Thunderbirds Cars are Go at Andercon!

Straker's car from UFO

FAB1 and a host of other cars from the series of Gerry Anderson will be on show at the launch of Andercon – the first official convention for fans of the legendary TV and film producer.

The convention will take place between 19th-20th April 2014 at the Park Inn Heathrow hotel, and will feature over 40 guests from the cast and crew of every single Gerry Anderson production.

In addition to FAB1 there should be a number of famous vehicles from other Anderson productions, including the Model T Ford ‘Gabriel’ from the Secret Service, a replica of Straker’s car from UFO (subject to completion on time), a surviving moon buggy from Space: 1999 and Rolls Royce’s specially built ‘FAB1Million’ Ghost (awaiting confirmation).Andercon logo

Andercon looks set to attract Gerry Anderson fans from all over the world. Jamie Anderson, Managing Director of Anderson Entertainment said: “It’s a great chance to meet the cast and crew in person and to see the original props up close. We’ll have exclusive screenings, panels and workshops, Q&A sessions and quizzes and costume competitions with super prizes. We’ll also be showing never-before-seen set reconstructions showing how the Anderson magic happened. Unfortunately, the venue has had to limit the number of people allowed, so I advise anyone who’s interested to secure tickets now while they’re still available.”

Tickets cost £45 per day and are available from www.andercon.co.uk

Fanderson members get half-price tickets at Autographica 2014

logogoldAutographica, the world’s largest autograph event, is once again paying tribute to the works of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

And this year Fanderson club members can buy day tickets for Autographica 2014 at half the normal price if they quote their membership number when they order! This extremely generous offer is due to the special relationship that has been built between the club and the event in recent years.

What to expect at Autographica 2014

This year’s event is taking place on the 21st – 23rd March 2014 at the Radisson Edwardian, Heathrow, London. This popular event is proving to be an absolute must for Gerry Anderson fans, featuring no less than five guests from different Anderson shows.

Heading the guest list is Sylvia Anderson herself – the other  half the creative team behind most of the Anderson shows, and the voice of Lady Penelope. The next big name is Barbara Bain, who played Dr. Helena Russell throughout Space:1999.  Bernard Kay, who  played the Humanoid in the second season episode New Adam New Eve, will also be attending. Other guests at the event who will be of interest to Anderson fans include:

  • Christopher Neame (The Protectors – Blockbuster)
  • Adrienne Corri (UFO – The Square Triangle,  and the 1954 film Devil Girl From Mars, which was recently released by Network Video)

The show also has a packed guest list also contains James Bond girls plus other actors and actresses from Dr Who and other TV shows and films; you can even get to meet a real-life astronaut.

To book your tickets go to www.autographica.co.uk or phone the ticket line on 01959 573792, open 9.00am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday

Gerry Anderson – His Alzheimer’s Story

It’s been a year since the club lost our President, Gerry Anderson. Gerry’s final years were as remarkable as his creative career. In this, his final interview, he tells us about his struggle with Alzheimer’s and his work to create awareness about the disease. Gerry’s son, Jamie, also talks frankly about the effect of the illness on the family and their work with the Alzheimer’s Society.
www.alzheimers.org.uk

The FAB Book of Gerry Anderson Sweet Cigarette Cards

FAB Book of Gerry Anderson Sweet Cigarette Cards

A quick reminder about one of our great new sale items…just in time for Christmas. 

Cigarettes have often had a place in the worlds of Gerry Anderson. And whether you think they’re redolent of childhood nostalgia or are just fascinatingly un-PC in our modern  times, The FAB Book of Gerry Anderson Sweet Cigarette Cards Vol.1 is a must-have read for any fan of Gerry Anderson merchandise!

The first volume of what promises to be a series of guides takes a look at the cards that were designed to tie in with Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. The book features high resolution scans of the cards and albums with notes on variations and packaging.

It might just make a nice Christmas present for someone – probably a reformed nicotine fiend.

Please note: Fanderson merchandise is available exclusively to club members.

Purchase your copy

Gerry Anderson: The Vintage Comic Collection is go!

comic-collection-large

Original Anderson picture stories by the likes of comics legends Frank Bellamy and Mike Noble are set to receive a lavish reissue in a new partwork collection.

Each volume of Gerry Anderson: The Vintage Comic Collection is a hardback book featuring meticulously restored comic art from the 1960s and 70s, alongside features covering Gerry Anderson’s life and his many productions. The books also include profiles of the artists and writers who created the strips.

The strips are presented as complete stories, and wherever possible have been scanned from the original artwork. Every week, Gerry Anderson: The Vintage Comic Collection will build into a hardback collection of unprecedented depth and size.

Published in chronological order, with each volume dedicated to a single Anderson series, the collection promises to be the definitive way to enjoy the comic strip adventures of Anderson’s greatest series.

