THANK YOU!

We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to each and every one of you for making ScopeX a reality on Saturday. It is only through the direct efforts of people like yourselves that it was possible for the event to succeed, and by all accounts it was a stupendous success. That you took the trouble to present yourselves, bring equipment (some rather bulky and/or delicate and thus difficult to move), risked exposure of your treasured possessions to the masses, patiently fielded questions from the public and generally spread enthusiasm, is truly appreciated. We believe that the event has done a lot to promote our Society and we hope as a result to have an influx of new blood that will ensure the perpetuation of our organisation.

For a small Society, this was a big endeavor. Thus far, the feedback has only been good. We may rightly be proud and pleased that we managed to draw the biggest ever number of paying bodies on one day to the Museum, with over 1000 visitors attending. Demetri Friend, the Assistant Director for the Museum, who was present from 8h00 until 22h00 when the last group left, said the Museum will be very happy to host the event again. From our side, it was an ideal venue in all respects and we are already looking forward to the next such event.

Initial feedback from the commercial exhibitors is very positive and they have asked to be included in the next event. It was also very pleasing to hear positive comments from the public, coupled to enquiries as to when the next event is planned for. Even the Museum Cafe owner was very unhappy to hear we will not be having a ScopeX at least once a month as he also did very well on the day.

YOUR VIEWS PLEASE

We plan to put a short report together on the lessons learnt on Saturday. So, while the day is still relative fresh on your mind, please let me have your views on where we went wrong, what we did right, what we should maybe include for next time. Please drop us a note and/or join us for a brainstorming session at the telescope making class on Saturday.

Based on comments from the public, an idea has started to surface of maybe having a regular Star Party combined with an auditorium show at the same venue. Would you support such an idea? If so, how often do you feel should such a session be held?

T-SHIRTS, SWEAT SHIRTS, CAPS

Please contact Lerika ( 082 650 8002 or lerika@icon.co.za ) if you would like to buy any of the left-over items, which are selling at essentially cost prices

SPECIAL OPTICS

We will take the selection of optics donated by Eloptro to the telescope making class. There are many pieces that it would be interesting to experiment with, or just play with for educational effect. You are welcome to scratch through them and take what you want, but please make a nominal donation to the Society's coffers.

NEXT ASSA MONTHLY MEETING

Please note that the June meeting will be held at the Planetarium when we plan a special show on the Splendour of the Southern Sky. ALL ( including visitors / non-members ) ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Regards, and thanks again,

Chris Stewart & Lerika Cross