Fanderson

It’s Fanderson Day 2024!

Posted on by Parker

Today’s the day each year when Fanderson, the club and its members around the world, show their appreciation to Gerry Anderson, Sylvia Anderson and the hundreds of technicians who brought our favourite TV shows and films to life.

Puppeteers, writers, composers, designers, musicians, model-makers, voice artists, actors, directors, hair, make-up and wardrobe and many, many more people worked as part of the amazingly talented teams that Gerry and Sylvia recruited and nurtured to bring Thunderbirds, UFO, Stingray, Doppelgänger, Joe 90, Space:1999 and so many more to the screen.

They all deserve recognition for their wonderful work which is why, every year on Fanderson Day*, we celebrate all these very special people. Join us by commenting below** or on social media, or email us at fanderson.org.uk@outlook.com, to tell everyone who (on the Anderson productions) you think is special and why.

*With so many people to recognise, celebrate and honour it’s appropriate to do it on the day Fanderson was formed by Gerry Anderson and ITC, with the explicit intention of celebrating and honouring Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s productions.

**Comments can only be left by club members, and all comments are moderated.

Location, location, location – a Hole In One

Posted on by Parker

On the weekend of 3rd/4th August 2024, two coachloads of The Secret Service fans gathered to celebrate the series’ 55th anniversary, including a filming location tour.

During a very full Saturday we visited 16 filming locations used in The Secret Service, some never visited before, as well as several private residences to which access is not normally possible:

  • Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire gates (To Catch A Spy)
  • Dropmore House, Burnham gates (Hole In One)
  • junction of Thompkins Lane/Hawthorn Lane, Burnham Beeches (The Cure)
  • junction of East Burnham Lane/Allerds Road, East Burnham (The Cure and The Deadly Whisper)
  • Foxlea Manor, Burnham (Father Unwin’s vicarage, seen in most episodes)

  • Abbey Park Farm, Burnham (More Haste, Less Speed)
  • Saint Michael and All Angels, High Wycombe (Father Unwin’s parish church, seen in most episodes)
  • Sheepcote Manor, Wooburn Green (The Deadly Whisper)

  • Windsor End, Beaconsfield (May-Day, May-Day!)
  • Hall Barn and gates, Beaconsfield (To Catch A Spy)

  • Greensleeves, Gerrard’s Cross (The Feathered Spies)

  • junction of St Huberts Lane/Fulmer Lane, Fulmer (A Case For The Bishop and School For Spies)
  • Fulmer (A Case For The Bishop)
  • Wexham Park Hospital , Slough (School For Spies)
  • Oakley Court Hotel, Bray (More Haste, Less Speed)

Plus, amongst those we also passed en route:

  • The Ferry Inn public house, Cookham (The Saint, The Talented Husband)
  • junction of Green Lane/Curriers Lane/Park Lane/Pumpkin Hill (More Haste, Less Speed)
  • junction of Thompkins Lane/Hawthorn Lane (The Feathered Spies)
  • former site of Wingroves, Hawthorne Lane, Burnham Beeches (More Haste, Less Speed (re-developed since filming))
  • The Crown public house, East Burnham (The Avengers, Killer)
  • the Jolly Woodman public house, Burnham (Carry On Dick, Genevieve)
  • The Green, Wooburn Green (To Catch A Spy)
  • Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross (The Persuaders!, Nuisance Value)
  • Bulstrode Court, Gerrards Cross (The New Avengers, The Eagle’s Nest)
  • former entrance to St Hubert’s Farm (To Catch A Spy (re-developed since filming))
  • Fulmer Hall, Fulmer (The New Avengers)

Upon our return to Cookham, where the event was based, we presented a plaque to the manager of The Kings Arms, officially recognising it as the spiritual ‘birthplace’ of Parker in Thunderbirds (voice artist David Graham having been inspired by the waiter there).

 (Click image for more information)

On Sunday we relocated to our final filming location – Maidenhead Golf Club (Hole In One) which is due for imminent demolition – passing the Queen Victoria clock tower (Last Train To Bufflers Halt), Maidenhead on the way.

