Star Wars Weekend II, City 2, Taastrup, Denmark. 22 & 23 October 2011.

Of all the places I have been privileged to visit, Copenhagen is right at the top! I have been so fortunate to make so many good and true friends there, that the prospect of another visit gives me another goal to look forward to!

Here you see only half the space!

Michael Nielsen and Per Valgreen have moved their event up a notch this Autumn with the move into the City 2 Center outside Copenhagen, affording them ten times the space that the previous venue offered. Also, they had decided to have a larger group of signers for the public including John Coppinger, Simon J. Williamson, Anthony Forrest, Chris Muncke, Alan Harris and myself.

The view in front of our tables.

Our arrival at Kaastrup airport was heralded by a flurry of wheelchairs squeaking, as the geriatric actors emerged from customs to the welcoming smiles of Per and Michael. What a sight we must have been! A convention of 'Ironside' enthusiasts!!! LOL.  We went straight to the venue to set out our stalls in preparation for the Saturday opening. The size of the venue was a surprise, even though Michael had previously posted views of the empty space on Facebook. But there were many dealers, merchants and costuming groups with table displays which made the whole space make sense when people came to visit.

The view to the other end.

Michael and Per had also brought elements from their private collections to make an impressive display of memorabilia in the front display window for all passersby to see and attract them in. As we have come to expect of their superb planning, the show was already covered by having been open to something like 1,500 children during the week and their modest entrance price paid for the entire event! So, the Saturday and Sunday openings with us present signing was icing on the cake and is an example of how such events ought to be conducted.

The exterior window display housing a combination of items from Michael and Per's private collections of artifacts.

 That evening, we went as a group to eat together in the center, where many of us ordered Plankebøf.– steak served on a wooden platter surrounded by piped mash potatoe and a sauce of choice. Absolutely delicious and totally Danish!!!!

Plankebøf. Num num!!!

Arriving at the hotel, we had all been checked-in in advance by Michael and were able to relax and have a coffee and chat before going straight to bed. Next morning, we had a delicious and comprehensive choice of breakfast dishes to choose from and were all on top form when picked up to be taken back to the venue. It was immediately apparent that all the hard work by these two enterprising and lovely people was going to pay off, as a constant stream of visitors passed through the doors. And I was doubly gratified to be greeted by so many friends from previous visits, including the newly rejuvenated Kenn Henriksson, who had already undergone the same surgical intervention I am awaiting, and has lost an impressive 100 lbs!!! Congratulations to Kenn - can’t wait!!!

During the course of the first day, a well guarded secret became public – Alan Harris was finally to be inducted as an Honorary Member of the 501st! This was very much overdue and truly deserved, as Alan is undoubtedly one of the most popular veterans of Star Wars, having played many characters, but is chiefly known for his portrayal of Bossk – The Bounty Hunter. Magnus Mueller – The Orange Charity Gunner and member of the German Garrison - had nominated Alan and the perspex plaque was engraved and ready for presentation. The rest of us are already Honorary Members and so it was with huge pleasure that we all piled in to support Alan as he received his award. I may be wrong, but I believe this is the largest number of Honorary Members present in any Danish venue together. It was wonderful also to have some members of the Nordic Garrison in attendance to welcome the new member to the fold.

The assembled cast of ne'er-do-wells and some of the excellent costumiers present too.

 In addition, My friend Rune Thestrup, also of the Nordic Garrison and founder of the Danish V -group, honored me with the presentation of a certificate. I am supportive of all and any costuming groups – canon and non-canon – who dedicate themselves to furthering the costuming community and charitable works. So, their attendance was also cheering to see, as they had supported the show earlier in the year at the old venue along with other groups.

The excellent members of the V costume group commanded by my friend Rune Thestrup.

Another, much anticipated visitor was Mieszko Kenic, who traveled down from Stockholm especially to meet his Facebook friends, and whom I had already met at the SciFi Bokhandel in Gammla Stad, Stockholm, in June.  Mieszko is an avid autograph collector and was in seventh heaven to have the assembly willing to sign photos and figures for him. Mieszko tends to record every moment of his encounters and post them , so you will no doubt see his Mpegs on YouTube! :)

Avid Star Wars fan, Mieszko Kenic from Stockholm.

