8mm Forum: Derann's Open Day - 24th January

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Topic: Derann's Open Day - 24th January - Memories.....

Keith Ashfield
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 997
From: U.K.
Registered: Dec 2006

posted January 16, 2010 05:02 AM

Looking forward to the next Derann Open Day, on the 24th January 2010, it invoked memories of "days gone bye". Just felt the need to share, and hopefully, remind collectors of what it used to be like (and make "new collectors" jealous, at what they have missed....)

Back in the early 1980's when Super 8mm was in its heyday, a visit to Derann's Open Day was a "must do".

On the Saturday evening, prior to the Open Day, a film show would have been organised. Tickets were on a strictly "First come - first served" basis.

You arrived at the store around 19.00, to be greeted by the smell of fresh brewed coffee. After refreshments, the film show was given in the cinema, which was above the store. This was usually the latest Super 8 release, but on occasion there would be a 16mm "rarity" that had been obtained by Derek Simmonds. There would be an intermission for further refreshments, whereupon the audience would discover, on their return to the store area, that the eager staff had readied the store for the "Open Day", the following morning. Bargains would be tantalisingly hidden by cloth sheets, with the odd one left uncovered, just to "whet the appetite" of the potential buyer.

There would be a raffle, where the prizes won would vary. There could be a trailer, a cartoon or a documentary. After this, the film show would resume and at the evenings end you would depart, eagerly waiting to return again the following morning.

On the morning of the Open Day you would gain access to the "Aladdin's Cave" via the side entrance. (One must remember that Sunday trading was not allowed in those days). Once inside, again refreshments in the form of tea, coffee or juice, for the youngsters (and there were many), along with sandwiches etc., were available. There would be the inevitable queue for the "Auction" and the "Bring and Buy" stall. Here collectors would be waiting to enter their films to be sold.

There were counters full of films, all at reduced prices. These bargains often included Derek's famous "Lucky Dip" selection, where films would be wrapped, to hide their identity, and put on sale at ridiculous prices. There would be the "True" bargains", some "Average" bargains and some "Value for money" items. The fact was that,whatever you picked from the "Lucky Dip", you always got "good value for your money".

Bargains could be found on the "Bring and Buy" stall where collectors had the facility to sell, and buy their own, and other collector's films, books, equipment etc.

During the day there would be film shows in the "cinema". At times “famous” collectors such as Brian Murphy and John Kane would attend the event. Keith Wilton would invariably be in attendance to "torment" Mr. Simmonds.

In the afternoon, Derek would conduct the "Auction". Again, bargains were a plenty, with not only collector's films being sold, but occasionally Derek would "throw in" some bargains, like Brand New 200 ft Disney's, for a £1.00 each, to the first bidder!

The humour that abounded during the auctions was on par with the performance of any stage comedian you could ever wish to mention, especially if attended by Derek's "nemesis", Keith Wilton.

The day would end with the latest releases being shown and then the last rush to get whatever bargains remained in the store (and there weren't many....).

The attendance for the average Derann Open Day in those days, would probably rival the average attendance for the Baling Convention these days.

Today the Open Days are still worth a visit. Obviously, the numbers in attendance are fewer, the quantity of bargains is less but, the same atmosphere is still present in the store. The presence of the "maestro" Derek is always missed, but the lads do their best to "fill his shoes", with Gary ably filling the role of "comedian" with his never-ending quips and jokes.

Bargains can still be found, refreshments are still supplied and Super 8 films are still shown, along side the latest High Definition equipment that now fills the store. The auction no longer takes place, due to lack of product, and the "Bring and Buy" stall tends to be dominated by DVD.

Without a doubt the "glory days" have gone but, whenever you see a date for the Open Days, or for that matter, Film Conventions, please make an effort to attend.

See you all in Dudley on the 24th January - don't be late!

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"We'll find 'em in the end, I promise you. We'll find 'em. Just as sure as a turnin' of the earth".