Our new class got underway at Parktown Boys High school in the middle of January with about 12 "students" and is progressing very well. One of the students has almost completed his mirror and a couple of others are nearly there. Despite the fact that one guy almost set his school alight while melting resin to make a lap, John Scott has been his usual accommodating self and helped us tremendously.

Gerhard Koekemoer ( in picture with his home built 'scope ) and Rob Kelly are busy cutting gears and building motor drives for their Dobsonian telescopes, something that none of our members has ever attempted before.

We look forward to seeing the finished product. Plans for this motor drive can be obtained on the internet at Mel Bartel’s home page.

Gerhard has helped us by having some copies of the handbook photocopied and scrounging some lenses from old photocopiers.

As some of the students finish their mirrors and start making the other bits and pieces for their telescopes we will have room for other students to join the class. So if you are interested in making a telescope, or perhaps feel motivated to finish that mirror you started 10 years ago, come and join us.

Brian Fraser.