Throughout the weekend we enjoyed a fun quiz, a charity raffle, episodes of The Secret Service, interspersed with recorded interviews with director Alan Perry, model-maker and special effects technician Alan Shubrook, voice artist and actor Gary Files, voice artist and actor Keith Alexander, puppet supervisor Mary Turner and series’ star Stanley Unwin. Alan and Bridgitt Shubrook also joined us in person for the whole weekend, and Keith Alexander joined us live from Australia on Saturday evening. And, of course, the whole event was a great opportunity to meet and socialise with like-minded people.

Thanks to Andrew Staton, Glenn Hobster and Gary Whittaker for planning and executing such an enjoyable weekend. If any attendees have feedback on the event, please drop us a line at fanderson.org.uk@outlook.com.

Special thanks to Jenefer Farncombe, Sarah Bracken, Gem and Tanya.

Thanks to Mike Burrows for the photographs. Read Mike’s review of the event.

(Click on this image for a larger version)

We have a very limited amount of Supporter’s Packs from the event available in the Shop. The Secret Service Close Up book and Annual have more location details.

The postman’s on his way with a little something to start your summer…

Posted on by Parker

We’re delighted to report that FAB Express 107 was posted today to all Fanderson members! As well as all the Anderson news and your views, this issue takes a FlashBack to The Secret Service Hole In One, to whet everyone’s appetite before the Hole In One event in August.

Being the summer mailing, it’s also that time when we again ask you all to renew your club memberships. Mailed with FAB Express 107 is a short letter that explains how to renew your membership – ensure you do it by 1st October and you can save money with your Loyalty Discount (explained in the letter).

As long as we’ve got your renewal by 1st October you’ll be included in the winter mailing, comprising issue 108 and FAB Annual 2025. Editor Mike Jones is working hard to ensure it’s another goodie that you won’t want to miss!

UPDATE 27/7/24: Apologies to Fanderson’s Honorary Members – your mailing includes a renewal letter by mistake. Please ignore this as we’ll renew your membership automatically.

 

Thank you so much!

Posted on by Parker

Throughout June we ran another online daily calendar of offers, raffles, lucky dips and ‘blind’ auctions – many to raise vital funds for our 2024 charity, Actors’ Benevolent Fund. We’re still finalising the figures, but it looks like once again we’re well into four figures! We’ll publish the final figure in FAB Express 108 in the autumn.

Thanks so much to our generous donors and everyone who bought raffle tickets, charity items or bid in the auctions!

We’ll start mailing the various prizes and auction lots next week.

Remember that we still have a range of items available in return for a donation to our charity. As a reminder, here’s a reminder of what was in our Summer Solstice Spectacular:

Day 1 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Robert Harrop The Hood figurine – won by Robert Hill

Day 2 – OFFER – save up to 33% of our exclusive FAB Challenge card game

Day 3 – CHARITY AUCTION – genuine Space Precinct costume SRO overalls – highest bidder Mary Turner (no, not that Mary Turner!)

Day 4 – FREE LUCKY DIP – Brains Explains book – won by John Bullivant

Day 5 – OFFER – buy all three audio archive CDs for the price of two

Day 6 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Thunderbirds jigsaw puzzles – won by Ian Haworth

Day 7 – OFFER – Super Space Theater book and art prints

Day 8 – CHARITY AUCTION – Robert Harrop Brains figurine – highest bidder Robert Hill

Day 9 – OFFER – free Captain Scarlet specification guide when you buy the exclusive Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons soundtrack

Day 10 – OFFER – up to 33% off all five posters, including £10 charity donation

Day 11 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Robert Harrop Gordon Tracy figurine – won by Robert Hill

Day 12 – OFFER – free Stingray specification guide when you buy the exclusive Stingray soundtrack

Day 13 – FREE LUCKY DIP – Supercelebration tote bag – won by Keith Jones

Day 14 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Thunderbirds jigsaw puzzle and Agents’ Technical Handbook – won by MaryAnn Tucker

Day 15 – OFFER – three club annuals for the price of two

Day 16 – CHARITY AUCTION – Tracy Island News issue 1 – highest bidder Lyndsay Jones

Day 17 – CHARITY ITEM – FAB1 button badge

Day 18 – CHARITY AUCTION – Barry Gray concert brochure – highest bidder Yasutaka Matsuyma

