Return to the Star Wars Fan Fun Day - Burnley F.C.. May 3, 2010.

When Derek Lyons, an old friend and fellow veteran of Star Wars, called me and first mentioned that we might both be invited to appear as guests at this event, my imagination momentarily went haywire, as I imagined some sort of Star Wars-themed Jeux sans Frontieres/Spiele ohne Grenzen/It's Knockout event!!! My discombobulation was calmed, however, during a call from Neil Livesey, the affable, well-organised and indefatigable originator of this event!

The excellent event poster.

The day before the event, I picked up Derek and Pam Rose to drive up to Lancashire. The drive was fun with lots of chatter and the trademark of any get-together of actors - laughter! On arrival at our hotel we were met by other guests and immediately proceeded, as actors do, to turn the hotel bar into a Green Room and the laughter grew. There assembled were Dave Prowse, Jeremy Bulloch and his wife, Brian Muir and his wife, Paul Blake and Gerald Home as well as us three. In  due course, our numbers swelled further and we were taken to dinner.

Dave Prowse, myself, Brian Muir, Jeremy Bulloch, Derek Lyons, Paul Blake, Gerald Home with Neil Livesey and         Pam Rose in front, on the floor.

  The following day we were collected together and taken to the venue - the Burnley F.C. Football Club within whose stadium the event was to be held. Neil and his family and helpers had decorated the venue fantastically and we were stationed in a long line in front of picture windows overlooking the football pitch.

Pam Rose and Derek Lyons at their tables with the Burnley F.C. pitch in view behind them.

As the day proceeded, we and the very large crowd of visitors were entertained and amused by the costume groups from the 99th Garrison and the Rebel Alliance. The kids present, many in costume, had a whale of a time, offering combat with their toy lightsabers to Jedi and Stormtrooper alike - in fact anyone! LOL!!! I was particularly amused by one youngster - maybe 3 or 4 years old, who was fascinated by a Stormtrooper who had placed himself to guard me. He resisted moving until the little lad went for his crutch!!! I grabbed my ancient camera and made a shaky mpeg. of their interaction...

A young costumed Jedi challenges a Stormtrooper's resolve to stand firm...

Fearless...

...and not alone! :o)

We were kept pretty busy all day and ended the day with a charity auction, to which we had all contributed, followed by a group photo with some of the costumers and a reluctant Neil!

The guest line-up with costumers from the 99th Garrison and Rebel Legion. The final list includes from left to right: Pam Rose, Brian Muir, myself, John Chapman, Ted Western, Derek Lyons, Dave Prowse, Neil Livesey - organiser, Jeremy Bulloch, Tim Dry and Gerald Home.

The event was supported by an extensive selection of stall-holders and exhibitors, much enjoyed by the visitors. I am very grateful to Neil, as are all the guests for his great efforts to entertain and look after us all! Furthermore, a huge vote of thanks to Neil, his wife and family, supporters and helpers and the assembled costumers for providing a great day out for all!