Lyn Watts and Jess Woods met on Monday so Jess could show Lyn the painting she did of the photo Lyn’s mum took on 31st October 1961.
The Dish has inspired many young people to follow a career in science, but 15-year-old Jess Woods from Parkes was inspired to create something artistic for the 60th anniversary of the telescope.
Jess used a photo taken on the actual opening day of the Parkes Radio Telescope on 31st October 1961 for her unique painting. The photograph was taken by Jo McKeowen from Bogan Gate featuring her two children Donal (7) and Lyn (5).
Jess’s mum Sharon saw the image on Facebook as the pro-file photo of the page Parkes in Photos of Years Gone Past. They made contact with Lyn and asked her permission to use the photo for the painting. Lyn was very excited and gave Jess her blessing.
In finalising her painting Jess received some guidance from her art teacher in Trundle, Cheree Stokes. Jess was very keen to enter her painting for the creative competition that formed part of the 60th celebrations, but unfortunately entries were only accepted of people 16 years and older.
Lyn Watts (née McKeowen) with John Sarkissian at The Dish on Monday just before the 60th celebrations. They are standing a bit closer to the telescope but at the same angle as the original photo taken by Lyn’s mum at the opening in 1961 that Lyn is showing on her mobile phone.
Lyn was so keen to see the final product that she and her husband, who live in Cessnock, made a special detour on their travels to come to Parkes and meet Jess and visit The Dish again.
On Monday Lyn first met with Jess. “I think the painting is just great. It should be displayed at The Dish.” Jess promised to keep in touch and to let Lyn know where the painting ends up as it is for sale. Lyn then visited The Dish as the 60th anniversary celebrations were getting underway. “It’s been a while since I was here last more then 15 years ago when we brought our children.”
Lyn met John Sarkissian, Operations Scientist at the Parkes Telescope. John showed Lyn where they photo was taken and they posed for another from about the same spot where her mother took the photo 60 years before.
By Maggi Barnard
This is the original photo taken by Jo McKeowen at the opening of Parkes Telescope in October 1961. Lyn was 5 (turned six in November) and Donal her brother was 7.