Comics (1)

Subscribers to the collection will receive four exclusive gifts: a calendar, a die-cast model of Stingray, digital editions of the comics and a FAB 1 licence plate. Premium subscribers will also receive die-cast models of Thunderbird 2 and a Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle.

Gerry Anderson: The Vintage Comic Collection is published by Eaglemoss.

More details at can be found at www.gerry-anderson-collection.com

Fans Celebrate at Terrahawks 30th Birthday Event


Julian Bell and Tony Bell are interviewed by FAB co-editor Ian FryerFans and guests came together to celebrate 30 years of Terrahawks on Saturday 12th October, at the Holiday Inn, Maidenhead.

Although smaller in scale than previous conventions, Expect the Unexpected nevertheless contained all the much-loved elements of a Fanderson convention – fascinating interviews, unique screenings, great merchandise, top models and props on display and a wonderful chance for fans to socialise and talk to guests.

Jamie and Mary Anderson at Expect the UnexpectedExpect the Unexpected definitely lived up to its title thanks to the last-minute appearance of three guests who kindly volunteered to attend the event. Floor puppeteer Judy Preece and Art Director Gary Tomkins were joined by Driver Julian Bell and Director Tony Bell. Later in the day, Visual Effects Director Steven Begg, Visual Effects Technician Terry Adlam and Director Mark Woollard were joined by Props Buyer Kaye Moss. There was also an interview and slideshow with modelmakers John Lee and Steven Woodcock, with a second slideshow from Terry Adlam. Handled by FAB magazine co-editor Ian Fryer, the interviews evoked fond memories of the making of the series and conveyed a real sense of a family atmosphere within the production team.

An original Kate Kestrel headDuring the packed schedule, fans also managed to fit in time to check out an amazing collection of replica and original models, including an original Kate Kestrel puppet head and Zelda’s ‘Rhino’ ship! Fanderson Sales was also present with not one but two sales items for fans to purchase for the first time. Those who didn’t attend will have to wait a little longer!

There were screenings of Fanderson’s specially-commissioned episodes in HD, remastered by BBC Resources and Kindred Productions. The first of these was the compilation episode Ma’s Monsters, followed by Two for the Price of One, which marks the introduction of Cy-Star’s schizophrenic child, It-Star.

Zelda's cubes at Expect the Unexpected

The day’s interviews were rounded off with Jamie Anderson updating everyone on the progress of various Anderson legacy projects and the latest on the hugely successful Gemini Force One Kickstarter campaign.

The evening’s entertainment focused on a TV Dinners quiz that stretched fans’ knowledge of classic TV all the way. The quiz was deftly compered by Fanderson chairman Nick Williams, and accompanied by a hot ‘take-away-style’ buffet. The winners were rewarded by Zelda’s Cubes, full of 80s treats to bring Earth to its knees!

The winning team from the TV Dinners quiz collect their prizes!

All in all, it was a relaxed and friendly event that gave fans the chance to celebrate a series anniversary in a unique way. Happy Birthday, Terrahawks!

 

 

 

 Photos courtesy of Mark Simpson Wedge

Shane and Sheila Rimmer Celebrate Golden Anniversary

Sheila and Shane Rimmer

www.times-series.co.uk  has published an article about how Shane Rimmer first met his wife, Sheila. The piece marks the couple’s  golden wedding anniversary and reveals that the voice of Thunderbird 1 pilot Scott Tracy met his wife of 50 years in 1962 when they were entertaining armed forces in Turkey.

According to Sheila the secret of a happy marriage is a mixture of meditation, philosophy and a sense of humour!

Read the article here

Many congratulations to the happy couple from Fanderson.

David Graham returns as Parker in Thunderbirds Are Go!

David Graham will play Aloysius Parker in Thunderbirds are Go!

Credit: ITV News

  • Thunderbirds Are Go! Voice Cast Revealed
  • David Graham reprises the role Parker
  • Rosamund Pike to play Lady Penelope

Fans of Gerry Anderson’s original Thunderbirds series got their dearest  wish today, as ITV Global announced that David Graham would reprise the role for which he is most fondly remembered. Almost 50 years have passed since his last appearance, but the voice artist will once again be playing the much-loved chauffeur and reformed crook, Aloysius Parker in ITV Global’s Thunderbirds are Go! Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl, Die Another Day) will play his aristocratic employer and International Rescue Agent, Lady Penelope.

Other cast members to be announced include:

  • Brains – Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker)
  • Alan and Scott Tracy – Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon)
  • Virgil Tracy – David Menkin
  • Gordon and John Tracy – Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually,Game of Thrones)
  • Grandma Tracy – Sandra Dickinson (Amazing World of Gumball, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)
  • The Hood – Andres Williams (M.I. High, Foyle’s War).

