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1995-11-17
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TF01
3,Convention Reports - Part 3
4,
CONUNDRUM (continued)
-----------------------
Report by Edward Woo
----------------------
SATURDAY: I was wide awake when the 7:30 am alarm call rang. Maggie
was up also. I had arranged to give Simon, Jane and John a wake up
call this am. I duly phoned them and Jane picked up. they were
already up eating melons - strange people. I suggested 8 am breakfast
- they agreed.
One electric shave, one wash and tidy up and went down for breakfast.
Maggie was still tired as she was not used to getting up this early
as she works late in a restaurant. Into the garden restaurant and
were shown a nice window table; nearly taking Richard A's table by
mistake. Big John the Klingon was a wave away as I said hello. Our
first Scottish breakfast of fruit juice, tea, toast, cornflakes and
cooked bacon energy filler. half way through it all Donna and Adrian
joined us even though the table was small with some many plates.
luckily the plates were removed as soon as they were clean.
Recognised more faces, Klingon Kevin who was on that Breakfast TV
item as the ST exhibition in Edinburgh for 10 secs, a lady with an
arm in a sling, I knew but not by name. She tried to sell me some
blue prints last year. the a young lady passed by and said "hello
Edward". Again I recognised the face but not name. It took me a few
hours to get it, Katrina. Collected a few jam pots for lunch and saw
J + J and S over in the corner - only a little late. There was a
stewards meeting at 10:00 am but I couldn't attend but showed Maggie
the ropes and she had a read the briefing as well.
It was not 9:00 am yet but the dealers room had not opened and there
was no queue - that was strange. Looked round the door but people
were still setting up including Richard on his table with his Voyager
trading cards when the dealers room was opened, there was a mad dash
and there was plenty of room to look. I dumped a few items for the
IDIC table, 2 books and some newsletter items. Across the way I had
some white Horta items to sell which Stephen said I could down.
I had my list but I had to briefly put price tags on each item in
pencil, ten in all and left them on the stall. the usual dealers of
Sheffield, NuEarth, Lincoln and American dealer, a number of familiar
clubs/stalls. One American dealer had genuine signed photos which
Richard could vouch for as authentic. there was a caricature artist
from Sol. the art work was in one corner with two montages of classic
and NG cast framed. A nice model of a Runabout and numerous pencil
and colour pictures of ST cast. Tarkara was helping to set up a
Klingon stall as I passed onto here more press clippings. Gave Jean
some bits and bobs for her to read till next time including her own
book mark.
Browsing through the merchandise, nothing caught my eye except the
Voyager tech details, DS9 concept drawings and writers guides.
Nothing was urgent except buying a 10x8 colour of Carel Struycken for
him to sign. We decided we would wait till after the auctions if we
wanted any thing here, even bargains on a Monday. It was 10:00 am and
we moved to Imperial to see Heros and Demons (Voy) and caught part of
Cathexis as I had to collect my camera and things. It's good to have
Magggie along as she carried my 300mm lens and various other camera
bits! Back in the main hall, the partition was being removed as we
took out seats on the RHS a couple of rows from the front. I got
talking to Katrina who was wearing a classic red trek mini skirt
uniform whilst we waited. To the left of me were 2 IDIC members who
recognised my name and we chatted also. Our view was slightly
obscured because of 2 speakers but we corrected it a bit later. Scott
was doing an excellent job compering the attendees with cheers, the
Praxis, Nexus and Mexican waves.
The opening ceremony began with George H introducing the dreaded
committee and the senior stewards (the purple badge wearers). The
first guest introduced and his approx. 400th con, Richard Arnold. He
came on stage mentioning he does some 40 odd cons in a year. The next
introduction was for the tall figure of Carel Struycken. He towered
over everyone on the platform. Finally the biggest applause came from
our guest of honour, Majel Barrett Roddenberry. She said hello and a
few words but was on next anyway and kept it short, so we had a five
- ten minute hiatus.