But, to be honest, the biggest buzz I get is meeting the next generation. The kids all start out the same way – whispering in their parent’s ear or hiding behind them peering at me. But after a couple of minutes their natural exuberance takes over and they are in full flood! Kids are great! That is why I like smaller shows in general – the chance to chat, answer questions, share experiences and get to know my fellow fan. Corny, but there you are! J Roll on my next visit!

At the end of the second highly enjoyable day. We all look forward to the next chance to meet the fans from Denmark again!

Star Wars Fan Days 8 & 9 October, Irving Conference Center

 

After an impossibly early start Friday morning to get to Heathrow at an early hour, a 10 hour flight to Dallas and then a **** hour bar crawl in the excellent company of Zach Taylor McGinnis and friends, I was finally there - bright-eyed (well, slightly red actually, LOL) and bushy-tailed, at my table in the Irving Conference Center. I had been placed between Dicky Beer on my left and Jon Berg on my right. We were ranged along a long back wall of the center with exhibitors in row after row of trader alleys in front of us. I have actually jumped ahead, so let's get back to Friday, the travel day...

Actually, Friday was a hoot! Zach took me home to meet the significant other in his life - his Star Wars collection, or at least a very small part of it! Boy, is he a serious collector!!! Truly amazing things! Then out for a Tex-Mex meal, which I could unfortunately not get past more than a couple of mouthfuls, as it was so sweet and rich! I know, I look like I eat horses whole, but I honestly do not eat that much - it's the way I am built (some say like a brick s**t house - fair comment!). And then off to visit a couple of bars. That was fun!!! I loved the cowboy bar with the two-step dance floor heaving with all types of dancers and in all sorts of styles! And above all else, fantastically friendly and funny people. Who says Americans don't get irony? Come to Dallas!!!

Under the afternoon sun, just short of 92 F.

Zach, in yellow, with two friends and me at the cowboy bar.

Everyone was really lovely and I was quite taken with the two-step dancing to be seen on the dance floor! Some of those guys can dance!!! I was equally taken by the cheerleaders dispensing favours and lending their friendly selves to being photographed with me! Not a sight you see that often in London! LOL

It's a hard life but someone has to do it! :D

Next day, after waking early, I poured out of bed and into the shower, convinced the heat of the previous day had dispersed. Silly me! I forgot I left the air con on - how British! :). I was awfuly glad I had remembered to pack some Yorkshire Tea!!! The temperature was again in the top 80's outside and as I stepped out and took a deep breath I realised there were spots of rain. But no time to enjoy, as it was time to go to the Irving Conference Center - the venue for this year's event - and get set up. Our lovely drivers took us in hand and pointed us to the badge desk and there, ranged to it's right lay the Official Pix prints for the show, all laid out. Having received my badge and been shown my table position on a floor plan, I hauled myself and case into the hall. Row after row after row of traders, merchandisers and exhibitors lay between me and my table, but I found it straight away and met my first of four helpers, who were to take monies and generally look after me over the two days. I was treated with such friendliness and courtesy that I have to say I am extremely impressed with the hospitable nature of all I encountered! Certainly I was at ease in no time. Once I had arranged the table the way I liked and positioned my solar-powered Queen Elizabeth in the centre with her Stormtrooper helmet on her fist and waving at the visitors, I felt ready for all-comers.

The day kicked off with the VIP passes and I started with a queue. Although there was a major American Football game on that day; the Texas State Fair over that weekend and an important baseball game on as well, the turnout was good. I introduced myself to all and sundry, who made me feel very welcome and the best of all happened! Lots of my Facebook friends came along to say hi and chat. I was in my element and was grinning from ear to ear when Ben Stevens came over to introduce himself and say hi.

Picture courtesy of Walter Phenix Crowley Jr.

I know he looks like a younger version of me, but this is Bill Horn - one of the many Facebook friends with whom I have been corresponding for ages - at our first face to face meeting. What a nice guy!

As the day progressed, so the time difference started to catch up with me. But along came Zach from the day before and, like a whirling dervish, he was off into the melee capturing signatures on his wants-list and buzzing back and forth with tireless energy. It fair knackered me watching him go!!! Amongst those who came to say hi and to trade badges was Mr. Steve Sansweet. He started by saying my name and went to introduce himself, but I butted in and said there was no need for the famous Mr Sansweet to introduce himself! You know, he is such a genuinely nice guy! He blushed, shook my hand and then went through everything on my table like the true fan of Star Wars that he is. It was only as he was leaving that I summoned up the nerve to ask if I might have a photo with him! :)

Mr. Steve Sansweet and me.

