Arranging to meet a former Doctor Who companion was included on my list of challenges because the fifty-something year-old series is my all-time favourite television programme … and the previous year had seen the publication of Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman, my book about Doctor Who, which was built around the search to obtain a signed photograph from all the living female TARDIS companions.
The task itself was duly completed on 9 March when I drove up to Newcastle to attend my first ever convention.
I had no real idea what to expect, apart from a line-up of celebrity guests from various science fiction films and television series (as well as some notable former local football luminaries) - and the likelihood of a fairly lengthy wait before being able to gain access to the Newcastle Arena....
Before setting off, I’d read a news report to say that the previous day’s attendance - at what was the region’s first event of this size - had been so large that some people had queued for several hours; and others had been unable to get in, even with pre-purchased tickets.
Sure enough, when I arrived, there were queues stretching down both sides of the Arena, those at the front of the respective queues having arrived as early as half past six! Thankfully, once the doors opened, the wait was nowhere as near as long as anticipated, and I went in search of Sophie Aldred, who had played a companion called Ace back in the late eighties.
Amongst those sitting waiting patiently for visitors to appear at their respective table were Kenny Baker (R2-D2 in Star Wars) - who sadly passed away in August 2016 - and David Prowse, who was the very embodiment of ruthless intergalactic domination in his guise as Darth Vader, but who had also helped me to learn to cross the road when I was a youngster.
As did Tufty.
Hannah Spearitt from Primeval and S Club 7, Indiana Jones stalwart John Rhys-Davies and Torchwood’s Kai Owen were amongst the others I recognised, but I soon found the queue to see Sophie; and much to my surprise, I was second from the front.
I had sent a Tweet to Sophie to mention the charity challenge. She’d replied and so hopefully it wasn’t a total shock when I introduced myself … and gave her what was my last copy of Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman. We had a brief chat and not only did Sophie pose for a couple of photos, she invited me round to her side of the table, presumably to sample the now legendary Kirby hug - or maybe not.
We couldn’t talk for long, because obviously there were plenty of others who wanted to meet Sophie, but she asked me to pop back when it was quieter.
So, I did... twice!
The second time, we had the chance to talk for about fifteen minutes, and Doctor Who barely got a mention! Given the fact we had never met before, the conversation was fascinating and much more personal that I could have expected. The fact that Sophie was the only Doctor Who companion attending this event meant that I was meeting her almost by default, but after just a few minutes in her company, I was genuinely thrilled that Sophie Aldred was the companion I met to tick off this challenge.
Whilst on the subject of the convention, it would be remiss not to mention all those who turned up to the event in various elaborate costumes, some of which I recognised, whilst others meant absolutely nothing at all. Apparently "cosplay" is all the rage... well it’s not in my house; and I can assure you, and there’s something inherently unnerving about nipping to the toilet and passing Patrick Troughton and an Imperial Stormtrooper on the way to the urinal!
Come to think of it, how does a Stormtrooper…?
Actually, it’s not really important.
The task itself was duly completed on 9 March when I drove up to Newcastle to attend my first ever convention.
I had no real idea what to expect, apart from a line-up of celebrity guests from various science fiction films and television series (as well as some notable former local football luminaries) - and the likelihood of a fairly lengthy wait before being able to gain access to the Newcastle Arena....
Before setting off, I’d read a news report to say that the previous day’s attendance - at what was the region’s first event of this size - had been so large that some people had queued for several hours; and others had been unable to get in, even with pre-purchased tickets.
Sure enough, when I arrived, there were queues stretching down both sides of the Arena, those at the front of the respective queues having arrived as early as half past six! Thankfully, once the doors opened, the wait was nowhere as near as long as anticipated, and I went in search of Sophie Aldred, who had played a companion called Ace back in the late eighties.
Amongst those sitting waiting patiently for visitors to appear at their respective table were Kenny Baker (R2-D2 in Star Wars) - who sadly passed away in August 2016 - and David Prowse, who was the very embodiment of ruthless intergalactic domination in his guise as Darth Vader, but who had also helped me to learn to cross the road when I was a youngster.
As did Tufty.
Hannah Spearitt from Primeval and S Club 7, Indiana Jones stalwart John Rhys-Davies and Torchwood’s Kai Owen were amongst the others I recognised, but I soon found the queue to see Sophie; and much to my surprise, I was second from the front.
I had sent a Tweet to Sophie to mention the charity challenge. She’d replied and so hopefully it wasn’t a total shock when I introduced myself … and gave her what was my last copy of Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman. We had a brief chat and not only did Sophie pose for a couple of photos, she invited me round to her side of the table, presumably to sample the now legendary Kirby hug - or maybe not.
We couldn’t talk for long, because obviously there were plenty of others who wanted to meet Sophie, but she asked me to pop back when it was quieter.
So, I did... twice!
The second time, we had the chance to talk for about fifteen minutes, and Doctor Who barely got a mention! Given the fact we had never met before, the conversation was fascinating and much more personal that I could have expected. The fact that Sophie was the only Doctor Who companion attending this event meant that I was meeting her almost by default, but after just a few minutes in her company, I was genuinely thrilled that Sophie Aldred was the companion I met to tick off this challenge.
Whilst on the subject of the convention, it would be remiss not to mention all those who turned up to the event in various elaborate costumes, some of which I recognised, whilst others meant absolutely nothing at all. Apparently "cosplay" is all the rage... well it’s not in my house; and I can assure you, and there’s something inherently unnerving about nipping to the toilet and passing Patrick Troughton and an Imperial Stormtrooper on the way to the urinal!
Come to think of it, how does a Stormtrooper…?
Actually, it’s not really important.
