The Winter 1997 issue of Film for the Collector magazine contained several letters from attendees which gave a flavour of the 1997 Convention.
BLACKPOOL THANKS
I felt I must write and express my thanks for every enjoyable day at the Blackpool Film Fayre. I have attended both the spring and autumn events over the past few years and I always look forward to these occasions with great expectancy. I have never been disappointed and I have fond memories of the times. There is always such a happy friendly atmosphere, and I am sure it emulates from everyone at Derann.
A Read, Cheshire
I felt I had to put pen to paper and congratulate both Derek Simmonds and his staff for an excellent Blackpool convention. The atmosphere which this event creates speaks for itself, with collectors excitedly ‘nattering’ about films or projectors purchased, or wanted. My 440 mile round journey seems nothing, as my drive concentrates on boring my wife about films which I hope to find, and the journey home finds me on a ‘high’, as I always find something. Amongst my purchases on the 23rd, were cinema tickets and a large quantity of film books from the early 70’s (at just £2 for a large bundle, I felt as though I won the lottery)! Both the tickets and books were bought from the Bring & Buy stall which, for me, was well worth the look at.
The auction, I felt, was as good as it has been for a long time, but when will collectors start to put the correct condition of films on the boxes? OK, so we all get a laugh, but I must admit, I felt extremely sorry for Derek and his staff at the hard work these ‘errors’ make for them. | would say to all collectors putting films in the auction; please give the staff some help by putting the correct information in future, these conventions are hard enough to organise, without unnecessary problems.
M Hudson, Northumberland
Dear Derek and Ann,
We would like to express our thanks for yet another wonderful Blackpool weekend. This letter is deliberately addressed to you both as we are well aware of the amount of work you both put into this event. We are particularly appreciative of your gesture in refunding the savings you negotiated on hotel costs. The more so, since, as we had all booked on the basis of the published prices, any subsequent savings could quite properly have been written into profits. For us, Blackpool is one of the most enjoyable social events of the year. Long may it continue.
R & I Stoner, Gwynedd
I am writing to thank you for another superb Blackpool weekend, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I have been attending Blackpool since the very first convention at The Queens Hotel and it was interesting to reflect on just how much the event has improved since you took over the organisation, and how much better the films are due to your determined and dedicated effort to keep our hobby alive.
The dinner was great, Tommy Mundon hilarious, the film shows marvellous, and there were plenty of genuine bargains. I took advantage of your special offer on Disney features and treated myself to a copy of The Lion King: Who would have thought 21 years ago that we would be able to get Disney films full length on Super 8? Thanks again to all at Derann.
B Saberton, Lanarkshire
Having had a very busy week I have only just found the time to fill in your questionnaire. Naturally, it is full of complaints, grouses, and explains what a terrible company you run. Now that I have your full attention you can strike that last remark – I felt that you should receive just one insult from someone, even though it is completely alien from the truth!!
Thanks again for a superb Blackpool. I can’t say that it was the best yet, because I always enjoy myself and wouldn’t be attending every time if I didn’t. You all put in a hell of a lot of hard work into these events, and I for one fully appreciate all you do. Even my buddy Bill, who attends with me and is not a collector (shame) is full of admiration, and has a great time too.
Thank you everyone, and here’s to the next event.
P Wilson, East Lothian
GREAT MEAL!
Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed the weekend at Blackpool last. Once again the hotel was magnificent, and I thought the Saturday night meal and evening’s entertainment was the best we have had so far. Sunday seemed to fly by. I looked at my watch while helping Barry unload, and it was 8.45am. The next thing I knew it was 5.30pm and the convention was closing! I watched every show in the cinema, and found the ‘Scope presentation to be the best. Well done John Thompson, who did a wonderful job presenting them all. Well done everyone – here’s to the next.
Dave Alligan (Suffolk)
Blackpool Film Collectors' Convention 