As the 2 speakers were in my camera line, Ian and myself and a
uniformed Vulcan got the speakers to floor level and the stands to
one side, to a small round of applause. we were still just to far
away for a decent close up shot of the stage so I decided upon a
better seat tomorrow instead.
Just about noon the lights were dimmed and we had a video montage of
Majel's work from No.1 to nurse Chapel, the moves to Lwaxana Troi and
her computer voice to music. The lights rose and Majel was introduced
to great applause and flash photography as she came upon the stage.
she moved to the lectern and said she would give a little reading
first. It was about the thoughts and visions of Gene and of ST.
Meanwhile a tray of drinks were bought for her, first on the floor,
then onto the table by Lorraine, I don't think she had a drop anyway.
When she had finished her words to applause it was Q + A session. She
said all she knew about the gossip. She talked about the Lwaxana
character and the story she is working on in which Lwaxana is
pregnant and comes to DS9 asking for Odo. Majel said she is so busy
with books, she has no time for an autobiography. Her computer voice
on ST is a days work. She was very open and explained that Gene's
ashes have been into space and back. She hopes part of it will
actually leave Earth and the Solar system. Currently she gets invited
by NASA to see launching and recently missed the vertical controlled
payload rocket that goes up and comes down remotely controlled, the
test was a success and were building the full size one. Majel finally
ended her 1 1/2 hours of chat, gossip etc. saying she was here all
weekend and come and talk to her as she'll be in the dealers room
signing autographs. That talk was really inspiring and I hope Jean
got it all down on paper.
13:30 hours the hall emptied and queues began for the autographs in
the dealers room. At least the dealers room was closed for the main
guest. Maggie was hungry so we went to the Garden restaurant for a
quick bite of an omelette, soup and Earl Grey tea. it was quiet in
there. Back to the fray, as the queue had fallen, we joined it, we
had 2 photos back to be signed, one picture was from Half a Life, the
other from Lwaxana Troi episode in a brown full length dress. Maggie
took the photos back to the room as she was tired and wanted a sleep
for a bit. Bumped into Harminder who had an O'Brien and Riker signed
photos he wanted to get Richard to authenticate as genuine or forged.
Journeyed into the dealers room again, picked up a few flyers before
getting a seat for Carel at 15:00. Sat near the front as Scott
introduced Mr Carel Struycken.
We gave him a warm welcome and most informative. He started with a
brief history of himself followed by Q + A talk. he described most of
his films as science fiction and hence the type casting. He had
worked on Twin Peaks and David Lynch until finally the money ran out
on the series. he said some of the episodes were weird, even the last
one. He lived on an island previously before moving to Holland then
to LA. The life styles were different but not a great upheaval. He
worked on another Sci-Fi film - Oblivion - with George Takei and
other famous people in Romania but the food was terrible there. He
would love to produce a movie he's developing but needs the finance.
As for Mr Homn, he could do with more lines, even be father to the
pregnant Lxwana Troi script. He's not sure if a 3rd Addams Family
movie is possible as Raul Julia was so distinct in portraying Gomez.
He said before he knew of the Addams Family, he did not know who
Lurch was but now he knows. Finally Scott brought the proceedings to
a close but Carel said he was enjoying it here with his mother and
wife in Scotland.
I left my camera bits for Jean to mind as Richard was on next. Simon
then gave me a cassette tape recorder to record Richard's talk. I
said give it to Jean to start and I'll change tapes over. I went off
to join Carel's autograph session and I hoped it wouldn't be too
long. As I had 3 tickets, one Sat, 2 Sunday it was easier to get in
now. We all queued outside the main hall and were shuffled right to
keep the entrances clear. I could hear Richard A begin his talk and
the slides, which I had seen at Sol III but still 20 odd places from
our guest. Finally made it, Carel signed his photo in silver (he had
an assortment of pens) and we chatted, he was very friendly and was
willing to have photos taken, even with Klingons.
Returned to the main hall in the dark to find my seat between Janet
and Jean.