Day 19 – OFFER – up to 33% off exclusive FAB Grooves vinyl LP

Day 20 – CHARITY AUCTION – Robert Harrop Recovery Vehicles – highest bidder Robert Hill

Day 21 – OFFER – free The Secret Service specification guide when you buy the exclusive The Secret Service soundtrack

Day 22 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Thunderbirds shot glasses – won by Ian Haworth

Day 23 – FREE LUCKY DIP – Parker’s Cars book – won by Jason Guth

Day 24 – CHARITY AUCTION – Silva Screen Space:1999 soundtrack – highest bidder – Susan Duluth

Day 25 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Stingray Blu-ray Disc – won by James McFetridge

Day 26 – OFFER – free Joe 90 specification guide when you buy the exclusive Joe 90 soundtrack

Day 27 – CHARITY AUCTION – Robert Harrop Virgil Tracy – highest bidder Robert Hill

Day 28 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Thunderbird 5 paperweight – won by Ian Haworth

Day 29 – CHARITY AUCTION – FAB1 convention brochure – highest bidder Tom Saunders

Day 30 – CHARITY RAFFLE – Robert Harrop Scott Tracy – won by Ian Haworth

Additionally, see all of our Charity Fundraising items available to buy.

Summer Solstice Spectacular terms and conditions apply, in addition to Fanderson’s standing Terms and Conditions.

 

FAB Express 106 is on its way

Posted on by Parker

We’re delighted to report that FAB Express 106 was posted today to all Fanderson members!

We also had so many contributions to this issue’s FlashBack that we couldn’t fit them all in. We don’t want to leave anyone out, so here are our regular contributors Pat and Doug’s thoughts on Thunderbirds Ricochet…

Pat Gardner, Lancing, West Sussex

I have mixed feelings about the extra six episodes. Thunderbirds was, for me, about Scott and Virgil undertaking a rescue with the use of whatever exciting new vehicle was in the pod. The other characters were an ensemble cast to provide variety and some light relief. By the time the extra episodes were made the focus was more on these subsidiary characters, there were no pod vehicles apart from a dull cherry picker (Path Of Destruction), and in two of the episodes no rescue (the Christmas story and also Lord Parker’s ‘Oliday, the latter also contradicting what we are told in Atlantic Inferno that International Rescue is there to save people – Monte Bianco could have been evacuated and no-one would have died)! And the episodes that did have rescues had rather lame ones, mostly involving cutting gear. Ricochet is a good example – Loman is rescued by simply being picked up, and the rescue of O’Shea is consists of cutting through a door (OK, the black eye is an added extra).

There are other changes for these episodes. When I was a child, my favourite character was Virgil, with his steady calm voice in total contrast to Scott. I don’t like the replacement voice. I recall my sister commenting on the different hidden microphone on Jeff’s desk. Children notice these things. In some episodes Tracy Island looks different, and there are variations in the design of the craft. As a child I felt things should be a fixed way and I did not like the changes at all (I am less bothered now). Some of the puppets seem to be a half-way house between the caricatures and those of later series, particularly Prof Marshall.

I was a bit puzzled by the second stage separation fault in the rocket, since it continued firing in the atmosphere when presumably it would have no fuel left. However, by the time it reached space it has stopped firing. The rocket launch scenes are rather long-winded, giving the impression of padding to increase the running time. Also puzzled as to why Thunderbird 2 was launched when the obvious thing would have been to only launch Thunderbird 3 – the eventual need for Thunderbird 2 was not obvious at the start of the rescue. Jeff clearly takes a belt and braces approach.

This is the second episode in which Alan exhibits jealousy (the other being End Of The Road). Tin-Tin, don’t go out with him, he will be a nightmare in the future!

Pirate station KLA is presumably inspired by the pirate radio stations of the 60s. It is rather prescient, written long before satellite television or MTV. And using the broadcast to issue a call for help really did eventually happen, at Radio NorthSea International in the early 70s when a naughty rival set fire to their ship. There are some oddities though. KLA is not in geostationary orbit so a viewer would only receive the station for a short time (if at all, given the lack of a dish on Tin-Tin’s set). And although O’Shea is on screen to introduce the tracks, these appear to be on audio tape – so what is shown on screen while the music plays? We may never know.