I wish I could show you loads and loads of photos I took, but I had no time - truthfully! Day one was pretty intense, though not too much, and I managed to just see costumers pass by and the occasional Facebook friend would surprise me. One of those I had looked forward to meeting was a young lady names Christy. She and I had been correspondents for a few years and I found her a genuine and sweet person on Facebook. During that day, she came back whenever she could and we caught up as though we had been old friends in the neighbourhood all that time. So nice to know that some people are just what they seem!!!

Christy and me (Photo courtesy of Christy)

Another great surprise was the appearance of the talented Mr Joe Mignano - otherwise known better to other Star Wars fans as Darth Bruticus of The Dark Empire! He was in the company of another Facebook friend, Ashley M. Kalfas and Derek Brown, who had come to say hello to their Honorary Member and to present me with the first printed trading cards of the organisation! I was so surprised and delighted! What a lovely present to be surprised with! Joe made sure that the whole thing was photographed for the website and a sound record for the Podcast, which can be heard here.

Joe, Ashley, Derek and me - proud members of The Dark Empire/

Amongst the many humorous costumes I spotted was a very funny Death Star officer - wearing a cap on his head and a Death Star as a costume. But the one that had me laughing uncontrollably was the unforgettable Chef Vader below...

That first evening, Zach had made a booking for a group of us to go eat together. Veronica Segura, Dickey Beer, Peter and Angie Mayhew and a few of Zach's friends went to a lovely restaurant where I finally sampled the most delicious steak I think I have eaten since South Africa! Conversation revolved around memories of filming, as one would expect, but also covered conventions, representation and all sorts... We had a thoroughly good evening together and must, once again, thank Zach for his time and generosity.

Day two, on breakfast TV, I caught sight of the intensity of the rain storm of the previous day and quickly caught some of the report on camera from the HD TV in my room. They say Texans do everything large - well the rain seemed to just prove it! The convention that day kicked off slowly and was a quieter affair, but it gave everyone a chance to chat and meet more costumers from the 501st, Rebel Legion, Dark Empire, Mandalorians and just sheer wacky fantasy costumed individuals.

I ended up signing the sent-in items and pre-orders in the company of George Takei and Billy Dee Williams - a welcome respite from the floor of the convention, as we were all involved with having items thrown in front of us and had to do no more than use the right colour pens and remember our names! LOL

Billy Dee Williams and me.

I must truly say this has had to be one of the most enjoyable cons I have attended. I just honestly wish I had had a day more there to acclimatise myself, as in the event, I had to leave at close of play and travel straight to the airport for the red-eye home to England. I arrived Monday morning at Heathrow at 11 a.m with another hour's drive home from the airport car park.

I don't know if I will be invited again - I hope so, if only to meet all those great people again, who made me feel at my ease from minute one! Thanks y'all! :)))

9th 501st and Friends Stormtrooper Meeting, Bayern Park, Germany.

The day was finally upon us and Derek Lyons, Pam Rose, John Chapman and I were finally there in the deep south of Germany for the 9th Annual 501st and Friends Meeting in Bayern Park, Bavaria!

We flew from Heathrow with Lufthansa and made excellent time, arriving in Munich 10 minutes early. Met by Ulli Pallor of the Austrian Garrison, Michael Robl of the German Garrison and some of the girls also of the 501st German Garrison, we headed off in the direction of Reisbach, in the vicinity of Bayern Park.

After heavy rain the last few days, we appeared to have brought the good weather in tow and, indeed, the temperature was 31 C today.  We continued first to the hotel, Das Hotel Schlappinger Hof, which Derek and I had previously stayed in the year before and checked in. Ulli took us out to meet with the members of the 501st already setting up on the camping ground by the park and we then went to meet the charming family who own and operate the park.

I must say, this park is a country idyll, with clean paths and rigorously maintained lawns and borders as well as state-of-the-art rides and amusements for the whole family. I wish our amusement parks were of this sort of standard! Children can run free in safety and the staff are delightful. One price on the gate and and everything is free within!

