I am thinking of buying as above, any recommendations.

I have been looking at these, seem quite good value and some recommended by Sir Patrick himself

http://www.opticalvision.co.uk/astronomical_telescopes/sky-watcher/newtonian_reflectors

IMO waste of money.

get the wife to puch you in the face if you want to see stars - it is the locost way.

Hi.

I'm no expert, but I do gaze at the occasional heavenly body.

I would say that for a first telescope you could do a lot worse.

Nowadays we see such fantastic pics on the internet, Hubble etc, that "garden" astronomy can be a little disappointing.
Most of the fun is in finding an object rather than what it looks like, but it is an interesting hobby.
Saying that, I have seen the rings of Saturn and the Great Red Spot etc. through my 6" refractor, a locost home made jobbie naturally.

If you wanted a pro opinion I could ask at my club. (Stour Astronomical Society, feel free to google.)
Not many can say they are a member of the SAS

HTH
Cheers
Paul G

Talk to these http://www.green-witch.com/

Ask for Lee - say that Colin from his other halves place sent you.