Took hold of the recorder and sat down to listen to Richard. I had a
copy of the Trek encyclopedia for Janet to sign the Q bit entry but
never got round to it again - to busy. Richard had slides of DS9,
Generations and 2 of Voyager. Latest news Michael Dorn going to DS9
and filming started last week on the 4th season. 1 or 2 original DS9
cast was not happy with another cast joining the crew as it might
curtail characters story lines in a season. Michael Dorn is happy to
do DS9 as long as he can do features as well like Colm Meaney's
contract.
Voyager is going to a 2nd season despite UPN and its ratings. Dr
Zimmerman is the most popular character and Richard likes Capt
Janeway and is portrayed well by Kate Mulgrew but the voice is still
a problem to him.
Odo and Quark make's DS9 from a script angle and Sisko waits for a
problem where as Voyager is out there seeking a problem. Richard said
Dwight had signed 1,000 photos for Sol and 1/2 were sold and he had
some on his table to sell. Generations 2 is due out in Nov 96,
filming to begin next year and first draft was ready - it will be a
Borg story line. Richard said Paramount was clamping down in
Australia on videos ST cons etc. because it feels it is losing money
to non licenced ST events - so Britain beware. Finally with all this
news info to digest - more tomorrow Richard said.
Over hearing Richard at the dealers table he gave a good analogy of
how Paramount, sorry Viacom is milking ST dry. If you put the wrong
fuel in an engine and tweak the engine till it works, there's only so
much tweaking you can do. You will get it right if you put the right
fuel in the right engine. He said we should write to Viacom, even
though fans make up two tenths of the video audience, it makes up 90%
of merchandising buying power. Over 1 Billion Dollars has been made
in ST merchandising alone.
Next up on the timetable was the Stephen Rothwell charity auction in
the Lord Provost. I forgot to see the viewing earlier in the day but
I had a listing. Myself, Maggie, John, Jane and Simon were in the
hall. Fran and Harminder somewhere, Stephen did the auctioneering
with the aid of Frances, George and Jackie help or hindrance. It was
cash, cheque or credit card with payment up front.
It started well with Stephen in his flowery shirt. Baggy got ST-TMP
script for £40 signed. Scott came into the hall and bought Wil
Wheaton's signed photo as we cringed at the price of £30. A DS9 large
video box signed went for £20. Harminder got the 10x8 of Gates. The
Star Trek exhibition press kit £65, Terry Farrel 10x8 £40, official
DS9 script for £55, Joan Collins £20, Duras sisters £45, a signed
rubber glove John Delancie £12. The biggest item sold to a man from
Kent was 5ftx6ft Generations crewman stand up £30 - superb display.
Maggie thought the prices were high but they seemed low compared to
previous con charity auctions - basically people didn't have the
money with so much merchandise so many cons and ease of getting
autographs now compared to the past.
Most of the items photos or signed trading cards. Just before the end
of the auction a photo of a klingon was sneaked in as the last item.
Stephen was surprised to see it. Baggy bid 35, Stephen 310 and
finally Alison 315. That concluded the auction. We broke up and was
heading out when Stephen seconded me to carry that big generations
display back to the committee room and who had that negative. The
auction had finished early with 1/2hr leeway.
We headed back to our rooms for dinner or noodles. Caught Alison by
the lift and asked her why she bought it - it was a spur of the
moment and for charity. For dinner we had Japanese meatballs,
noodles, fruit and tea. Baggy, Simon, and Jane went for Pizza I
think as I did not think there was time this evening to eat properly
like last night. After a change of clothing, badges etc. we were
ready for the Ceilidh. I had intended to go to the panel discussion
but time was short but did regret it after listening to the last
1/2hr - very informative comments by Richard. Also missed the tech
talk as well which I wanted to hear.
We moved next door to the Imperial, the dance floor seemed small for
a Ceilidh but plenty of Scottish sashes. Quite a few people noticed I
had no kilt this year, I said I wanted to give it a miss this year -
very hot! We found some seats in the middle. we joined Donna, Fran
and Alison. Baggy was in a tie and shirt. One Dave was not in a kilt
whilst other Dave had an original Trek shirt. Stephen was in his kilt
and so was Craig but did not join in like last year.
