Gerry Anderson’s Funeral

Posted on 1st January 2013 by 1266 Nick Williams

Gerry Anderson’s funeral will take place on Friday 11th January 2013 at 11:30 at Caversham / Reading Crematorium, followed by time to share memories over drinks and food at Phyllis Court, Henley-on-Thames from 12:30-15:30.

Mary and Jamie Anderson are keen that the day is a chance for family, colleagues and fans to share their memories of Gerry and celebrate an extraordinary life. However, space at the crematorium is limited so if you’re planning to attend please let them know via Facebook.

If you don’t have a Facebook account but would like to let Jamie know you’ll be there, please e-mail us and we’ll pass your message on.

Radio Tribute To Gerry Anderson

Posted on 28th December 2012 by 1266 Nick Williams

You may like to know that Radio Six International will be broadcasting an hour-long tribute to Gerry Anderson on Saturday. The programme will include music from every TV series Gerry worked on from Twizzle to Lavender Castle, except for the Japanese “Firestorm”. Also included will be the unused “Thunderbirds” theme.

The programme – The Tony Currie Show – can be heard online at www.radiosix.com on Saturday at (UK times) Midnight, 10am and 9pm. A number of USA , New Zealand and Singapore affiliates will also transmit the show locally. Details can be found on the Radio Six International website.

3,000 attend Cosford Flights of Fantasy

Posted on 28th November 2012 by 1266 Nick Williams

RAF Cosford Flights of Fantasy

Photo credit: Dalek Sram

Nearly 3,000 people descended on Cosford Flights of Fantasy over the weekend of 24th – 25th November to see an incredible exhibition of Gerry Anderson puppets and memorabilia at the .

Among the many highlights of an amazing model and props display at RAF Museum Cosford were vehicles and sets from Space:1999 and the original Captain Black and Steve Zodiac puppets.

Matt Zimmerman, David Graham and Shane Rimmer were also in attendance, and were interviewed in the Museum’s atmospheric underground theatre by Chris Bentley about their time on Thunderbirds and other aspects of their careers. The trio – fans’ favourites from many past conventions – provided great comic entertainment, showing they have lost none of their ability to perform before an audience.

Effects guru Brian Johnson also appeared as a surprise guest. Brian, who became famous for his work on Thunderbirds and as Head of Special Effects on Space 1999, also spoke about his involvement in two very different cult science fiction films, The Day the Earth Caught Fire and 2001 – A Space Odyssey.

Fanderson ran a sales table over both days of the event, selling new memberships and exclusive merchandise to existing members. Thank you to everyone who came to say hello!

Share your memories, comments and photos of the event on the Fanderson Forum

Shane Rimmer to attend event in York

Posted on 1st November 2012 by 1266 Nick Williams

Scott Tracy - voiced by Shane Rimmera
Shane Rimmer, the voice of Thunderbird 1 pilot Scott Tracy, will be a special guest at the Movie Buffs Event at The Royal York Hotel on 2nd December. Shane will be appearing alongside Jeremy Bulloch of Boba Fett fame, from Star Wars.

Movie Buffs Collectors Fairs is a great way for film enthusiasts, collectors and dealers to get together.

To find out more information about the event visit the Movie Buffs website.

Fanderson raises money for Alzheimer’s Society

Posted on 20th October 2012 by 1266 Nick Williams

On Saturday 13th October 2012 hundreds of people, including several Fanderson members, joined Jamie Anderson and Matt Zimmerman on the Memory Walk in Windsor to raise thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Gerry Anderson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease 18 months ago and this summer publicised his support for the Society by encouraging people to take part in a Memory Walk near them. Unfortunately, although he was looking forward to taking part in the walk himself, on the day Gerry wasn’t well enough. Those who made it along, however, were treated to Matt Zimmerman’s Thunderbirds-style countdown that opened the walk.

Matt then made his way round the course with his fellow supporters, including Fanderson members Stephen Billings, Stephen Brown, Geoffrey Ellis, Duncan Moss, Lynn Simpson, Glo Thorogood (with Virgil Tracy, of course!) and Nick Williams. Having raised much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society by walking the 10km course round Dorney Lake, Windsor, many decided to forge on with an extra mile in order to get an additional £5 donation from Bupa per person to the Society.

We know that many members still want to help this very worthy cause, and you can do so by donating at Jamie Anderson’s Just Giving page

Captain Black takes over RAF Museum Cosford

Posted on 8th October 2012 by 1266 Nick Williams

Over the weekend of 24th – 25th November the RAF Museum in Cosford will be hosting an amazing exhibition of rare puppets and memorabilia from the worlds of Gerry Anderson. For many fans a number of rarely seen puppets – including the original Captain Black – will be the star attractions of the weekend. For others, it will be the appearance of special guests David Graham, Shane Rimmer and Matt Zimmerman. For others it will be a chance to catch up and have a friendly chat with members of the Fanderson Committee!

The event will feature puppets from Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Fireball XL5 and Captain Scarlet, as well as a fascinating range of models, costumes, full-sized vehicles and sets from the classic live action shows Space 1999 and UFO.

The exhibition will be a first for the RAF Museum Cosford and will be taking place in the National Cold War Exhibition alongside a backdrop of aircraft which inspired the look and design of the shows. There will also be a number of trade stands with associated merchandise.

Admission to the display is free and will be open from 10.00 to 16.30.

Shane Rimmer, David Graham and Matt Zimmerman will be attending on the Saturday and will be interviewed in the morning in the museum’s atmospheric bunker-style lecture theatre before participating in a question and answer session in the afternoon. Tickets for both sessions are now on general sale priced £15.00, and include a parking pass and a signed photo of the Thunderbirds puppets at Cosford.

Fanderson will be manning a table at the event and will have a range of merchandise available for members to buy. If you are planning to attend please feel free to stop by and say hello!

Read about the event on the RAF Museum website