The 1996 Convention was reported on in the Spring 1997 issue of Film for the Collector magazine.
“TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN!”
TWO OF OUR READERS SAY ‘THANK YOU’ FOR A GREAT WEEKEND
Wow! What a weekend that was. I arrived in Blackpool after a tedious journey from Elstree, and instead of taking a cab to the Savoy, I took a walk through the town, and found in Talbot Street, just opposite Yates’ Wine Bar, a Collectors Fayre.
I bought a little porcelaine lion for 40p (!) and a statue of “The Virgin” for £2.50. Then I literally fought my way along the prom, against a force eight gale. At one point I was thrown against a wall, such was the strength of the wind. What a relief to arrive at The Savoy, which is such a lovely hotel, with friendly and obliging staff.
Saturday evening’s gala dinner was splendid, and I had very pleasant table companions, but then the whole company was jovial and well behaved. And so to Sunday, with so many great movie shows. It always seems like a miracle to me, that a frame of film no bigger than a finger nail, can be blown up to fill the vast ‘scope screen. The (infamous) auction? Well, I do not buy there, although I suppose someone picks up a bargain. I wonder if there are any complaints about the quality of the films sold? I have been known to purchase second hand films from both Perry’s and Movie Memories, and found their films to be first class. Normally I buy from Derann, and if anything goes wrong they always correct it. For my part I’ve never had anything to complain about!
talks on behalf of the ‘wives’.
I was a little disgruntled by the people who came in, possibly from the locality, on the Sunday. I’m no snob, but some of them looked like the dossers I see in Leicester Square, and while the auction was on, one of them was smoking, another guzzling a pint of beer. I hope some of them spent money on films too!
Let me say I did, and struggled home with two bags of goodies. Next year, God willing, I’ll bring a suitcase! Well done Derann, you do a marvellous job, and give a great deal of pleasure to so many people.
R. Lewis-Stockwell.
Dear Derek & Anne
I thought I would just sit down for a few moments and drop you a line to say thank you for a wonderful weekend at Blackpool.
As the saying goes “time flies when you’re having fun”, and this was just the case last November. No sooner had we sat down for the evening meal on the Saturday, than you were wishing us a safe journey home on the Sunday evening!
The hotel did us proud, with such a splendid meal, and very good service. The film shows throughout the day were very entertaining, and with the right mix to suit everybody – and I know – I saw EVERY show, from the first ‘til the last!
I can appreciate that the weekend does not organise itself, so please pass on my thanks to everybody at Derann. Now here’s looking forward to next year’s bash…
Dave Alligan.
Blackpool Film Collectors' Convention 