STONE FETE 1 July 2012 with the Iconic Legion supporting Vader's Lost

Stone Fete in conjunction with Cherished Memories and Vader's Lost and Iconic Legion

Pam Rose and I had the greatest pleasure to be asked by Steve Smith of Vader's Lost and Iconic Legion to attend this event in Stone, near Dartford Kent. The weather was a typical English affair - mid-summer rain, cloud, and occasional sun, but it made no difference to the day, with a great turnout locally and all for a great cause - Cherished Memories  run by the irrepressible Suzette Abbott!

Ahh! The loneliness of the long-distance Jawa! lol.
 Young Tom Anderson heads out to do his worst! :)

We had a good turnout of costumers, all ready (even though more then a couple had just completed night shifts!) to get out there and mix with the crowds to collect as much as we could. The hero of the piece for me was Tom Anderson, the most junior of our troop, dressed as a Jawa. Tom is a great lad with a heart of gold and unending energy! Even in the pouring rain he was still out there collecting in his bucket!

The brochure of the charity, Cherished Memories.

The event got underway with an announcement from the music stage, onto which Pam, Clare Robson of the Iconic Legion and myself made little speeches of welcome and gave an explanation of what we were collecting for. Our trooping fellows lined up in front of us and, as they were introduced by Clare, were 'marked by Dale Who, a very mischievous Doctor Who, with his inflatable hammer! :)

Dale lends his unique touch to introductions!

As the day progressed, the cloud base descended, but we carried on collecting - especially Pam, whose style of charm/threat illicited a goodly bucket-load of change and notes! Pam has a way with words and some of them are quite surprising! :)

Pam and Adam Leishman as the ever popular Cyberman

On the Cherished Memories stall, I joined Suzette Abbott and her volunteers as they attracted a constant stream of people to the tombola. I was there to encourage the public to participate and provided signed photos to those that spent a lot. Even the Lady Mayor came and got the bit between her teeth..and won a prize! The local scout troops were there in numbers and I have seldom met so many well-behaved and polite children in the atmosphere of a fairground!

Dr Who, the Cyberman and Darth Vader provide an intriguing opening shot for a fantasy episode!

The collecting bucket...

In the end, the weather got the better of us, but not before we had raised in the region of £1,000!!! So, a heartfelt vote of thanks to all attending and to the people of Stone and Dartford, who turned out in such numbers!

The wonderful members of Iconic Legion and Vader's Lost - find them on Facebook!

The Dogs Trust, Shoreham Christmas Open Day

This looked-forward-to event was my first with the Iconic Legion - a group of great costumers of all disciplines - attending the Christmas Fayre of The Dogs Trust, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex.

Although only a small event, the trust is so worthwhile supporting, as it guarantees to never unnecessarily destroy any dog, rather, they will house and try to re-home all dogs in their care. The open day event was very well attended by the public and Trust supporters, who gave the Iconic Legion's trooping members a very warm and generous reception. I wanted to support their attendance, as I very much admire the work of the Trust, as well as support the Iconic Legion as their sole Honorary Member!

Many former rescue dogs came back to say hello - they all knew where the kennels were! LOL

I found myself placed in a chicane formed by my table and the only entry to the kennels, where the visiting public were able to visit their sponsored friends and prospective new owners could look for hopeful new canine family members... :) So, I was spoilt by the attention of every dog and owner in the building!

Just one of the beatiful dogs looking for new homes.

As the day passed, I was gratified that so many wanted to buy a bookmark or a photo as a Christmas present for family members, with all proceeds going to the Trust. I met some lovely people and especially a cutie called Henry pictured below.

Henry and Mum!

The Homing Centre is airy, nicely decorated and very welcoming, as well as the kennel block being beautifully designed - not a cage or bar to be seen! It was truly a delightful time I had there!

A celebratory glass of champers for the group after the public had left. The crutches in the foreground belong to the brave Adam Leishman, who had suffered a rusty nail through his foot, yet still managed to troop in his red and white Clonetrooper!

It had been arranged that we would all go to a gastro-pub for a meal after and so we headed for Shoreham High Street and the pub below...

The gastro-pub, the Crown and Anchor beside the estuary.

So, there we were - all stuffed full and giggled out in good company! I am so grateful to all present for allowing me to be there with them and I recommend to anyone who is either the owner of a canon or non-canon costume to join this group of lovely people! I'm already looking forward to the next time! :)