The fancy dress competition began first with Scott giving his usual
welcome. The number of entrants were small but a varied selection.
Notable entrants included: Scotty from Relics, glass + bottle added
for effect, Ensign Ro, Dr Crusher, Counsellor Troi, A robust Batman,
a youthful Data in a dress and pony tails, young Worf, a Klingon or
two, the Generations 18th or 19th century costume and 2 characters
from Masks (Dave + TQ) The entrants lined up for a quick photo shot
before the judging began - I think it was a committee decision.
During that break for drinks we had some Klingon entertainment to
raise money. I think someone was losing their hair, cut for charity.
The winners were announced one of them was Scotty, I can't remember
who was second.
As the numbers thinned out the Subrosa Ceilidh began with extra large
participation, literally spilling off the dance floor. It was far
better than the previous 2 years. Had dance with Maggie, Fran, Jane
and a few others to strip the Willow, two step and a few new ones.
It's good to have a fellow like Zander and one expert nearly flung
Fran off the floor. Jean, Marquerette, Baggy, Dr M'Benga and many
others got involved in a thoroughly entertaining 3 hours with a brief
break for the band. You need a break between dances. Majel had come
along and I asked Stephen whether she danced. Unfortunately she has a
medical condition but otherwise would have particapated, despite
having numerous invitations. I got the chance to talk to her and
thanked her for coming over. I think we had some photos taken but
I'll see it they turn out. The Ceilidh finished at 1:00 am and as I
was stewarding midnight to 1:00 am there was no trouble there. It all
came to an end with the traditional old Scottish New Year hand
gathering and linked arms.
We left for Ld Provost to steward A Man Alone and Captive Pursuit.
The tapes were in long play or overnight duration. We had some fruit
to eat before Maggie went to bed at 1:30 am. Simon joined me with
pineapple juice in hand and we had a few ZZ's to the 1/2 dozen people
in there, The Klingon party was still going on up in the 8th floor I
hear. Simon departed for his pit or army cot I had seen. I was
watching Q less when I was relieved by John, from Shettland (his 3rd
con and IDIC member) at 3:00 am, all's well I said - happy viewing.
Made my way to reception for a wake up call in 5 hrs time. The bar
seemed busy as I went for the lifts. Got back to the room and set up
my clothes for another day, even had time for Scottish biscuits
before I found a pillow at 3:45 am I think!
SUNDAY: Only a little late start with an early call at 8:15 am,
giving Simon and company a ring. Jane answered and was very
appreciative of the call! The clock rang and it was time to arise.
Down for breakfast with the intention to catch State of Flux at 9:00
am but breakfast was more important, only real meal of the day. We
were shunted to the restaurant, not as nice but a real energy builder
of juice and cooked fat builder to wake me up for the day. Fran and
little girl joined out table of 12 places. The little girl was here
with her parents somewhere in the hotel. Fran was still tired from
yesterdays activities. After the trough it was the dealers again to
take some pictures of art work. Amanda and Jim were about having only
been married recently. Vicki from London had saved enough money from
her Vet training to buy some Trek stuff. Her friend from Austria
apologised to me for not writing back as she was busy with a con and
local ST group. Karinn was sitting outside the main hall reading a
book - not Trek - I had not seen her since Sol.
Frankie got chatting to Maggie about the real me and Jean had bruised
her finger badly during the Ceilidh but was swollen. It was Richard
who flung her too much last night. Spoke to Dave who I hadn't seen
since Contagion, he was well and we all moved into Richard's charity
auction at 11:30 am. No Baggy - that was unusual - but Simon joined
me as we both noted the prices of the auction. Richard started
despite the noisy but cool air conditioning system.
Signed trading cards (master series) of most ST characters went for
£5-15. A 10x8 of McCoy £55 and Simon got 10x8 of Shatner paying £47
despite the £1 jumps. Three film clips from City On The Edge Of
Forever £70. Interesting T/cards of Troi + Riker £35 whilst one for
Riker £36. Fran tried for a piece of Desilu stationary but it went to
£20. Doc Zimmerman + K.Janeway photos went for £30.
