Newbie Question

Hi All,
just to put you in the picture regarding my skills (Please don't
flame)

I'm based in the UK and have NO prior machining knowledge!
I have stumbled across various websites that show plans for making a
DIY CNC machine. I'm interested in this kind of project for 2
reasons:-

1) I'm into computers and enjoy playing around and making stuff work!
2) I'm currently making a robotic telescope and some of the parts
will need to be fabricated out of aluminium/wood, and I would like
to do this myself! (plus CNC is cool!)

But here's my problem....
I'm a newbie to all of this, can someone suggest a good starting
point for me to jump in the deep end? I pick things up quickly but
just need a nudge in the right direction.

Also are there any UK resources, I have seen some of the plans will
not be shipped outside the US/Canada due to parts availablility.

I will be looking to make the machine from scratch that can take a
router/dremel type tool, rather than retro fit any sort of machine
tools