Sci Fi South Collectors - July 2, 2011 at Eastleigh, Southampton.

Due to the fact that I have been working on a film, I was unable to travel down and stay the night before, so Pam Rose and myself drove down on the day in record time. I was up at 3.30 a.m., in order to shift the old carcass through the shower and get the first train to Victoria, where I had arranged with Pam to meet. My grateful thanks to Pam for her fantastic driving and cheerful company, as always!

On arrival. we bumped immediately into David Tarrant, the organiser of the event, who dropped everything to conduct us through two large halls to our tables and set his helpers to look after us with food and drinks. Much appreciated indeed David - thank you!

David Tarrant and pilot.

As the doors opened, a flood of people came through and the main hall was soon teeming with visitors! There was an excellent selection of traders and the Milton Keynes Garrison of the 501st and the Galactic Knights were also in attendance, with many other droid owners and costumed characters. Of course, the kids were in seventh heaven with so much to see and I felt slightly sorry for the parents and their wallets! LOL

Peter Roy and the swelling crowds. Colin Baker beyond Peter.

Pam was presented with an Honorary membership certificate by the Milton Keynes Garrison and Kay Power Mcgowan, on her first signing ever, was kept hard-pressed by collectors and fans alike! I knew you would enjoy it Kaye! :)

Pam receiving her certificate from the MKG and Ted Western signing beyond.

The only point detracting from the event was the heat in the hall, due mainly to such a press of flesh - I am sure that better air-con would have made it more comfortable for all attending. But, that in itself is testimony to the popularity of the show!

The solar-powered waving Queen I had first shown in Stockholm came again to display her support of the 501st, but unfortunately I couldn't find her original helmet, so a substitute had to be found - a tad large, but you have to admit that she's a trooper! LOL

I had great fun chatting with the kids and their parents, as well as the fans and other guests. One young man who made an impression was a lad called Willis Clarke! He was full of enthusiasm and his Mum was dead proud of him, as he had been featured singing on http://www.madametussauds.com/London/About/MerlinsMagicWand/Default.aspx, a charity for disadvantaged children. He and his brother found their way to every guest's table and got them to sign their toy lightsabres and, of course, walked away with many free photos signed! :) Great kids and a credit to their Mum!

David and his helpers were very solicitous and we were looked after handsomely. I managed to get a brief overview as I walked back from signing David's Millennium Falcon for him in the 2nd hall after lunch, where many of the static exhibits were to be found, including the Tardis, the Back to the Future DeLorean, a NY PD police car and the General Lee from Dukes of Hazard. There was also a reptile exhibit with some very pampered lizards! LOL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnK8GJOtGp4

 

Back into the main hall I turned on the camera again to catch the line-up of guests I passed on the way to my own table - and this but one side of the hall!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAjU9Y7dBP8

As the day progressed, many of the guests got up and took the chance to wander and see what was occurring. I had a visit from Dave Prowse in his wheelchair after surgery, who was looking very chirpy and happy to be back with the fans. It was such a pleasure to see him free fro pain at last! Jeremy Bulloch stopped by to talk to me about my forthcoming trip to Dallas and the Star Wars Fan Days Con organised by Ben Stevens and Official Pix and. There were interviews being conducted with guests for the organiser's website and when it came to Barrie Holland's turn, Richard Bonehill came over frequently as he was timing Barrie in his effusive talk, offering the loud and cheery advice that the camera was losing the light! Nothing phased Barrie, though! As I have said before - a consumate professional! :)

So, a hearty congratulations to David and his team for putting on a bigger and even better event than last year, with a great atmosphere and laughter! The fans will look forward to and flock to the next, without any doubt!!!

Star Wars Weekend, Taastrup Medborgerhus, Taastrup, Denmark, May 2011.

The final poster for this much-anticipated event.

At last, the much-anticipated event for which I had been waiting was upon us - the Dansk Star Wars Loge's May weekend event in Taastrup, outside Copenhagen!!!