A compilation ST adverts went for £15. Overall I think the general
bidding was low and it was reflected in the prices. Frances said
Stephen will be happier with his auction as the prices were
comparable. There was nothing I really wanted in either auction. In
fact Richard's 60 odd items were done in record time which meant
there was a good 45 minutes before Richard's second talk, so the hall
could be reset at ease. We took lunch and a visit to see J + J as
Jane was not too well, something disagreed with her at breakfast and
was sleeping it off. I asked if she might want some Chinese medicines
to John - no answer. Ran into Margaret and Helen on the stairs, both
had been to Dublin and were going to Wolf 359. Helen had drove all
the way to Holyhead. Couldn't find anything on Gary's stall despite
his requests.
Second row seat to get a snap photo of Richard. again he started with
a slide presentation of Generation clips. Malcom MacDowell is still
getting death threats for killing Kirk. He said can I kill Picard
next. The extra scenes in Generations will be in the box set, not the
individual video out next month. The scenes were removed to get an
extra screening in a day in the USA. Then we had a 30 year history of
ST and preparations under way for the 30th anniversary already ie
cons merchandise etc.
Richard felt TNG finished 1 season too early and did a comparison of
rating points with Voyager DS9 + NG. The DS9 characters didn't work
as well as TNG. Voyager is correcting this as it moves to Gene R's
ideas and foresight. More clips of Voyager coming out of the art
department now and the last 4 episodes of Voyager 1st season will be
shown to begin the 2nd season - ratings problem.
Those trailers that the ST cast use are expensive and first sign a
character is for the chop is when the trailer goes. Michael Dorn's
face is now healed after all those years of make up but now he's back
in it again.
The scene where tribbles land on Kirk's head were thrown deliberately
at his head by production people for a laugh. Richard thinks Tim Russ
plays the Vulcan really down to the line over a comment about the 1st
black Vulcan since Leonard Nimoy. That ended his Q+A. He said if you
want to get things changed on ST write to Viacom not Paramount.
Popped out for a few minutes to find TQ + Dave and German friend
sitting on the stairs. Someone with a video camera was doing an
official record and I got out of being filmed and interviewed as they
cornered us.
Whilst waiting for Carel we had another music video with ST scenes
produced by the pair who did the Queen video, called Turnaround.
There was time but was only half completed - not bad. As I was
staying for his talk Magaret and Helen had to go off stewarding and
left me with the camera to get some photos - no problem I said.
Mr Carel Struycken arrived, he is a 7ft 4" tall guy and wears size 18
shoes - he said in the past he made his own shoes as he couldn't find
any to fit. He enjoyed running and would buy a few pairs of runners
as one or two manufactures go up to size 21. His life style in the US
and Holland are different in some ways and similar in others. he said
he does not get much notice to do NG work just a phone call and a day
or two's work on an episode. He would love to do more but he is
typecast by his height. He did have some difficulty in understanding
our questions especially with those Scottish accents but coped well.
He repeated some of yesterdays questions and ended his talk with
auctioneering terms going once, going twice. gone. he was off the
stage within an hour but was off to sign autographs.
Majel was on in 1 1/2hrs time and I was determined to get some good
photos. I watched Improbable Cause followed by Half a Life sitting
right on the front row next to the stage. Frankie and Maggie joined
me. We discussed values and Frankie now had Dwight's address thanks
to Pam.
The hall filled up and it was now 17:30 when we had her video montage
again, Majel arrived and came along the aisle minding the cables onto
the stage, Frankie was there ready to catch her. Majel wore a black
and gold outfit sporting an ST emblem in gold or brass. She again
began reading about the future of space/NASA programme.