The latest ride inaugurated for our visit - Der Freischutz

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off for a pizza and relaxed in the heat of the late afternoon, as the heavens decided to open and pour down for 20 minutes. It refreshed the air and we had a delicious meal.

Day 2 started with a blazing hot sun and the drive back to the park. On arrival, even though we were early, a large queue had already formed and so we went straight in and met up with Garrison members from Austria, Switzerland and Germany and members of the Rebel Legion, who were also trooping the event. In all, over 150 costumers in full costume, as well as children in brilliant costumes as good as those of their parents, were there to troop!

The next generation is already in training! LOL

The day got underway with welcoming speeches given by Ulli Pallor, who then introduced each of us to the crowd. We also expressed our appreciation for the opportunity to appear with our friends and to meet so many of the public. The gate was in excess of 10,000, but not all could crowd into the small plaza where we were being presented. I picked up my camera and discreetly made a quick pass of the crowd to give an impression of the numbers present...

I applaud all of the 150+ costumers of the German and visiting Garrisons for trooping tirelessly in full costume in the heat! This day the temperature rose to 34 C before midday and very humid!!! But you can't keep a true Star Wars fan down and all trooped with amazing good humour! The public gave all the guys and girls fantastic receptions as they toured the park, posing with kids and parents alike and joining in the fun.

The crowd massed to see what photos we had brought with us and any other novelties, as Derek and I had done the year before. I had sat down a few days earlier and made up a load of bookmarks for each of us and we had all brought a variety of cards, figures and t-shirts to help the event along. As in Stockholm, Her Majesty The Queen was in attendance on my table waving cheerfully to the public!!! I told the kids and their parents it was my way of getting my taxes back for all she cost us! Don't suppose I'll get a knighthood now!!! LOLOL

John Chapman was very popular with his comic books of the adventures of Jonnie Rocket - great books for kids of all ages, and especially those learning English!


Lunch came and went and I once again remained signing throughout, missing my Wienerschnitzel and fries! But I didn't mind - I had the very lovely Daniela Hofman helping me with the throng and we battled on in good humour to the end of the day. The public spoke confidently to me in the certain knowledge I would understand them, as I had made my little opening speech in German at the beginning. I was met with accents and dialects I had never heard before. Truly, people had come from far and wide for this event!!!

Amongst the highlights of the day were three particular children. Firstly, the one month premature baby daughter of Andrea and Michael (who had collected us from the airport and driven us to the park), just two weeks old and pushed by her father in costume in a converted buggy made to look like a Sand Crawler! :)

Another little darling, Rebecca, settled happily into my arm and stayed with me a long time - I was reluctant to hand her back as she was so well behaved.

Baby Rebecca with me, Daniela and Ulli's daughter, Constanze.

The Sand Crawler buggy! :)

Baby Rebecca with her mother Nicole! A perfect little bruiser with a sunny disposition - the baby that is LOL!!!

Hardly a baby anymore, but #3 - this cheeky little chappy preferred to stand on my hand!

The day was a huge success and we all felt we had had a really satisfying experience with the children and their parents! Although I was exhausted from the heat and the fact I had managed to stand up just three times during the day, I felt blessed to have met so many friendly and good-natured people.

That evening, we all returned to the park for a BBQ with the 501st members camping there. The sky was bejewelled and clear and the International Space Station tracked acroess the sky on queue! Amongst the attendees was a lovely girl, Katje, with her dog, Sophie - a cross Miniature Pincher/Chihuahua. Katje Beham lived a while in the States and her English is really great! We chatted for quite some time and Sophie made my lap her bed. A nice feeling of home-comfort and lovely food and company!

Sophie and her 'Mum' Katje. Andrea Rilli and Ulli Pallor behind.

Next day, we travelled out to Passau to have lunch at the same outdoor restaurant as last year (yummy Schweinshaxe!) and then on to the Cathedral for a quick look round. The Cathedral is beautiful, with a wonderful mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Rococo. We could all have spent longer there, but tempus fugit!

A view down the aisle towards the Gothic Choir.

The beautiful painted roundels in the ceiling of the nave.

We then moved on to visit a vast and sprawling castle on the Austrian-German border at Burghausen. This, we were informed, if the longest castle in Germany - 1 km long!!! I am afraid, as beautiful as it was and as much as I wanted to see it all, I managed to walk only a third of the way in and back out! The castle seems to have originated in the late 11th century and been added to century by century. The only direction it could grow was backwards along a ridge between two rivers and thus the longest castle grew out of the rock!

