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1994 My first convention. I drove to Wales, the only people from Six of One that I knew were Sue and Chris Reeves, as I was staying at the Penny Farthing Guest House in nearby Criccieth. I actually met Dave Barrie at the Toll Booth on the Friday evening, so you couldn't really have a better start to a first convention than that! By the end of Saturday, I had met about 10 or so people, all of whom I felt I had known all my life. By the end of Sunday I felt I had seen something very special and met some incredible people. Driving home on the Monday after, I felt that I had gone back in time for the weekend, rather than been away for the weekend. 1995 I expressed interest in helping out in some re-enactments. Rick Booth sent 3 scripts and told me I was in! I couldn't believe it!! Meeting up with old friends on the Friday well-come was super it was great to see them all again. The screening of 'Village of the Damned' was a tour-de-force in video presentations. I must have enjoyed it I bought a copy! And I still enjoy it!! Seeing me favourite episode 'Checkmate' on the big screen was superb. The weather all weekend was fantastic. I enjoyed doing my re-enactments and felt very honoured when Rick offered me the election parade for next year. It didn't take long for me to accept his offer! 1996 Playing Number Two in the Saturday morning election parade was superb. A good weekend was in store. My new camera jammed on me during the Jack Lowin interview. I had to leave the village and go to Porthmadog to see if it could be fixed. It couldn't, so I had to buy a cheap substitute. By the time I returned, rumours were circulating that Alexis Kanner had actually arrived in the village. The enthusiasm was incredible! Norma West's interview was a joy to listen to, a true professional. The Alexis Kanner interview exceeded all expectations, the atmosphere beforehand was truly exceptional. Whoever was the D.J. at the party on Sunday night did a good job too! 1997 The big one! Playing Number Six in the Saturday election parade was a dream come true. I enjoyed every moment and took some nice complimentary remarks. I don't like 'A Change of Mind' at all, but thoroughly enjoyed the Angela Browne interview. A good glass of red wine on Sunday lunchtime, in the sun. No wonder I forgot my lines in the Sunday election parade, I felt a complete idiot and wondered if I had let the event down. I later drowned my sorrows at the Sunday evening party and had a good 'boogie' on the dance floor. God knows what time I left. 1998 Prior to the convention, I had managed to persuade Steve Ricks to let me play Number Six again in the election parade I wanted to get it right this time! My girlfriend, Jo, came along. What would she make of it all, I wondered. (She later admitted to having a great time!) The Saturday election parade went well, so it was now down to getting it right on Sunday. The Frank Maher interview was hilarious and very entertaining. It was nice to go to the Coliseum after and see 'Checkmate' on the big screen again! Rain stopped play on Sunday and Steve Ricks told me that there would be no election parade that day. Fine, I thought, so I had a few beers. With a sudden break in the weather, the parade was announced, to my total surprise, and before I knew it, I was on the back of a Moke encouraging people to vote. The parade went well and I felt happy to have done it properly. Overall, I have had a great time at all 5 conventions I have attended each one has been unique and enjoyable. My main memory, however, is meeting up once a year with some great people (many of whom become firm friends), sharing a great time in a beautiful location. It will return one day Andrew White Many thanks Andrew for those wonderful memories. Keep those stories coming, which we will publish in future issues Rob |