Fanderson confirms first guests for The Future is Fantastic!

The Future is Fantastic!

Fanderson is excited to reveal the first confirmed guests for The Future is Fantastic!, the club’s first full weekend convention in five years. No less than eight people from across the Spectrum of Gerry Anderson series have so far kindly agreed to give up their free time to be with us and meet fans, and there will be more to follow! The current list includes:

Shane and Sheila Rimmer
Thunderbirds Are Go! might be just around the corner, but  fans know that there is only one Scott Tracy! Forever to be known as the voice of Thunderbird 1 pilot, Shane has also had a long-running and successful career as a writer.

Shane will be accompanied by his wife Sheila, and has been a mainstay at conventions for many years.

Matt Zimmerman
Mr Alan Tracy returns once more to entertain us with his vibrant humour and general enthusiasm for life! A successful stage actor, Matt is a real fans’ favourite at conventions. Watch out for his insights into the lives of the Tracy Brothers…

Steve Woodcock
Known by fans for his model work on Terrahawks, alongside his colleague John Lee, Steve provided a fascinating slideshow of his work at Fanderson’s 30th Birthday event for Terrahawks back in 2013.

Judy Preece
As a  puppeteer on Terrahawks, Judy was tasked with bringing life and character to Gerry Anderson’s new style of ‘Supermacromation’ puppetry.

Gary Tomkins
Since cutting his teeth as an art director on Terrahawks, Gary Tomkins has gone on to have  a successful work in the film industry, including work on the Harry Potter and Star Wars series.

Alan Shubrook
Working alongside Derek Meddings, Alan was a modelmaker during the heydays of Century 21 at Slough and has since published a fascinating book on the subject.

Richard James
An established actor in films and children’s TV, Richard played the likeable Officer Hubble Orrin in Space Precinct.

Future-is-fantastic-1

 

The Future is Fantastic will take place over the weekend of 2nd to the 4th October 2015 at the Holiday Inn Maidenhead.

We hope to confirm more guests soon – keep watching this space!

In the meantime, you can…

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

More guests confirmed for Expect the Unexpected

Terrahawks - Expect the UnexpectedIt has been announced that a further three special guests will attend Fanderson’s 30th anniversary event for Terrahahawks – Expect the Unexpected. They are:

  • Gary Tomkins – Terrahawks Art Director
  • Terry Adlam – Terrahawks Special Effects Technician
  • Mark Woollard – New Captain Scarlet Director

Also confirmed are John Lee and Steven Woodcock (Terrahawks Modelmakers), Judy Preece (Puppeteer) and the legendary Steven Begg (Special Effects Director).

Fans will have the chance to ask questions and socialise with all the guests as we celebrate the 30th birthday of one of Gerry Anderson’s most quirky and fondly remembered series.

It’s not too late to book…

…However time is running out – if you plan to attend we must receive your payment by no later than 12th September.

Expect the Unexpected is open to both club members and non-members. Read the terms and conditions of registration below and then:

Expect The Unexpected starts at 10:00 on Saturday 12th October and will run into the evening. Tickets cost £65 per person and will include your evening meal.  This event is open to non members at the same price.

Accommodation

For person 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. Attendees must quote “Fanderson” when they book to receive the discount. For more information about the hotel visit www.himaidenheadhotel.co.uk.

To book your room at Fanderson’s special rate please call house reservations on 01628 506070 between 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday.

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 12th September 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.