FionaHukins

I third that!

As a relative newcomer to these forums, I was wondering why you are a member here as you seem to dislike everything that anyone else writes. I am not saying that you do not make any positive posts, I just haven't seen any in the 5 months that I have been reading the forums. I was under the impression that the purpose of this website was to discuss the Showmasters events in a constructive and helpful way. Perhaps I was wrong.

That's probably because the 3rd crewmember on Apollo 13, Jack Swigert, died quite a long time ago (I think he was the first to die out of the astronauts who had been to the moon, but I could be wrong). Another (rather sad) reason why ebay sellers can put their prices up.

Sadly, I wasn't born until 2 years after the first moon landing (to my eternal regret!) but I still think the Apollo programme was one of mankind's greatest achievements. I find Buzz Aldrin's price rather high but I think he is worth it. In the same way, my bank balance wasn't too happy about Jim Lovell's prices but I am going to treasure that autographed photo (and particularly the memory of meeting him) for the rest of my life. Each to his/her own.

Out of interest, which charity/charities were Jim Lovell and Fred Haise signing for?

I enjoyed it very much. Saturday was much busier than Sunday - queues for Jim Lovell and Fred Haise were steady. Lovell/Haise/Liebergot talk was very interesting, as were the others I went to. Good chance to talk to astronauts over the weekend. Definitely worth getting a Diamond pass.

I know what you are saying about Lovell's signing being rushed but, to do him justice, I'm not sure that was his fault. I spoke to him a couple of times when he wasn't signing and he seemed very nice. His 'minders' did seem a bit officious though and I think it was them who set the tone in the autograph room. As regards having photos taken with him, again he was very happy to pose at other times during the weekend, so I don't think he was worried about losing out in the professional photoshoot. I was told that my husband could take a photo of Jim Lovell at the signing table with me leaning over it. When I did this, a (professional?) photographer who was in the room said that no posed shots were allowed, but the member of staff overruled him. Jim Lovell certainly didn't complain about the photo being taken. It is sad that some people didn't get to enjoy meeting him as much as others but, having had a good experience myself, I think it would be a shame for Jim Lovell to get the blame for the problems. Fiona

Wild horses couldn't keep me away!

It all depends on who you are interested in, doesn't it? As a space enthusiast (and long-time Jim Lovell fan ) this event is great for me. Some others also find this year's guests an exciting line-up but there's no way it can suit everyone. What's that quote about not pleasing all of the people...

That's great - how much will they cost? Fiona

I was told that the Diamond Passes were held at the hotel for collection on Friday. I think they said 7.30pm start on Friday but I could be wrong as I can't access that e-mail at the moment. I contacted Dave direct for info as it can be quicker than asking here.

Well, I'm 35 and I'm really looking forward to Autographica. Probably because I am one of those spacebuffs - for us, it's more or less the only opportunity to meet our 'heroes' without the expense of travelling to USA. It must be impossible to please everybody with one show, but I'm sure they're making a real effort.

That looks like it. Fiona

Yippee, I was hoping you would pull this one off! Any chance he might do a talk?

I think I might just do that. Thanks for the info.