I got some great shots of Majel with my zoom lens - let's hope they
are in focus! She said we should fund the space programme even though
expensive or example satellite photos can help in crop growing which
is what one geologist is doing. She did see the shuttle Mira docking
and thought it was wonderful. Her Q+A began and in her life she had
been all over the world and last year Australia and Germany. She had
stories about Lwaxana and her possible future and Q in Law would have
made a lovely episode.
She was asked about Michael Dorn's bum and looking under peoples
kilts last night - that got great laughter. She would love to live in
this country but business would make it difficult. She had still some
limited edition comics left to be sold. She gave us a final reading
which was delightful. her final act was to thank everyone as she left
aided by Frankie's hand. He said he wouldn't wash his hand again but
Pam said "I saw that".
On our way out I bumped into Ian and asked him about the driving test
as Baggy had just failed and had he any pointers for the next time.
Back to out hotel rooms it was snack time with sandwiches from M+S.
We took the stairs as it was quicker. Climbed into my combination
DS9, NG and movie uniform for sciences only to go 2 flights to the
stewards party at 8:00 pm in the Scott suite. In fact I had not been
on the 8th floor since Friday and only today.
A small number of stewards had gathered with Lynsey giving out the
drinks, nuts and crisps. we got a coke and lemonade. I couldn't find
a beer bottle opener. Katrina arrived in a Counsellor Troi blue
dress. I asked about it. She said it was modified from a pattern with
shoes dyed blue. Marquerette arrived in a red (scarlet) dress and had
to explain the significance being the Holodeck fantasy. A Borg came
wandering in and out. Anika from Germany was a student and wore an
original Trek gold costume again made from a pattern. I told her Jean
standing next to her was a teacher - that brought the conversation to
a stand still for a second of two.
Not as good as last years tribble fight in the stewards room but
plenty of photos taken. as quite a few were in uniform we had a group
photo taken with the intention of attacking the Klingons after the
opera. Jim was there but had no civil war uniform this time. Spoke to
Harminder who said Majel wanted to autograph her name over Bill's
head in a group photo!
The Imperial room was full already with plenty of Klingons, a very
adapt name for Klingons. We got as close as possible to see the opera
despite the smoke. The opera began with a drum beat with the lead
Klingon telling the story. At one point a Klingon shouted Qa'pla
practically in the ear of Katrina - wrong place to sit I thought.
There was a Klingon fight to the death. The Klingons involved were
the Protagonists, the Warriors and People with a 3 band orchestra.
Jean said it was a story about confronting a Klingon monster and if
she could understand that she was well gone. The Klingon make up and
dress were superb but I don't know who were those faces but it got a
tremendous round of applause for originality.
The whole room was decorated in a holodeck fantasy with bits of
holodeck coming through, I couldn't think what they were till Simon
told me. The disco began again to a crowded floor. Dr M'Benga and his
2 nurse colleagues were superb in their 70's disco dance style, we
tried to copy - failing badly. Donna was in full swing pulling Dave
out many times, where dose she get the energy. I had ago with Maggie
as long as Tim had ago for a bet. Richard swinging into action as
well. Baggy, Katrina, Vicki, Karinn, John et al all had ago. There
was the Y.M.C.A. song, Star Trekkin' and Saturday Night Fever. Star
Trekkin' had Klingons, Spock, Scotsmen and dead security guards an we
all joined in a circle. Tim and I tried to get Simon to the floor but
no luck. In between drinks and dances Majel and Richard A came along.
Carel did some disco work with his head above the rising smoke. Ian
and Donna could have done another duet like last year but no karoke.
During all this a video camera was running - we all could be in the
con video!
The final dance came at 1:00 am before we headed back to out rooms.
Back to our beds for a rest and re-energise. had tea and biscuits and
did some packing as it would be easier than in the am. I had a couple
of stewards duties between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. I just threw the
clothes in a bag for neatness.
I arrived in the foyer to find Dave and TQ still here just about to
leave for their digs in Paisley. Got to steward Necessary Evil and
Rules of Acquisition.