I like the special effects sequence when Thunderbird 2 tries to divert the space station from the refinery, especially the way in which KLA disintegrates. But I don’t like the sequence when Thunderbird 2 reverses into its hanger. The smoke reverses into the pipes! Anyone would think they’d run the film backwards instead of creating a new scene…

Ricochet has a novel story and it was great that more Thunderbirds episodes were made (my memory of the first screening in the London area was that the new episodes were shown every second week, interleaved with repeats). If only there had been fewer changes between the first 26 episodes and the extra six.

 

Doug Pelton, Mississauga, Canada

Just got watching Ricochet once more. Graeme Walker passed on his old A&E sets to me so I viewed it again. Loved these things. How despicable Rick was throughout/putting the show ahead of the well-being of the station and scaredie-catting his refusal to be saved by Alan.

I loved the newer interior look of the Sentinel Base and the ICS interior all looking like one to come in the C21 shows. The circular ICS control desk and much of the electronics flat against the wall. The rocket is the best one of the series, all smooth and minus the earlier fins etc of Sun Probe and Mars Probe ones. Most likely this was one of Mike Trim’s earliest conceptions. Like it foreshadowed the ones he did for C21 and UFO. And the silo it was housed in. Also the mid section shots of TB3 as Alan exits and then returns with Loman, plus TB2 return to base landing on the strip then backwarding into the hangar. And the angst exhibited by Virgil and Brains thinking that rick died with the KLA desert crash. Plus the good work done to paint on the bruise on Rick’s face.

Another good one, an early one from Tony Barwick and Mike Trim here. Rare one without TB1 or Lady P. And Jeff’s concern for pirate space stations like KLA impairing normal orbital items orbits too. Like the UFO space junk in Conflict.

 

In FABruary we dropped the price of all back issues of FAB and FAB Express, so there’s never been a better time to catch up on any missing issues. And don’t forget that we still have limited stock of FAB Annual 2023 if you missed that, or want a second copy.

 

It’s FAB-U-LESS!

Posted on by Parker

The post-Christmas/January blues are over, and as we’re into FABruary we’re launching FAB-U-LESS!

Since 1991, we’ve published 100 issues of our club magazine FAB, packed with news, reviews, interviews, features, cutaways, members’ letters, comic strips, script-to-screen analysis and much, much more.

If you’ve missed any issues, now’s the time to catch up as all available FAB magazines (and its successor FAB Express) are now permanently reduced in price, to:

  • UK £3.50
  • Europe £6.00
  • rest of the world £7.60

Don’t hang about, though, as some issues are already on our ‘low stock’ listing – when they’re gone, they’re gone!

You can save even more by buying three or more FAB/FAB Express magazines in the same transaction. Apply the coupon code FABBackIssues when you checkout and you’ll get 25% off.

All available issues are here, so pop some reading matter bargains into your basket now.

NOTE: Prices are reviewed periodically to take into account the rising cost of packaging and postage etc.

An heroic deed indeed!

Posted on by 1266 Nick Williams

Over the last 12 months Fanderson members have helped to raise £750 for Hearing Dogs For Deaf People, from activities including 2022 advent calendar, Easter Egg Hunt and special items available for a donation to the charity.

Fire control expert Jason Smith, just back from his latest assignment, graciously accepted a cheque from Fanderson on behalf of the charity before he was called away to an incident at an oil rig in the Middle East. Before leaving he thanked the club and its members and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Sarah Squirrell, of Hearing Dogs, said:

“Thanks to everyone at Fanderson for the kind gift of £750.

Your special gift will help train life-changing hearing dogs and allow us to provide long-term support for our hearing dog partnerships.

At Hearing Dogs, the training and support we provide does not end when the dog is placed with their partner. We provide ongoing help and further training to deal with life changes whether they are planned or unexpected.