More photos will be added as I gain permission from those pictured to post them...

As those of you who have read of my attendance last year may remember, I had an absolute ball there in 2010 in the company of Toby Philpott and Gerald Home. Hosted by Michael HR Nielsen, Per Valgreen and Henrik Berndt, we all agreed we had one of the best convention experiences of the year! I am delighted to report that this year's was better still!!!

I was in the company of Nick Gillard - Stunt Arranger on the Prequels, Pam Rose - the sultry seductress Leesub Sirln of the Cantina in ANH and Richard Bonehill - all-round good egg and who should sign photos as - Richard Bonehill is Everybody Else!, as he played several different characters both masked and unmasked in the original Trilogy. Unfortunately, we were missing the company of John Coppinger, who had to cancel at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. He will be attending a subsequent event in October!

Pam Rose, Nick Gillard, Alan Flyng & Richard Bonehill. Dansk Star Wars Loge Weekend, May 2011.

I think Nick, Pam and Richard were bowled over by the amazingly generous and friendly welcome offered to us and the food......fabulous!!! Our joint thanks to the indefatigable Pia and her team!!!

As last year, I had offered to participate in the opening parade through the main street of Taastrup on the first day of the show, but this year decided to come as a more appropriate 17th century Town Crier. With my breeches and waistcoat, jabot and tricorn, caped surcoat and bell, I do make a rather unmistakeably large and imposing figure, even though I say so myself! I was likened to The Black Pearl in full sail! Not a bad analogy in truth, as I was pretty unstoppable! :D

Darth Vader and 'Daft Ada' leading the parade out into the streets...

 

Attendance in general was slightly down this year, due no doubt to the depressive nature of our mutual economic conditions in most European countries - but only slightly. The show covered it's costs and raised the requisite funds to enable the flights for next time's guests to be flown in. There are not many club events these days that can claim that! So, my heartiest congratulations to Michael, Per, Henrik and the team, again!!!

The excellent Michael HR Nielsen, who hardly ever stands still long enough to have a picture taken!

Part of Per Valgreen's Stormtrooper collection of action figures and collectables, displayed in my honour.

Amongst the events planned were two display events hosted by Nick, to do with the use of weapons used in fighting in Star Wars. These went down very well, especially with the youngsters!!! An auction of signed items and donated goods raised another £500 or thereabouts and all items on the packed programme were well received.

Our Q & A at the end of the first day was well attended and could have run on and on, as we were having a great deal of fun and lively conversations at the guests' table, drawing more and more questions from the attending audience. Richard and I had not seen each other for over 25 years and Nick was a lad when I last saw him! Lots of very funny memories and anecdotes came hurtling into the arena from our addled brains! I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed it - I know we guests did! The Q & A had to be finally brought to a conclusion as the evening meal was ready and we had overrun!

Pam demonstrates her enduring love of picking up the odd stuntman! :-)))

The second day, although quieter than the first, still drew a good crowd. We were ably assisted throughout the event by troopers from the Rebel Legion, Shadow Legion and The Skywalker.dk Girls and other Costume and RP groups. Thier contribution to the event was huge and much appreciated by all! There was unfortunately only an unofficial presence from members of the 501st Nordic Garrison, but I am personally very, very grateful for their coming and proudly wearing shirts and badges of the Garrison!!! Thank you all!

Amongst the traders present was a selection of excellent stands selling toys, memorabilia, autographs from a splendid Swedish dealer, and assorted exhibits scattered throughout the building. Michael and gang never fail to draw anything but the best exhibitors and this year was no exception. Special thanks to Autografer.net and Sebastians Toys for their great contributions to the success of the show!