John of Shetland was reading his book outside his door. We had 2
dozen people between us. I took over from John at 3:00 am, Simon
joined me for a brief time before he went to bed. I chatted to the
other stewards, another blue uniformed Counsellor Troi but I've
forgotten your name. the senior steward went to sleep to replaced
with another. Chatted to a few overnight die hard attendees, one only
needed 2 hrs sleep per night, In fact one member of the public had
been to the con all day without a badge I was told but was quite
amenable to leave when he was told it was a private function.
Stewarding at night is the best time as you don't miss anything
except sleep but you can snooze a bit. The person in front of me was
asleep as it was warm without the air conditioner on. It even gets
cold at the front of the video hall with air conditioners on. Sort of
fell asleep through Schizoid Man but awoke in time for 4:00 am relief
with video camera, he hadn't had any sleep either and was not going
to get any - good luck.
Threw a paper ball at the sleepless attendees still chatting in the
foyer before getting to my bed blankets at 4:15 am. I may have been
awake in the lift but as soon as the head hit the pillow - it was
lights out till morning.
MONDAY: The morning arrived with a 9:00 am telephone ring, followed
by a second one five minutes later. The committee had programmed the
Monday video viewing correctly - just old episodes till noon. I
needed a shower and sort of packed everything we didn't need away. We
went down to breakfast and sat in an aisle seat. we were eating when
Simon, Jane and Baggy joined us on the next table. Simon was alert
about my adverse comment about the Official Fan Club. Jane complained
that someone had stolen her hotel complaint form - she looked at me!
As I was filling in the form I asked for any suggestions, Simon said
it was better than last year - I had started filling the form in 20
minutes after I arrived but this time it was 3 days later. Jane asked
for a hard boiled egg and got one in a bowl but no egg cup.
Toast and jam, consumed we left to pack. briefly chatted with the
maid saying we hope we were not to untidy. Check out time was noon
and we carefully put the luggage away in the car - it was still
there. We finally had a look around home for the last 3 days before
closing the door. We queued at the hotel check out behind big Kevin.
the hotel got my bill correct for once - no queries this time. handed
over my credit card and signed away.
Simon was staying on an extra night and in fact they had taken his
bed away already. John and Jane were packing, John was still in a
mess and Jane was quietly writing here complaint form. We did wonder
what we could do to Simon's bits and pieces as a joke before we left.
His clothes were scattered everywhere!
We still had time to visit the dealers room. Stephen caught my
attention and gave me back my unsold white horta items but at least I
got some cash. Gary was off to Paris and Zander was minding the
stall. As the main hall was not quite ready we popped down to the car
to put a few items away including another signed photograph of Majel
which I got this morning. Majel was happy to sign as many as possible
and when George gave here some certificates to sign. I said they work
you hard, Majel said yes they do.
We arrived in the main hall to find it was full already.
Unfortunately we only got half way along the hall. Now I know what
ordinary attendee has to contend with when you are not close to the
stage front.
Scott came onto the stage to work us all up with the Praxix and Nexus
wave. Then we waited for George to the cheers and clapping to the
music - the only thing that had gone wrong this weekend was losing
George this am! He was duly found and the committee arrived on stage
with Stephen the last to make it with the head set in tow.
The closing ceremony had finally begun, Richard was first to come
along then Carel and finally Majel lead up the aisle with a bag piper
in the lead playing the Gene Roddenberry march. She arrived on the
stage to a great welcome. The first action was George to hand out the
awards and prizes for the short stories, poetry, fancy dress
competition and art work.
I recognised a few of the familiar prize winners. Jean got 2nd prize
for her short story. In fact she said she had forgotten about it.
Scotty came on stage to collect his certificate. Helen won a
competition also and had to make the long walk from the back of the
hall to the front.
Finally out sponsored charity was presented with a cheque for £2,000
nominally as there was still more to come. Our guests were next
presented with gifts of appreciation. I couldn't see what Majel and
Richard got but Carel got a Friendship cup. A special gift was
presented to George's mother with a bunch of flowers. She was very
surprised, it was for her hard work in registration of the
convention.