Starting university is a huge change for anyone but as a deaf student with a hearing dog, there were some extra things Ana had to think about, including some additional training for her hearing dog, Valley. Together with a Hearing Dogs trainer, Valley was gradually introduced to lecture theatres and labs and learnt how to settle under Ana’s chair during lectures. Ana has now been invited to train with the England Deaf Women’s football team and, as for Valley, she is loving all the extra attention from Ana’s teammates!

Once again, we would like to thank you very much for your support.”

Fanderson has a great reputation for supporting worthwhile causes, and over the club’s 42 years members have raised in excess of £50,000 for the likes of Alzheimers Society, Baby Lifeline, Children In Need, Diabetes UK, The Film And TV Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, Orchid, Silverline, Terrence Higgins Trust, Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal and many more. To the left of Jason in the photo is our statue of SHADO, from our funding of a guide dog for the blind in 1996.

Our 2023/4 fundraising is in aid of Actors’ Benevolent Fund. Remember that the 2023 Advent Calendar is still running with most offers valid until 31st December.

Santa’s coming a little early…

Posted on by Parker

Santa’s sack is full to busting with FAB Annuals and FAB Express magazines for all Fanderson members! He’s having to start his rounds early!

Our winter mailing was completed today, so FAB Express 105 and FAB Annual 2024 should soon start landing in current members’ homes (we can now start putting them in packages for new members too). Hopefully most, if not all, club members will receive their packages in time for Christmas.

Of course, when we publish a new magazine the previous issue is added to Fanderson Sales to buy, so members can now get FAB Express 104, and those who want to buy a second (or more) copy of FAB Annual 2023 can get them now. As the mailing has been a little later than we planned, we’ve extended our Annual Affair promotion until the end of December too.

 

Please ensure you order in good time for Christmas, and see the various additional postage options available with merchandise orders.

 

It’s Fanderson Day 2023!

Posted on by Parker

Fanderson members know that it wasn’t just Gerry Anderson, or Sylvia Anderson, who made Thunderbirds, UFO, Stingray, Doppelgänger, Joe 90, Space:1999, or any of our other favourite TV shows and films.

We know that there were also hundreds of technicians, puppeteers, writers, composers, designers, musicians, model-makers, voice artists, actors, directors, hair, make-up and wardrobe and many, many more who worked as part of the amazingly talented teams that Gerry and Sylvia recruited and nurtured to bring their creations to life.

They all deserve recognition for their wonderful work which is why, every year on Fanderson Day*, we celebrate all these very special people. Join us by commenting below**, or on social media, telling everyone who (on the Anderson productions) you think is special and why.

And, this being Fanderson’s 42nd anniversary, for today only you can save 42% off a range of 42 exclusive items of club merchandise – created by fans, for fans. From nearly 300 products we’ve picked those that represent not just the wide range of Anderson productions, but also those that perhaps only a fan club would be prepared to make – as a reminder why the club was created and is still so special today. Just apply the coupon code FandersonDay at checkout before you pay.

*With so many people to recognise, celebrate and honour it’s appropriate to do it on the day Fanderson was formed by Gerry Anderson and ITC, with the explicit intention of celebrating and honouring Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s productions.

**Comments can only be left by club members, and all comments are moderated.

IMPORTANT: Apply the coupon code FandersonDay before you pay to get 42% off items in the Fanderson Day category.

Members must apply the coupon code to get the discount. It cannot be applied after you have paid, and we cannot apply it retroactively.

 

Will you win the FAB Challenge?

Posted on by Parker

Something we’ve been asked for many times over the years is now, thanks to club members Matthew Teevan and Mark Whyte, finally available – the exclusive FAB Challenge card game from Fanderson!

Easy to play, but fiendish to master, FAB Challenge presents 40 of the greatest vehicles from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s productions in a card game. Accompanying the brand-new vehicle artwork on each card is the FAB Spec & Tech, from which you must choose one item to beat your opponents and seize the hand!

LIMITED TIME INTRODUCTORY OFFER: We know that some members will want to play FAB Challenge with their friends and family, whilst keeping a set pristine (possibly unopened!). So, put two in your basket together and apply the coupon code FABChallenge before you pay and you’ll save £4! This offer will expire on 1st October 2023.

IMPORTANT: Members must apply the coupon code to get the discount. It cannot be applied after you have paid, and we cannot apply it retroactively.