The entrance to one of many courtyards across a wooden bridge.

And another courtyard, dated above the arch 1533....panting by now! LOL

A courtyard too far!!!!!!

Michael Robl in his Lederhosen by a plan of the castle.

Pam and I stuck together as the others went on ahead. We found a small door in an outside wall and found ourselves above the town and by a sign asking us not to feed the goats!!! Believe me, only goats could have lived on that vertiginous slope!

Pam with the town behind...

And so, back to Reisbach and the hotel for an evening meal in company with Ulli and some of the others with whom we had travelled far and wide that day. Exhausted, but happy, I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow! :)

Our final day was to be a brief excursion to a German traditional dress outlet to have a look at Lederhosen and Dirndls. Only John Chapman and a couple of the girls tried anything on. John declined to show us! :)))) But Elisabeth and Daniela were game.

Daniela in her dirndl. The headwear is not traditional! LOL :>)

We left the shop and tottered into a brilliant Chinese restaurant, where we had a fantastic buffet as Ulli and Michael's guests.So generous!!! Thank you guys!

And with that done and our tummies stuffed full, we went on to Munich and the airport. The flight was on time and comfortable and we were soon back in my car and heading back to London. I think I can certainly say that we all had a fantastic time in the company of our hosts and the German/Austrian and Swiss 501st. Long may they continue to attract such wonderful and welcoming people!!!

Farewell Germany, until the next time.......

Claudia Con, The Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow, London.

Today was the first day of this event, ostensibly organised by Claudia Christian herself. I had anticipated that the day would be quite quiet, as the entry was set at a whopping £50 pre-booked and an additional £10 if paid on the door!

Claudia giving her speech of welcome.

Claudia had done all she possibly could to publicise the event, but really to no great avail. The opening ceremony was held in a theater in the hotel and Claudia gave an interesting and entertaining speech of welcome, explaining the ethos of the event - an anti-convention, where full access is granted to the guests and the attendees are encouraged to mix,greet and be photographed with anyone that wants. But we, the  guests, outnumbered the public by a sizable majority.

Peter Roy

I found out too late that I had forgotten to charge my camera, so, apart from one, the photos that  appear are all my exhausted battery could manage - sorry!!!

As it turned out, the attendance numbers never really increased, but we had a good time in each other's company. I met a really nice guy called Mark Shepherd (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0974122/), who appeared in the various spin-off incarnations of Star Trek and who played 'Morn'. He and his wife were over from Germany en route to the States and dropped in to see what was happening. A truly nice guy!

Mark Shepherd of Star Trek and his wife. Photo courtesy Pam Rose.

I found myself sandwiched between Derek Lyons and Pam Rose and we were kept amused and entertained by the few visitors, who were enjoying unlimited access in an otherwise empty room.
However, the organisation was patchy and with too many arranged panel events going on with too few attendees, it became obvious that no business was going to be conducted!  It was obvious many had cancelled thanks to the proximity in date to the recent civil unrest in London (miles away!). So, we became mischievous, as most actors are really children at heart, and endeavored to entertain ourselves with jokes. To be honest, I have seen more life at a seance, but we did our best.

Lindsay Muir and Toby Philpott mid afternoon!

Also in attendance were the Galactic Knights, of whom I am an honorary Senator. These guys are a great bunch and deserve to be accepted by other groups to co-troop with! But they too were thoroughly hamstrung by the hotel, which forbade any 'weapons' within the building!!! Being on the A4 outside Heathrow Airport, there was no footfall of passing potential customers for them to interact with, but they did their damnedest and I applaud them heartily for their good-natured efforts under the leadership of their very charming CO, Jo Beck.

As the day progressed, I could no longer stand the heat of the room we were in. I was uncomfortable and looked forward to the end of the day. Unfortunately, by the time Claudia came to her auction, which assembled everyone in one room for the first time all day since the opening, I was packed up and making my exit via the back door - I shall not be there for the second day.

I am sorry for Claudia - she seems a genuinely nice person, but the venue was too large and far out, the programmed events too ambitious and the concept under-promoted. I hope that Claudia will seek the advice and help of an established organiser in the future - if there is a next time....

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!!!