It all started in November 2005 when I was asked the question "What do you fancy for Christmas this year?, Well at nearly sixty there is not a lot I haven't done, from flying private aircraft to collecting stamps, from sub aqua diving to  pot holing. "What did I fancy for Christmas!"

I know something to do with the stars, well its better than a pair of socks or another shirt.

Christmas day arrived and I was expecting the usual but to my a surprise two books were in my sack (bin liner a small bin liner at that!) A book on Mars from the grandson and an Encyclopaedia of the Universe from my wife.

After the chaos of the Christmas and Boxing Day family get together, I finally sat down and started to read. I was awestruck, by the complexity of it all and the wonderment of how insignificant our little plot (earth) is in the big picture. the photographs and explanations were magnificent "I Must Have A Telescope!" was the next request for my birthday in January 2006, which came three weeks early when I saw a 2" refractor in a local shop the next day for £21.00.

Look out Andromeda here I come "wherever that is I haven't got a clue at this point but it sounded good".

Next The Telescope experience