specific viewing programmes and if you don’t have your own ’scope, you should contact one of the observers ( e.g. at the monthly meeting ) to arrange some viewing time with them.

Jo'burg Centre Outings for 2000

Your Committee is making arrangements for several outings during the year. Amongst these are some old favourites as well as a couple of new ones which should prove interesting.

The proposed trip to Nylsvlei during the Winter months is currently encountering some difficulties - or should I say - we are encountering difficulties in contacting the rangers who control access to the reserve. We will keep you informed in this regard.

Boyden ( July/August timeframe ) is also looking a little dicey at present as we are having problems contacting the UOFS people who control access to the observatory.

We will also be looking at the possibility of arranging visits to other ASSA Centres ( e.g. the Pretoria Centre ) during the year - more information to follow.

We are also trying to set up an outing to the Aloe Ridge Observatory - this will cost R60-00 per head and includes dinner and an Astro-Presentation in the Gorge Restaurant. If you are interested, contact a committee member so that we may plan for this event.

Our overnight visit to Haartebeeshoek is going to be scheduled for the September/October timeframe. We will arrive there in the afternoon, have a small "tour", cook some supper and then spend the evening viewing through our telescopes. The accommodation is comfortable and inexpensive and the cooking facilities are clean and adequate for our needs.

Committee Meetings

Committee meetings are held at 17:30 on the Monday before the monthly general meeting. Please remember that any member, who has something to ask or contribute, is welcome to attend the committee meeting. The only stipulation is that you should please inform the Chairman of your intention in order to allow the committee members to prepare for your proposal/contribution.

This year's AGM and Bring 'n Braai

Last year we held a braai as part of our AGM and the smallish turnout notwithstanding, it was a quite successful. So going by the feedback we have received in this regard, it has been decided that the A.G.M. will be held at 19:00 on Saturday the 15^th of July in the Sir Herbert Baker Library.

Please note the earlier starting time of 19:00. The meeting will run between 19:00 and 20:00 and then we will retire to the Braai area to partake of whatever gastronomic delights we can create. The domes will also be opened for whomever is interested in viewing the wonders of the wintery night sky. With a bit of luck, we may be able to persuade Tony to open the 26" as well.

New Members

We would like to welcome the following new members:- Mark Jansen, William Doepel and Dorin Fermo. Greetings to all of you, and we wish you clear skies.

Telescope Making Classes

Would you like to make your own telescope?…or finish off a partially finished one? Well your opportunity has arrived (once again). Join the Telescope Making Class being held under the guidance of Brian, Evan and Chris. Contact Brian on 803-8291 if you are interested.