clavius781

Hi All. Just a few comments and observasions regarding the past and future of Autographica events. I am a relative newcomer to autograph collection and I only collect space and astronaut related items from the Apollo era. I have attended 2 Autographica events prior to which I purchased items from websites like Novaspace and Astro Auctions etc. My first point is the constant debate and negative comments about pricing. I have no issue with the pricing policy, the Showmasters say this is largely fixed by the guests themselves and I believe them. If they were ripping us off (and I'm sure they're not) prices would be much higher than they are. I paid for Moon Walker Dave Scott to sign a photo for me at the show before last, for instance. I got to meet and talk to the guy himself and shake the hand of one of my heroes as well as having an informal photo taken with him, coming away with a lifelong memory and a 100% genuinely authentic and unique piece of Collectables. This all cost me £90. If I had made a similar purchase from a well known american specialist website, just the signed photo would have cost me the equivalent of £125 and that's without the rip off shipping charges. Auto collecting can be an expensive hobby and we are all feeling the pinch at the moment but if you want it and can afford it Autographica is at least as reasonable as any other source if not more so. Second point, moving on, is the shows themselves. Having only been to two perhaps I'm not the most qualified to comment, especially as, both times I have paid for an early bird ticket on one day, gone in, had a quick look at the stalls, got the autos I want and left. I'm not one to hang around being of a nervous disposition and not wanting to be tempted into spending money I haven't got. What I have seen whilst there however, seems like a very slick, professional operation, especially as it's mostly staffed by volumteers, I understand. Whilst I'm sure that the organisers would want everything completely professional and 100% problem free, that just doesn't happen in the real world but as collectors we are all a community so let's just enjoy the experiences, take part and belong. Criticism is good as long as it's constructive but needless ranting, numberous examples of which can be found on this forum, help no one. I've not heard of any other show of this type in this country and so have nothing to compare it to but I enjoyed both of my visits. Recent comments from the organisers cast a shadow over future events and it would be sad to see them ending. Third point is about the quality of guest and timely notification of attendees. Again, not sure I'm really qualified to comment on this subject as I've absolutely no experience of arranging this type of event and trying to persuade famous people to attend. Then again, I don't suppose anyone other than the organisers has that experience but that doesn't stop floods of negative comment. To be constructive I suppose all we can do if not happy is to make our guest suggestions and rely on the organisers expertise. With my interest in astronaut signings I have sympathy, in a way. All guests would have to be persuaded to make trans atlantic journeys, most are either retired, have busy corporate careers or other full time obligations, some are frail or in poor health. Some are not in the least bit interested in the notoriety they have achieved and/or perpetuating it. Most have not been near NASA or what's left of the space program for years and some, apparently have exclusive deals with other suppliers. Some just plain do not sign at all. Baring in mind all the above, I'd say the organisers have quite a job on and at the end of it all some of us expect to pay peanut to enjoy the result. I'm grateful to the organisers for giving me the oppotunity to meet some of my heroes and all I can say is please, keeping doing what you do, some of us really do appreciate it!

Did the Queeen stay over?

Natalie Kay Hedren 12 Gabor & McGreevey May 2000, Moathouse, Northampton

answer is 2 Marnie & The Birds

Father was Danish & mother Welsh

As George Baker will be in attendence how about an "I, Claudius" reunion for us oldies? Lots of the cast of this 1976 BBC drama were and still are legends. Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, John Hurt, Brian Blessed, Patrick Stewart, Fiona Walker. Bring your toga!!

Great, looking forward to meeting Mr Baker. How about an "I, Claudius" reunion for us oldies. Lots of the cast of this 1976 BBC drama, including George, were and still are legends, Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, John Hurt Patrick Stewart, Fiona Walker. Bring your toga!!!

Dave Scott looked very well for his 77 years. He appears a little deaf (or perhaps it was my lazy Nottingham accent he just couldn't understand). He was very polite and obliging, allowing a photo at his table and even taking it upon himself to go and find a better quality pen for the person in the queue in front of me. Being a little awe struck at meeting my first moonwalker (inspite of all the advice about coversation topics) I couldn't think of anything to ask that he hadn't probably been asked a million times already and I told him so. We had a laugh at that and I moved on to make way for a growing queue behind me. Made my day.

Sorry that you didn't enjoy today. You're obviously a seasoned attendee so have previous events to compare to. This however was my first autograph event of any kind and I really enjoyed it. I have resently started to collect everything astronaut, knew what I wanted in advance, went there and got it. The experience was everything I expected, Dave Scott was and absolute gentleman and when I needed help the crew and hotel staff were there for me - eventually. The stalls etc were a bonus and I had to drag myself away before spending more than I should. As far as guests go any astronaut or war veteran would be high calibre in my opinion. My only small concern was that the entrance to the autographing suite was a bit difficult to find (not very good signposting)and no one during the whole thing asked for or checked my wristband/ticket. I walked straight in unchallenged. Staff seemed a bit thin on the ground at times obviously concentrating on looking after the guests but all said and done - very enjoyable, see you next time (hopefully with more astronaut guests). Footnote to the organisers, if you need any help next time I'd love to volunteer!!!!

Thanks Count Fooku Just on emore question please. What's the poloicy on photographs at the event i.e bringing & using you own camera?

Hi. Complete newbie & never been to an Autographica event before so some questions please. Will guests be there for the whole event? Can you bring your own items (photo's or other items to sign and if so is this the same fee? Are images available on the day and is this an extra cost? What's the advantage of an "Early Bird" ticket? If you don't have one is there a chance you'll miss out on a signature? Thanks in advance.