Bedford Dr Who Charity Con

Bedford Who Con

We'll be trading and taking photos at a new con, raising money for a worthy cause, on Saturday April 11th in Bedford. We asked the organisers to say a bit about the con.

"It's the first Doctor Who convention to be held in Bedford, and it's rather different from other conventions because it's designed as a charity fundraiser -- as well as a fun day for the fans, of course.  It's being held at The King's House, Ampthill Road, Bedford MK42 9AZ on Saturday 11th April.

Simon Danes is the organiser.  Simon's 49 years old (and he really is 49, even though that's the age lots of people in their early fifties claim to be!).  He's a former teacher and writer, who now works as a volunteer for Bedford Foodbank.  You've probably heard of foodbanks:  they provide emergency food for local people in genuine crisis, and there's a network of them throughout the country.  Like most charities, the Foodbanks' ultimate aim is not to exist; sadly, the need is getting bigger rather than smaller.  

Simon's been fundraising for the Bedford Foodbank for some time now.  He says, 'I was thinking about doing a small fundraising event of some sort:  a concert or something like that.  It then occured to me that I'd been used to organising big events when I was in schools, and I could use those skills to put on something rather bigger.  Hence Bedford Who Charity Con.  We've had some wonderful support from the local community, and of course from our guests.  It's a good line-up:  three companions, Davros, Ailsa Berk, Paul Cornell and Mike Tucker.  Should be a great day.  So that as many people can come as possible, we've also kept our ticket prices as low as we can; they're very much at the lower end of convention prices for individual tickets, and we're offering family tickets as well.'

So, here's the full guest list:  Anneke Wills (Polly), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Nicola Bryant (Peri), Terry Molloy (Davros), John Leeson (K9), Paul Cornell (writer), Mike Tucker (BAFTA award-winning SFX designer), and Ailsa Berk (choreographer).  The day's going to include a mixture of individual and panel interviews, signings, and the chance to browse the dealers' hall.  Mike Tucker, the man who's been blowing up Daleks for a living since the 1980s, will be doing a presentation on the programme's special effects.  Ailsa Berk, who teaches movement to the actors playing the aliens, will be running a monster-movement workshop for attendees.

If you'd like to go to the convention, and would like to help support the Foodbank's work, please visit the website http://www.bedfordwhocharitycon.co.uk for more information, including how to buy tickets."

We are looking forward to this and hope to see lots of people supporting this worthy (and fun) event.