8mm Forum: Film conventions

This is topic Film conventions in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006123

Posted by Brian James (Member # 1056) on March 27, 2011, 12:52 PM:

I hope the conventions go on forever but reading Deranns last bit about numbers at Blackpool things do look a bit dodgy.
All I am saying what does the future hold, one joint bash once a year? Anyhow I hope to see and meet you all at Ealing...
sorry I mean Ruislip. Regards

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on March 28, 2011, 03:39 AM:

If things go well at the new venue then we can all expect a BFCC next year. If things go really well and the enthusiasm from collectors returns then Keith will probably want to go back to organizing two a year. Two this year would be too much of a risk given the change of location foisted upon us thanks to greed at the former venue.

With regards to your other post about amlagamating the two main events it's worth bearing in mind some collectors won't even travel across London to a convention so moving the Blackpool sale down to merge with the BFCC can't really happen.

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on March 29, 2011, 04:22 PM:

I would love to go to Blackpool convention. On the times I have it cost a fair sum of money. I'm not going on about the admission price ot the evening meal. But for me is the travelling cost of 230 miles each way by car. The cost of our over inflated rail fares in this country if you choose that route. The accomodation over the weekend etc., I cannot justify that expense at the moment now. Most covention attendees do not apprieciate the time and effert needed to organize these conventions. And most would not travel far to attend.
Even if we met halfway it would not work because it's to far to attend even then. We are in the days of make that effort to show your interest in any film conventions, or this will be the final days. No convention then you have your collection at home and no more conventions to attend to see other fellow collectors. The choice is yurs

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on March 29, 2011, 05:38 PM:

If we lose our main conventions (or any conventions!) we are only helping to kill our hobby. So I hope saving that extra £100 or less feels better in your pocket and gives more joy than attending the events, especially when you read on here what great bargains we all purchased and the great time we had. You've still got that money...but we had the joy AND saved our precious hobby. Think about it!

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on March 29, 2011, 07:38 PM:

Colin - speaking as someone who always goes by train from south London, I wonder if you check out the best deals? I've just looked up the fares from Milton Keynes to Blackpool North, if you book two months ahead and (e.g.) travel on a Saturday and return on a Monday. If you're prepared to be flexible regarding the time of the train, you could do the trip for £24 return, which I suppose would be less than you would spend on petrol if driving? If you spent two nights in the Savoy (D,B&B), attended the Saturday Night dinner and bought a Convention ticket, that would be £146 for the weekend (including the train). If you did all the above but opted for a B&B round the corner from the Savoy, you could bring that down to about £107, plus the cost of an evening meal on Sunday.

An important thing for any potential 'new recruits' to remember with regard to Blackpool is that you're having a short holiday, not just attending an convention. Relaxed, friendly interaction with other collectors is part of the enjoyment, as is the opportunity to have some sea air, visit local attractions, etc. I'm not Blackpool's No.1 fan but there's more than enough things to keep anyone occupied if they have a spare day or two and I'll happily make some suggestions on request! Last year I visited the art gallery and had an afternoon of free live entertainment at an event that incorporated the switching on of the Christmas lights, which may well be the same weekend this year.

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on March 30, 2011, 03:37 AM:

Cheapest rail from here in darkest Cornwall is about £600 for the pair of us.

I'd like to be in a position to support Blackpool and the Derann open days but it's just not possible. Getting to the BFCC costs a fortune and that's even without the cost of a hotel. But I've got to support the BFCC because I think Mr. Wilts would really have enough if he didn't have his mates rallying round to help. And the hobby needs a London convention.

By the way, Keith's juggling the dealer tables around now trying to fit everyone in. Looks like we're over subscribed and all three dealer rooms will be choc-a-bloc!

Posted by Joe McAllister (Member # 825) on March 30, 2011, 04:43 AM:

Just like to mention that there are several smaller events dotted around the country throughout the year all requiring less in terms of time and money than the two big ones.
Rickmansworth, Tadley, Farnsworth 9.5x 2 and more. Maybe the big ones should alternate so there is one spring and one winter event.for all collectors nationwide.

Posted by Rob Young. (Member # 131) on March 30, 2011, 07:44 AM:

John, that's great news regarding the dealers.

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on March 30, 2011, 08:17 AM:

I will be going to the BFCC, traveling by train from Neath to Paddington on the Friday. Neath is the first stop after the western terminus at Swansea, about 7 miles away so the journey is almost the full length of the run.

As Adrian said, book early for the best deals. The open return fare for Neath-London is in excess of £140. My advance ticket was £18.80 return. My 3yr old granddaughter goes free, the 5 yr old for less than £6 return fare.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 30, 2011, 08:37 AM:

Hi Mal, nice to see you are back.

