Archive for December, 2006

Christchurch Chapter Meeting 9th December 2006

Friday, December 29th, 2006
Before I got to the Party, the guys watched episodes 1 & 4 of The Invasion; as well as the Cyberwoman episode of Torchwood…and some cricket, (which can be a good cure for insomnia, for some). The guys didn’t like Cyberwoman, but I liked it. We’re all different, eh?

People pondered if Series 3 would suffer from RTD’s split attention with Torchwood, an upcoming wrestling event was discussed, Zeus Plug issues 6 & 7 were handed out (along with the booklet/flyers for the National Science Fiction Conventions), and RTP! was on sale.    Large amounts of candy, crisps, and softdrink were consumed (perhaps contributing to a somewhat hyper atmosphere), and seating was for the most part adequate (with Russell getting nods of ‘you did that?’ over his cycling to the day with a folding chair on the back of his bicycle).   

I was wearing my authentic-looking Tom Baker scarf (season 13/14). My wife & I brought Dalek Cupcakes; these were popular! Another fan brought Cyberman Biscuits; I was lucky to get the last one! Mrs left to visit more rellies, & I stayed, of course…being more than a little into DWJohn Moffat's  

I showed off my DW Interactive Electronic Board Game, I’m still not sure if anyone wanted to play it, as the bunch were rather loud, though cheerful. The miniature TARDIS in the game was a bit of a hit. Also, some guys admired the Dalek bottlestopper on my wine bottle; and my classic Sonic Screwdriver.

With me, I brought a number of DVDs & videos. Matt, being a very modern young chap, doesn’t have a VCR, so it was lucky most of my offerings were on disc! :) I began by issuing a challenge: “Who is the Who actor?” I showed a scene off a BBC disc….no-one had a clue. Gave the decade; then the Doctor, finally, the story…at last, a winner!

Presenting Colin Baker playing an artist in Jonathan Creek, a number of speculative remarks were made, on what Colin could mean, by asking a woman on the ‘phone to “Come round, and make me bark like a Sealion!” :)

[I later found Carry On Up the Jungle at The Warehouse, Blenheim Road. On watching it, I couldn't see Nina Baden-Semper (recently guest-starred in a Big Finish audio play); however, it did feature an amusing turn by Bernard Bresslaw (The Ice Warriors)]

Well, there you have it…the Chch Chapter Christmas Party, 2006. As a fan who’s getting to know the Chch guys, I think they’re splendid fellows. All of them! I’m keen to go again!
Reported by Neville Walker, edited by Peter A. A fuller version of Neville’s game entries can be found in his report to the TSV Message Board.

It’s a Wrap!

Saturday, December 23rd, 2006

Just in time for Chrimbo – Zeus Plug would like to present (geddit?) its loving readers with a free gift – for FREE! Everyone knows a Doctor Who fan is the easiest person to buy for this Christmas, but here’s an extra special addition to the gift for the ‘enthusiast’ who already has everything. All you need is a colour printer, some nice paper, and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Click here to download an A4 version

Click here for an A3 version (you’ll need the right paper, obviously)

Motif designed by Peter A and realised in loving digital form by Mrs P. Results may vary. The Daleks are Copyright etc etc Terry Nation’s Estate blah blah. Not for re-sale (are you MAD?)

Wellington Pub Meet Report (December 2006)

Friday, December 22nd, 2006

Another fine Wellington day and one with which we had decided to break with tradition and meet on a Tuesday rather than a Friday or Saturday. I’m rather new to the group and this was only my fifth ‘outing’ as it were but I feel I’m getting to know the guys, their likes, dislikes and opinions of both the new and old series as well as Torchwood.

It was lovely to meet Christopher Owen for the first time. Chris wrote the TSV novella Glory of the Daleks about 15 years ago and it was a pleasure to meet him, alas he had to leave early but hopefully he will be able to attend a future meet. He did mention he had been ‘in absentia’ from Who fandom for quite some time and we had a quick chat about the new series. I always find it fascinating to see what the fans of the ‘classic’ series think of the new series.

Let’s see, what else did we talk about? Well, in the Doctor Who realm:

  • Torchwood…do we like it? I do, but others in the group have mixed opinions. Tim was given the first four episodes to view, so maybe he can be wooed to the light side.
  • Zeus Plug – we devoured the latest issue with some of us turning to it immediately while others dipped in and out. One thing that is clear, is that Peter can really hold the floor on this topic ;-)
  • The Tachyon TV incident at the Dimensions on Tyne convention where an old review of The Twin Dilemma was republished lashing Colin Baker. Colin happened to be a secret guest at the end of the con where he went on to rip apart the review and received a standing ovation for his troubles.
  • Ian Levine ‘quitting’ fandom and his argument with RTD at a press conference!
  • RTP! and a possible Torchwood-themed issue.
  • The state of fandom re: people who really don’t enjoy the new series. I always wonder about people who continue to watch something they really can’t stand… is it like a car crash and you want to turn away but you can’t?
  • The new 8th Doctor audios that are coming out – while Peter is looking forward to them (as I am) Jamas seemed a little disillusioned with the audios in general.
  • We briefly considered the future of Who (past the 4th Series) – who would take over assuming RTD/David Tennant both leave at the end of series 4?
  • We recapped on some of David L’s theories from the previous month.
  • Possible future developments with TSV – smaller but 3 times a year, the effect of Adam moving to the UK.
  • Prime repeating the series over the next few months.

And outside the Who realm…

  • The new James Bond movie – don’t even try and understand continuity…yes, Casino Royale is the first Bond movie and yes M is still the head of MI6 but…just enjoy the film!
  • The Borat movie – a thumbs up from Foo.
  • Work Christmas parties (again!)
  • Bill Hicks/Chris Rock & comedy in general
  • Gigs: David Bowie, Pixies and Elton John (I had no idea that Mr Adamson was a fan) [He's not but blah blah U2 yadda yadda scalpers etc etc arm and a leg to get to Auckland anyway, oh look! A long-legged horse!- Ed.] 
  • The impact of technology on getting access to new shows. No longer do we wait for grainy copies of new episodes to come over from the UK, we can literally watch them hours after they have aired.

Finally, our evening ended with the Pub quiz through which we managed to get through 4 rounds before we started to drift homeward. All in all, a great end to the year and I’m looking forward to the next one in late Jan.

Pub Report by Foo – cheers there, fella