The Final Frontier 9

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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! -------------------------------- Send in your convention reports/photos (old and new), news or details of forthcoming cons to this address: The Final Frontier - Conventions P.O. Box 8966 Great Barr Birmingham B43 5ST ENGLAND