Aldrin

Hi just double checking the Llantrisant address is the one to send my own picture for John Hurt to sign please? Thanks

I was wondering this as well. I think Buzz charges all theses fees and add ons simply because 'he can'. Cheers

Agree with the Count - great bloke and always welcome.

2 things to bear in mind.... Compared to today, where camera's in one form or another are everywhere and millions of pictures are taken on a daily basis, there's surprisingly few Apollo astronaut photos taken during the missions and so there's only a finite number....you'll tend to see the same photographs over and over, just in different sizes! Second, I'd strongly advise printing out your own photograph and taking it along, that way you know what you're getting. For example, for Buzz there's 3 famous ones - on the moon facing Neil, one stood by the LEM footpad, and one inside the spacecraft looking at the camera putting a pen in his suit. Oh and for 350 quid, I'd print quite a big picture out for him to sign (as long as he doesn't charge more!) Drop me a mail if you (or anybody) needs any hi res pictures.

Have a look here - https://www.londontoolkit.com/lhr/heathrow_local_buses.htm Think the buses are the 105, 111, 140, 555 and the 423 - double check that though (and yes it is a weird feeling getting on a bus for nothing!) If memory serves, going to the hotel you'll see a McDonalds on the left, meaning your stop isn't far away Going back, don't use the bus stop directly over the road, buses don't pick up from it - you have to walk down a little to another stop. Cheers

Not sure he would sign Edwin, as he legally changed his name to Buzz in the 70's - you can but ask him though! Should think he will put your surname on ok (that's just my opinion) - write your name on a piece of card so he can copy it. Cheers

If it were me - I'd get Buzz's autograph. It's gonna be an eye watering price but he's what, 85 now, and part of the first landing. This could be his last visit. I'd save and save and put the overtime in as well if I were you - hang on a minute, that's what I'M doing!!!! Cheers

The hoppa bus is NOT free. Do not use it!!! Other buses are completely free from Heathrow bus station to the hotel - I'll try and find the link (it's in an old forum reply)

Jim would be great to have back. Smart, funny, friendly and open, my fave astronaut of them all. And imagine, an A9 photo shoot..... Cheers

My fault. Sorry Dave. Cheers

First 6 aren't outside the bounds of possibility, although I hear Jim Lovell is slowing down his appearances now - he's approaching 90 years old. Last 4 I'd say no chance - Mike Collins only signs privately (he's got a mail-in coming up in the USA), John Young and Bill Anders don't sign anymore, and Ken Mattingly is probably the most elusive of all the remaining Apollo astronauts - he was in Britain last year but that was an extremely rare, one off appearance, and he just doesn't do these shows. Of course, I'd love to be proved wrong..... Cheers

Any Apollo astronaut Anyone from the 'Alien' film Musical guests? Thank you!

It were quiet today Sunday, but that was good - no big queues, and a relaxed unhurried atmos. All the showmasters people I spoke to, and in fact all the folk on the stalls as well, were friendly and helpful. Tom Stafford and Al Worden were great. The bond girl Caroline Halon? was gorgeous. Hotel bar prices hair whitening as usual. Only complaint was someone hogging the questions at the end of the Tom Stafford lecture. But enjoyed the day and look forward to next years. How did the Saturday dinner go? It's one thing I never see any reports on on the forum. Cheers

Showmasters - please have you got a time yet for Tom Stafford's lecture on Sunday - I want to buy a ticket but can't commit until I know I can make it! Thanks

It would be great if Tom Stafford's lecture could be later on in the day please, to give those travelling in a chance as he's only doing the one. Thank you!!

I've never had any trouble buying tickets on the day on the door, but I have been disappointed with lectures selling out, so for those, and photo shoots, I'd book them before. Cheers

I agree with the Count. Neil said the CMP's were second in command and had the very hard job of getting the crew there and getting them back in one piece. The moonwalkers have more prestige with the public at large, but those of us who have looked at the Apollo missions also know that fate and luck had a large part in who walked on the moon and who didn't - and any of the 'non moonwalkers' could have been selected, if circumstances had played out differently. Dick Gordon was down to command Apollo 18 but it got cancelled... Jim Lovell could have been on Apollo 11 instead of Buzz, and we all know what happened on Apollo 13...it could easily have been Frank Borman, Tom Stafford or Jim McDivitt as first man on the moon; Alan Bean and Charlie Duke only got their chances because of a chain of events....Harrison Schmitt was more or less put on Apollo 17 at all costs by outside influence and so Joe Engle lost his place and completely missed out....the list goes on and on. But yes, the public don't see this, or aren't necessarily interested in the reasons behind the shuffling of the pack. Anyway, you can ask Tom Stafford all this at his lecture if he does a Q+A :)

Ta. The lecture isn't to be missed!

Thanks showmasters. Just to echo what the count asks - is the base fee inclusive of 'to fred' and 'apollo 10 cdr' for example?

Nope. Autographica's 3,4,5,9,15 and 16 didn't have a 'moonwalker'.

Wow that's quite a price drop from last time - thanks Showmasters! Is that his price for everything, or will there be completions etc do you know? Thanks again!

Just to give it another angle..... 29 astronauts flew on Apollo 7-17. 9 have since died. Of the 20 left the average age is 82 or 3. The youngest are 78. Incredibly (to me) people like Dick Gordon are going to be 85 this year. Dave Scott has just turned 82. Ed Mitchell will be 84 just a few days before Birmingham. I personally don't mind if it's the same names, as time isn't on the astronauts side anymore. Look at their ages. Buzz Aldrin 84. Jim Lovell 86. We have to enjoy them while we can because, and sorry to sound macabre, the sands of time are trickling. This also struck me watching the recent d-day celebrations. All those old boys are in their 90's now. How many are going to be around in 10 years for the 80th anniversary? A handful? Any? When Milvena Dean came to autographica I think there were 4 Titanic survivors still alive worldwide. Then in the blink of an eye she was the only one left. I heard people say 'oh she doesn't really count, she was only a baby at the time', completely missing the point. She was on the Titanic, became the last survivor, then left us. We don't think about it, but time is relentless. Make the most of any Apollo astronaut that comes along. There's 7 billion people on the planet. against 20 Apollo astronauts still alive. 20 against 7 billion! That's all there is, 20! It's a cheesy cliche but in years to come you'll be able to say you met a moonwalker, so take any chance you get, with whoever you can get, whilst that clock ticks away..... Cheers

That's a shame Dave but thanks for at least retaining him for next time. Hope you can get another Apollo chap to fill the boots? Best regards

Fantastic!!! Is he now the last dambuster who took part in the raid? I heard there's a couple of others still alive but they had to turn back before they could get to the dams? Thanks showmasters

Haha yeah, when I first saw the title I thought, 'what's this guy got against the astronauts coming over?!' before realising it's meant to be a d not a t! Cheers! :)