Your last post was 2 years ago, where have you been?

Hope everyhting is OK

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on March 30, 2011, 10:40 AM:

Thsnks Adrian for that infomation about the trains, had not thought about that option of early booking. I would like to go along with the wife who enjiys these events as well. I will make some enquiries. Mel, Glad you are now able to attent the BFCC event. Good price on the tickets. See you there. Adrian are you going as well?

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on March 30, 2011, 11:59 AM:

I set myself a task this year to make every event in the UK as I used to do in the 80's. Its only around a 500 mile round trip from here to uncle keiths bash so bit of a drop in the ocean. Its all a case of bums on seats as we used to say so very much looking forward to them all and turning out to support them. [Wink]

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on March 31, 2011, 07:30 PM:

Colin - Absolutely! Only the most exceptional circumstances could keep me away from the BFCC - I consider both events a must.

I'm delighted if train fares quoted provide an added incentive to attend Blackpool. Maybe all the Forum members there can have a informal get-together this year, as happens at the BFCC.

Regarding trains: to avoid any danger of misleading anyone, I'd better add that I've found that it can be difficult to get the lowest possible fare on a Friday, so anyone travelling then may have to pay a bit more for the outward journey.

This site has tips on finding the lowest fares. There's one that might particularly help anyone with a long journey to Blackpool or the BFCC, as it explains that substantial savings can sometimes be made by buying separate tickets for different stages of the route: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-train-tickets

Posted by Dino Everette (Member # 1378) on April 01, 2011, 01:34 AM:

S T O P P P P P [Frown]

You guys are killing us over here in the states....I will just state again how jealous I am....I had so much fun when I traveled to NJ for John Blacks' show (speaking of which where'd he go?), but it is just too expensive for me to do regularly....

OH well hopefully there will be lots of dealers at the Group 9-5 get together in sept....

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 01, 2011, 09:43 AM:

Johnny moved, show is cancelled for May, next one in the Autumn - Post some fotos from shows past to keep us all happy again - Shorty

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on April 01, 2011, 10:46 AM:

John C,
Does the new BFCC venue have its own screen or does that giant meccano set of Keith's need constructing?
Mal

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on April 02, 2011, 04:13 AM:

It has its own screen but it ain't as big as ours! All being well the Meccano set from Hell will be assembled on stage.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on April 02, 2011, 02:23 PM:

How about name tags at the ticket purchase table, so everyone knows who's about them? The names are very familiar, but not always the faces.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on April 02, 2011, 06:47 PM:

Hopefully it wont get to this but it may well end up the only conventions left (in many years time) will be that from Group 9.5's and they still hold 2 a year (spring one in london and an autumn one in Harpenden). The autumn bash this year should be bigger as its all part of the 9.5 international festival.

The spring fair run by the london branch of group 9.5 always make a profit, and it's still only £1 entrance. By the way Lee, where was you today [Big Grin]

Graham S

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on April 04, 2011, 04:00 AM:

Long time no ear Graham.
I was on stage my friend doing a gig and having my picky taken for three newspapers. Hope it didn’t break the camera lenses! [Eek!]

Twas also our local 9-5 monthly meeting and goodness knows why they picked that date as well.
See you at Tadders if you are going?

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on April 04, 2011, 07:23 AM:

Little bit of sad news is that it may be the very last Manchester (UK) film fair this coming Saturday 9th April. At least we can possibly expect a full turnout for this final bash. Sashas Hotel 10AM. Loved going along to this for many years and will certainly miss this one.. [Frown]

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on April 04, 2011, 04:31 PM:

Hi Lee,

Not sure if I can make Tadley as Im quite busy on that day and may be working, but you never know [Roll Eyes]

. But will definately make the BFCC, cant wait for that one, see you there hopefully.

Graham S

Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on April 10, 2011, 02:26 PM:

Is Tadley next weekend Saturday 16th??

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on April 11, 2011, 06:24 AM:

Yes, Tadley is next Saturday. I've heard advance news that some good stuff will be on a particular stall, but I'm not mentioning it here in case everyone dashes to it before I can arrive!

Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on April 11, 2011, 02:30 PM:

cheers Adrian,see you there,who's the dealer then?? you now have me intrigued [Smile]

Posted by David Kilderry (Member # 549) on April 13, 2011, 06:44 PM:

Guys, I realise it is all relative, but the distance you have to travel up to Blackpool is nothing compared to what we travel here. I would love a great event like that here even if it was 1,000 miles away.

I think nothing of travelling a couple of hundred miles and back in a day for a carshow or film event in my car. Please keep these film events going until I can enjoy them one day too.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on April 14, 2011, 07:01 PM:

Mark - I'll tell you as soon as I've finished making any purchases there!

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2