Majel said she had received so many gifts this weekend and she said
please invite her back as you do throw hell of a party at the
Ceilidh. Her final words was to close the con but she said she was
still about today to sign autographs in the dealers room.
The whole hall broke up and we headed for the front of the hall - to
chat with Jean and Frankie. tried to take some photos of Majel but no
luck, instead got one of Harminder and Carel. Got a word with
George's mother about her surprise. She introduced me to Lorraine's
mother and described my exploits with the wrong way round kilt which
is now part of Contagion history! Jean asked her whether she got
involved in ST through George or a fan already.
The dealers were still dealing and IDIC was packing up. Valerie
suggested an 2 page A4 con report please as SOL was too big and too
late. I had already agreed to let TQ do it but she still had to
come up with a one line comment. John in fact bought my spare Majel
to get signed as it was different from the others available. Carol
and Frances - both nurses - were on their way home to Dundee. Fran
had left earlier for a long train south. I told Stephen another
picture of him in Richard's auction would have been a double blow. He
said he would get me back next year. Jean left early also because of
flight commitments.
It was early afternoon that we went shopping or out as I described
it. The shops were expensive but we found a Chinese restaurant and
had dim sum i.e. rice, ducks feet, prawn balls and Chinese tea. I
did ask Helen and Margaret if there was a china town in Glasgow but
they did not know either. By the time we returned to the hotel, Jean
and Baggy had left for home via Edinburgh but we hope to see them in
October. It was this opportunity we got to register for next years
convention Contagion at a reduced rate on the Away team table in the
dealers room.
The video programme was still running and we returned to se
Improbable Cause and Die is Cast, at 15:50 Maggie was tired and had a
snooze in the chair while I watched. Peter joined us and rocked to
sleep with 2 seats. he was fairly happy despite losing his car keys -
he said he would phone the RAC tomorrow. Harminder was going home as
he was to tired to watch as he commuted to the con everyday.
When those two episodes finished we had the a drink break and walk
before crossing to the other video room to watch Cathexis and Faces.
Richard Arnold was already gone catching the afternoon flight. The
hall was still full of video watchers. We crossed back to watch
Facets and The Adversary with Frankie, Tim and Simon. Frankie was
staying overnight and so was okay. We again had those music videos to
entertain us prior to the last episode. I asked the music video
maker lady how long it took. She said about 40 hours. Ian came along
to say goodbye and at 21:30 it all ended with the closing credits to
DS9. We all trooped out. I had intended to collect the spare flyers
but they had swept away probably by the hotel staff.
I said goodbye to the committee of which only Paula and Scott I could
find, George was nowhere. Frankie's got a special con next year and I
said I'll keep in touch with Simon and check out if the photos come
out. George's mother said good luck and congratulations to Maggie.
The final last look was to find Stephen in the bar drinking. He had
another day off to rest. I said I would write the con report as well
as TQ and I'll send you a copy for the committee of Conundrum.
There was still daylight outside as we descended down to the car park
plus I had my ticket stamped. There was no attendant at the gate but
the barrier was up, so we drove out towards the city centre.
A last look at the hotel for another year or possibly not, there are
the Away team meetings. We headed for the M8/M73/M74 to Motherwell.
We were staying with our friend heather overnight. we arrived at
about 10:15 pm and she gave us tea. I gave her a few ST items to read
and watch for our overnight stay. We chatted a while before sleep
overcame us and went to,bed. She in fact visited the Edinburgh
exhibition and she said it was excellent.
TUESDAY: We got a 9:00 am wake up call and we got a full cooked
breakfast. After that we had a quick visit to Motherwell town centre
before saying our farewells and down the M74 to Carlisle and
Liverpool. We had to do a turn around as we forgot to give her back
the room keys as she runs a B+B.
To sum, the con was excellent with Scott the great entertainer full
of energy. Majel was a superb guest of honour. The video programme,
disco, Ceilidh and Klingon opera were the best of all times, that's
what made it a success. I think this equals or surpasses the one with
George Takei in 1992.
Well done Conundrum '95 committee!
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