As I explained to a visiting journalist from one of Denmark's biggest daily newspapers, this show is not like the huge commercial events that take place on occasion in Copenhagen, Stockholm or London. This is an incredibly well planned and focused attempt annually to stage a show arranged by fans for fans with actors and guests who enjoy mixing with the attendees and getting stuck-in with the running of the show. A real 3 Musketeers approach - all for one and one for all! This is not an event for grabbing the fan's money, but an opportunity to share the fun, interest and community spirit of true fans with whoever wants to come through those doors. That is what guarantees success and repeat visits from the public! The journalist confessed he had seldom seen guests so relaxed and mixing so freely with the public. I agreed and explained it was due to the great atmosphere created by Michael and his team as well as the professionals and enthusiasts all enjoying mixing together. He seemed quite surprised overall with what he found and went on walkabout for much longer than one would normally expect. I think he relaxed as well and decided to get into the groove!

I am over the moon with this award from Michael, Per and Henrik! Thank you so much!

Our thanks too to the staff of SAS for punctual flights and service!!!

So, my friends - keep your eyes peeled for the next show - probably October time - and bring your friends! There is enough to interest even the most jaded fan!

Upcoming shows...

In the coming couple of months there is a lot happening. Please click on links or posters to be taken to event home pages.

Next is a signing at ‎3 Darths Comics and the Harvey Centre, Harlow, who will be hosting another Sci-fi and Comic Book Weekend over the weekend of Saturday 30th April to Monday 2nd May 2011 !!

Guests include:

WARWICK DAVIS 30TH April only
BRIAN MUIR
RUSTY GOFFE
ALAN FLYNG 30th April only
DANNY JOHN JULES

More to follow...

Members of the 501st will be in attendance to entertain and collect in aid of the NSPCC and Make-A-Wish Foundation

Next up is the much anticipated show presented by Timeless Collectors  The TV, Film and Toy Collectors Event and will be held on the 14th May at Timeless Collectors, Mountbatten Leisure Center, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA

The Dorset Troopers and Southern Troopers will be in attendance entertaining the crowds and keeping the public and us, the guests, in line! LOL

Amongst those attending as guests are:

COLIN BAKER - DR WHO

RUSTY GOFFE - STAR WARS AND HARRY POTTER

LEE MCDONALD - GRANGE HILL

ERKAN MUSTAFA - GRANGE HILL

JOHN COPPINGER - STAR WARS

TOBY PHILPOTT - STAR WARS

PAM ROSE - STAR WARS

ALAN FLYNG - STAR WARS

DEREK LYONS - STAR WARS

JOHN CHAPMAN - STAR WARS

AND MORE...

This show promises to be very entertaining with lots for the public to see and do and a Mecca for families.

At the end of May (28th and 29th May), I am excited to announce I will be appearing again in Taastrup, outside Copenhagen,  for the excellent Michael Nielsen and Per Valgreen of Dansk Star Wars Loge, Denmark! The show is called Star Wars Weekend. The event is being held at Taastrup Medborgerhus, Hovedgade 71, Taastrup, Denmark.

This show is guaranteed to be one of the very best organised of the fan-based conventions of the year, as the organisers are well-known for their great attention to detail and unfailing hard work to guarantee a fun event. This will be a full weekend for the first time, with plenty to see and do, as well as two fight demonstrations presented by Nick Gillard, Stunt Arranger for the Prequel Star Wars films!!! There are five signing guests booked to the event:

JOHN COPPINGER - STAR WARS

NICK GILLARD - STAR WARS

PAM ROSE - STAR WARS

RICHARD BONEHILL - STAR WARS

ALAN FLYNG - STAR WARS.

We look forward to meeting you there and will be guarded and entertained by members of the 501st Nordic Garrison.

On the 11th June I will be in Stockholm, Sweden, with Derek Lyons, where we will be signing at The Science fiction, Fantasy and Horror Bookstore of Stockholm, Sweden , situated at Västerlånggatan 48, Gamla stan, Stockholm, Sweden. Derek and I will bring a good selection of photos for signing, but we also encourage anyone with their own items to bring them along too.

Further information can be found by visiting the shop's website or by contacting it by email or on Facebook.