It appears that no announcement has yet been made as to the role of Jeff Tracy, the head of the Tracy family. However it has been confirmed that Thunderbirds Are Go! will also feature a range of brand new characters. Kayo – the Tracy brothers’ friend and fellow island resident – will be played by Angel Coulby (Merlin, Dancing on the Edge) and Colonel Casey voiced by Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, Doctor Who).

Giles Ridge, Executive Producer of Thunderbirds Are Go! said: “Each member of the cast has brought a brilliantly fresh and unique approach to these wonderful characters. I can’t think of anyone better than Rosamund to bring back to life the fabulous Lady Penelope and we are honoured that David Graham has joined the cast to revisit his role as Parker.”

Rosamund Pike commented: “I’m very excited to bring Lady Penelope’s wry wit and taste for adventure to a new generation. Exploring the scenes with David Graham has been an absolute delight. The scripts are very modern, very fresh and very funny. We’re all eagerly anticipating our next stint in the recording studio!”

David Graham, playing Parker, added: “I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series of Thunderbirds Are Go! and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast. My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with M’Lady. Cheerio!”

The series features an innovative mix of CGI animation and live-action miniature sets and is due to debut in 2015. Thunderbirds Are Go! is produced by ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, with world-famous Weta Workshop (Avatar, King Kong, The Lord of the Rings) designing the series and producing the miniatures. The 26 x 30’ major new children’s series will debut on ITV and UK’s CITV Channel in 2015.

So, who would believe it? David Graham returns as Parker in Thunderbirds Are Go! What do you think about the casting decisions? Let us know on the Fanderson Facebook Group and Fanderson Forum.

Want to celebrate the exciting news with an episode of the original, ‘classic’ Thunderbirds? Check out our Thunderbirds episode guide and choose your viewing pleasure!

Day Pass Tickets Available for Terrahawks Event

Terrahawks: Expect the Unexpected

Fans can still book their place at Expect the Unexpected, Fanderson’s 30th anniversary event for Terrahawks. Full registrations are available until 30th September, and the club has now issued a ‘day pass’ ticket at the reduced rate of £40.

The day pass gives fans access to the event but does not include the evening meal. The event is open to both members and non-members.

Terrahawks in HD, rare screenings and guest interviews

Expect the Unexpected will see the first-ever screening of Terrahawks episodes in high definition (HD), rare clips and archive footage, a model and puppet display and the chance to enjoy interviews with special guests involved in the making of the show. Our guest line up includes:

  • Terry Adlam – Terrahawks Special Effects Technician
  • Mary Anderson – Production Executive
  • Steven Begg – Special Effects Director
  • John Lee – Terrahawks Modelmaker
  • Judy Preece – Terrahawks Puppeteer
  • Gary Tomkins – Terrahawks Art Director
  • Steven Woodcock – Terrahawks Modelmaker
  • Mark Woollard – New Captain Scarlet Director
  • Jamie Anderson – Anderson Entertainment Executive

Remember that as well as our guest interviews, if you have a burning question for Steven Begg or any of our guests you can always ask it over a drink at the bar!

The evening will include an Eighties-themed TV quiz to be played in teams for some fun prizes. There will also be some great prizes up for grabs in our raffles.

Expect The Unexpected starts at 10:00am on Saturday 12th October and will run into the evening. Day passes cost £40 per person, and are available to both Fanderson members and non-members. The day pass does not include an evening meal.

Accommodation

For fans wishing to stay the night, we have arranged a special rate for double/twin rooms at the Holiday Inn on either Friday 11th or Saturday 12th October of just £65 bed and breakfast. To book your room at Fanderson’s special rate please call house reservations on 01628 506070 between 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday. Attendees must quote “Fanderson” when they book to receive the discount. For more information about the hotel visit www.himaidenheadhotel.co.uk.

Important Terms And Conditions of Registration

I understand that full payment must be received at the registrations address (24 Bluebell Rise, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 2RR) by 11th October 2013. I understand that once my registration has been confirmed, all payments are non-refundable. I understand that once my registration has been confirmed, it is my responsibility to pay the hotel bill for my room and any associated costs upon checkout, or to pay any cancellation costs due to my failure to attend the event. I understand that the Fanderson committee and/or the hotel reserve the right to decline registration for any reason whatsoever, and that should my application for registration be declined, any registration fees that I have paid will be refunded in full.  I understand that any children in my party are my sole responsibility for the duration of the event, and that the organisers will not make any special arrangements for children of any age. I understand that the event is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. I understand that the organisers will make every effort to provide attendees with the contents of the programme of events as described, but that changes to the programme may be implemented at the organisers’ discretion due to unforeseen circumstances that may arise nearer the date of the event.