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

This is topic Derann's Open Day - 24th January - Memories..... in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on 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!

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 16, 2010, 06:37 AM:

Great thread.
And about 24th January well...
I won't be there, Keith.
But I will probably supply you a wanted list eh eh eh.
Ciao.

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 16, 2010, 11:58 AM:

Gian. Should there be a print of "FOOTLOOSE", then be prepared for a phone call. If there are any "titles" you are missing, apart from "you know what", then let me know. [Big Grin]

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 16, 2010, 12:45 PM:

I definitely will, Keith.
If you cannot find any copy of FOOTLOOSE, well, then look for FOOTLOOSE, please. I will be happy anyway [Wink]

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on January 16, 2010, 04:13 PM:

A wonderful read and great photos Keith. Any more.

I would love to attend one oneday but its a long way from Kent (even longer for our overseas friends [Frown]

)

Graham S

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on January 16, 2010, 04:18 PM:

Tell me about it!

Bill

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 16, 2010, 07:47 PM:

Just a few more photos Graham -

The "Mecca of the Midlands"

Films Galore!

And more bargains....

The Auction

Waiting for the "New Release Show"

Don't it make you wish you had a "Time Machine"?

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on January 16, 2010, 08:09 PM:

...or a transporter so I could just ZAP myself over there!

Bill

Posted by Yanis Tzortzis (Member # 434) on January 17, 2010, 04:21 AM:

.....very interesting Keith, msny thanks! And, I WILL be there next Sunday [Smile]

Posted by Ian O'Reilly (Member # 76) on January 17, 2010, 08:34 AM:

Glory Day's indeed.... thinking back on fond memories although Derek and I were competitors, we had a great working
relationship, whenever he was down in London usually once a month we would get together for a meal and discuss the business and many evenings we spent roaring with laughter.
On one occasion Derek suggested that we have a table at one of his open day's which I thought was very generous of him considering we were rivals. We duly attended one of the summer open day's and was made very welcome by Derek and his staff.
It was very nice meeting all the collectors who you only speak to on the phone owing to the distance.
At the end of the day Derek came up and asked how we had done, to which I replied can we have a table at every open day being that we had done excellent trade on the day. WE WERE NEVER ASKED BACK AGAIN !!
As you say Derek was the maestro and a great showman to boot, who the likes of will never be repeated. God rest his soul.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on January 17, 2010, 09:29 AM:

In the early 1990's I was on a business trip in the UK and had to drive from Glasgow to Cardiff. Looking at the map I realised that my trip south would take me right past Dudley, so I turned off the motorway and drove up to Derann. Well Derek was in the back room and I introduced myself, at which point he dropped what he was doing and gave me a complete tour of Derann, showing me the striping machines, and sound recording machines, and explaining the whole amazing story of how a super 8 print gets released from start to finish. Over a cup of tea he talked at length about his trips to the USA to seal deals with Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers, and just about everything elese related to super 8 film collecting. He was a man in love with his business, and I never forgot the only time I met him.

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on January 17, 2010, 09:31 AM:

Keith, those photos of yours looks like they were taken from a video. Is this the case? If so, would you mind uploading the video somewhere [Smile]

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 17, 2010, 10:01 AM:

Paul as you so rightly say, Derek Simmonds was a man in "love with the business".

I first met Derek and started using Deranns back in the late 1960's, when they had their first shop, in Brierley Hill, just outside Dudley. My father and I used to visit the shop at weekends to hire films (there were not many for sale at that time - Derek changed all that...). The original shop was small, to say the least, (if there were three people in the shop and someone else needed access then someone would have to come out!).

He was the sort of man who was always enthusiatic about film. On many occasions I have visited the shop (I used to live about 3 miles from the premises)and upon getting inside, Derek would "pounce" and say "Have you seen this - it's just come in from the printers?" and then you would be "escorted" upstairs to view the test print for his latest "project". He was like a child with a new toy.

The verve in which he conducted his business is, in my opinion, one of the main reasons that the Super 8 scene has lasted as long as it has. It is a great legacy the man has bestowed upon the collector and the fact that "his flag still flies" is also down to the dedication of his "team" at Dudley.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on January 17, 2010, 10:44 AM:

Hi Keith,
I have always thought that Derek had exactly the same kind of attitude towards his business that Walt Disney had. For both of them, it was a labour of love and really not so much about making money, but turning out a product of exceptional quality. That was the secret of their success and they both would have probably done it all for nothing. Derek even looked a little like the younger Walt!

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 17, 2010, 12:19 PM:

Paul - I am sure that Derek would have considered your statement comparing him with Walt Disney as a great compliment. He beliveve loved Disney and had a also great affection for MGM musicals. Much like your goodself.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 17, 2010, 01:09 PM:

Your shots are incredible, Keith.
Simply incredible. I did not have any chance to be there in early 80's (so young) but I can feel the magic and evocative atmosphere that was in there. And this is possible thanks to your posts, thanks to your pictures. And also thanks to other members who has replied your topic thread.
Bravo!

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 19, 2010, 09:24 AM:

Keith, how are you?
I mail you my 'wanted list' right away. You never know!
Ciao.

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 19, 2010, 05:49 PM:

List received Gian and "wants" have been noted. I will look for you on Sunday, weather permitting.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 19, 2010, 05:50 PM:

I'll be waiting for good news, pal.
Ciao.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on January 22, 2010, 04:17 AM:

Ehy Keith!
I will mail you later to add something to my WANTED LIST.
A little thing I do need and you could find.
Grazie, ciao [Wink]

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on January 22, 2010, 05:05 AM:

Keith, is there a video from Derann's open day? The pictures you posted look like they are taken from a video [Smile]

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 22, 2010, 05:32 AM:

Christian, they "screenshots" from an "old" VHS release that was produced by Keith Wilton, containing footage from some Derann Open Days.

I cannot "post the video", as I do not have the relevant software (not to mention, of course, that it would be a little unfair to Mr.Wilton).

He has re-released the some of the VHS tapes, "re-mastered" onto DVD. He has also added extra footage that was not available on the VHS titles. See link below -

http://www.bfcc.biz/

If you look down the right hand side for "FILMTEK" and click on that, then it will take you to the relevant page. You can order the DVDs direct from Filmtek, via the website.

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on January 30, 2010, 04:18 PM:

Hi Keith,
Just wondered how the open day went...Mark.

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 30, 2010, 04:26 PM:

Mark, the Open Day went well, as usual. There seemed to be a bigger attendance than usual, which bodes well for the future.Hope to see you at Ealing in March?

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on January 30, 2010, 04:36 PM:

Glad the turn out was good,any bargains to be had? Yes i'll be at Ealing so see you there...Mark.

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on January 30, 2010, 05:52 PM:

Let's put it this way Mark - I didn't find any, but of course, that doesn't mean there weren't any, just not for me. There was one chap who purchased about 15 X 400 footers so he obviously was a "happy bunny". See you in March.

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