Pictures and Commentary from the convention
This yearly mecca for fans of this cult USA tv series, was held at The Davenport Park Hotel, in Stockport, Manchester, England, and organized by Amber James and her 'Helpers'. Christopher Toyne flew in from California USA, to be the guest Auctioneer, gracing the entire weekend with his charm, help, and enthusiasm, proving once again, as on previous occasions, to be a wonderful ambassador for the series, of which he was producer on over half of the 56 episodes.
With the Foot & Mouth crisis, it was decided that all monies raised at the charity auction, should go jointly to two charities not one, these being Family First and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute.
After twelve years, these gathering are like a family reunion, which is a great way to catch up on and exchange news. Anne Maxwell we all knew from 1989 arrives as Mrs Anne Tilsley, along with her bridegroom of a few short months. I'm sure I speak for everyone, when I say congratulations and a happy life. Pat Paone, and Albert Prince made a brave effort to attend, after both have suffered much over the last year, in major battles with their health. Matisse Charles travelled up from London to attend, after major surgery on her back, in Prague. Roy Dotrice missed seeing everyone, but sent a letter to be read out at the opening ceremony, which I asked Marie Carmen to read out, which everyone enjoyed.
I believe we stand a good chance of getting Beauty And The Beast back on Channel 5. Please will everyone drop them a line ---- Thank you Amber for Keeping Our Dream Alive.
The photos below are available at 75p each, which includes postage.
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Roy Dotrice's speech at Manchester Convention
My Dear friends. How I wish I was with you to spend time with friends I've known now for 12 years. And also to spend time in one of my favourite cities. I was evacuated to Manchester from Guernsey and we lived in Fog Lane (which always lived up to it's name). I still, of course, do support Manchester United, and at the European cup, Gary Newbon, the commentator for ITV sport, got David Beckham to sign his match shirt to my grandson Garrick, I was so delighted. So, I have enormous affection for a city that has been very kind to me and mine. With Amber organising the games and dear Christopher Toyne organising auctions, you will, I know, have a great week-end. I hope the auction raises lots of money, and I hope your fun & laughter raises the roof! Hopefully, I may yet meet some of you THIS year, God willing. I will be in a production of EBENEEZER LE PAGE (the story of an old Guernsey man)... type-casting! ... which will be at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln, early October, prior to, we hope, a run in the West End, London. My President, no, not George Bush!!, but the one and only Gwen, will keep you informed... So, have a superb week-end together.
My love always, Roy. X
The convention will begin 10.30am Saturday 4th May and close on Monday 6th May
Cost of full weekend registration is £35. This includes tea/coffee and biscuits Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning and afternoon - Saturday night meal and disco, with professional DJ (including the candle ceremony) - Sunday night meal and party, with professional DJ.
Single day passes at £11 for Saturday, £7 for Sunday include tea and coffee, but not meals (meals can be ordered and paid for separately, in advance).
There will be a facility to order sandwiches Saturday and Sunday lunch time.
Dealers tables will be available for a small fee, with some free tables for charities.
There has already been a large response for a convention and the hotel now only has a few rooms still vacant. However, alternative accommodation arrangements have been made by the Convention Committee. Full details of the weekend and accommodation can be found in the information packs available from:-
Sylvia Brookfield
14 Wincham Road
Sale
Cheshire
M33 4PL
Please remember to enclose a first class stamp for your information package
From now until the convention weekend we will be selling tickets for our unique raffle. We have obtained an ORIGINAL costume from the series. A costume worn by VINCENT. It is comprised of: a dark blue and brown sweater, with back fastening zip, and a pair of grey cord trousers with leather patches and lacings, bearing the studio label which authenticates it. Tickets are on sale now at £1 each ($2 USA). You can buy as many or as few as you wish, and buy them as often as you wish. Tickets are available from Sylvia Brookfield (please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for your tickets if in the UK or just a self-addressed envelope outside the UK). If the raffle is won by someone outside the UK, then they will be responsible for the postage or shipping costs
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