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Forever Avon 2022
ruthdw
I couldn't find a thread for Forever Avon i n the new improved forum, so thought I would start one.

Fingers crossed this year is our year!
 
Vargas
Yup myself and my better half will be there..

These are always good events, run by fans for fans and easy to locate, get to and park cars etc.. Gets my vote. Grin
My gang gets free extra strong mints for the rest of their lives!
 
scott
Hi all

Hope you are having a good Easter Break and just thought you'd appreciate a quick update about the upcoming 'Forever Avon' convention. 'Team Blake' recently reconvened in sunny Steventon for a a bit of a recce and planning session ahead of July's event. It was great to catch up and we are all looking forward to getting together with the wider B7 family on 10 July.

All is going well and news about this year's limited edition convention t-shirts will be posted on here and other social media channels soon. We are really liking this year's design so keep and eye out and get ready to get your orders in early.

In the meantime, we'd really appreciate it if you could help us out a bit as well, and by posting your favourite Avon quotes in this thread (including season and episode please).

Cheers

Scott
AngryAngry
 
scott
Hi guys, as promised, the design has been finalised and orders are now being taken for the all-new 'Forever Avon' convention t-shirts.

As before, there are a range of colour and size options available with the design taking inspiration from both Blake's 7 and James Bond which was another of Paul's favourites. The flyers below provide further details on the options for convention attendees, but the basics are same as previous events.

The price is £15 per shirt with all profits gong to the convention charity. We will be taking orders up to 26 June which is a couple of weeks before the event at which point the shirts will be printed. The shirts will be available to be collected on the day.

If you have any specific questions or requests or are not attending the event but would still like to purchase a t-shirt, this can be accommodated. Just drop me an email (see flyer) or PM me on Horizon to sort out the relevant postage and packing charge.

i.imgur.com/0reMpQg.png i.imgur.com/3e1L6DN.png

Cheers.

Scott
AngryAngry
 
Anniew
My most used Avon quote

Vila I’m entitled to my opinion
Avon It is your assumption that *we* are entitled to it as well that is irritating.

Other favourites

No good deed goes unpunished.

If you didn't want the answer, you shouldn't have asked the question.

We are looking for conclusions, not critical acclaim.

Imagination my only limit. I'd be dead in a week.

It's considered bad manners to kill your friends while committing suicide
Play the hand fate deals you.
 
AmandaDH
‘I have never understood why it should be necessary to become irrational in order to prove that you care. Or indeed why it should be necessary to prove it at all’ - Duel (Series A)

Not instantly quotable in a comedic way but so true!

scott wrote:

Hi all

Hope you are having a good Easter Break and just thought you'd appreciate a quick update about the upcoming 'Forever Avon' convention. 'Team Blake' recently reconvened in sunny Steventon for a a bit of a recce and planning session ahead of July's event. It was great to catch up and we are all looking forward to getting together with the wider B7 family on 10 July.

All is going well and news about this year's limited edition convention t-shirts will be posted on here and other social media channels soon. We are really liking this year's design so keep and eye out and get ready to get your orders in early.

In the meantime, we'd really appreciate it if you could help us out a bit as well, and by posting your favourite Avon quotes in this thread (including season and episode please).

Cheers

Scott
AngryAngry
 
Welsh Rebel
Hi All,
Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Becky and myself will be around from the Friday. Anyone needing transport to Steventon from the train station etc let me know.

Jon
 
Obsidian
i.imgur.com/jWd2ECQ.jpgThe latest Forever Avon necklace. I'm calling this one 'Redemption' but youse may think it suits another ep better. Please let me know your thoughts.
I started these years ago but have had to put them aside in order to earn $$$. Hopefully, I'll be able to get another couple finished before the con. 'Orbit', 'Shadow' and 'Volcano' are all in the works
This is 'Star One': i.imgur.com/fMVPPrU.jpg
Don't philosophise at me you electronic moron.
 
https://www.seraglio-design.com/
Anniew
These are lovely Obsidian. I immediately thought of Rumours for necklace one, but I can’t really explain why -
Play the hand fate deals you.
 
Obsidian

Anniew wrote:

These are lovely Obsidian. I immediately thought of Rumours for necklace one, but I can’t really explain why -


Thanks Anniew. I'll have a rewatch of Rumours and see if I can catch what you mean.

I'm not sure whether these should have gone in 'Fan Creativity' instead of here. Perhaps the other Moderators can rule on this.
Don't philosophise at me you electronic moron.
 
https://www.seraglio-design.com/
Obsidian

Welsh Rebel wrote:

Hi All,
Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Becky and myself will be around from the Friday. Anyone needing transport to Steventon from the train station etc let me know.

Jon


Hi Jon

That may be me again. I've yet to determine arrival times but will let you know.
Don't philosophise at me you electronic moron.
 
https://www.seraglio-design.com/
scott
Hi all

Thanks to everyone who has ordered t-shirts so far, we really appreciate your support.

For those who've not yet ordered, or who have ordered but not yet completed, can I remind you that the deadline for orders is Sunday 26 June.

To help encourage you, here is an exclusive look at some actual shirts (my test pressings), hope you like and see you all on 10 July

i.imgur.com/mk27JOs.jpg

Cheers

Scott AngryFrownAngry
 
RichardMk2
I'm looking forward to this and catching up with everyone.

I think my favourite Avon quote has to be: "I'm not expendable, I'm not stupid and I'm not going!"
 
Cygnus Bazza
The Cherry Tree's knocking out Wadworth's 'Horizon' ale at the moment. That's the cosmos in perfect equilibrium, right there.
We took the wrong step years ago...
 
scott

scott wrote:

Hi all

Thanks to everyone who has ordered t-shirts so far, we really appreciate your support.

For those who've not yet ordered, or who have ordered but not yet completed, can I remind you that the deadline for orders is Sunday 26 June.

To help encourage you, here is an exclusive look at some actual shirts (my test pressings), hope you like and see you all on 10 July

i.imgur.com/mk27JOs.jpg

Cheers

Scott AngryFrownAngry


Hi all

Just a reminder that today is last orders for convention t-shirts. Although, I'll probably still accept orders up to lunchtime tomorrow.

Cheers
AngryFrownAngry
 
purplecleric
*** MEGA EVENT UPDATE *** especially for those not on Facebook.

Team Blake have been busy over the last few weeks and months re-confirming all the arrangements that were made for the Forever Avon event, which regrettably had to be postponed from its original date in 2020.

GUEST UPDATE: Unfortunately, Michael Keating (Vila Restal) can no longer be with us on the new date of Sunday July 10th.

Michael is very disappointed, as we know all of you are, and he sends his very best wishes to us all. All the guests appear subject to work and personal commitments. We thank Michael and his wife Sue for all their support in the past and we are sure that you will all join us in wishing them both all the very best.

At the time of writing all other advertised guests have confirmed their attendance, subject to work commitments.

June Hudson, Mat Irvine, John Ainsworth, Sally Knyvette, Jan Chappell, Steven Pacey and Stephen Greif are all looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks.

EBAY AUCTION:
We have some ebay auctions currently running featuring some of the Blake's 7 trading cards that were available a few years ago, there are various lots including some signed and costume cards. All proceeds after shipping and eBay fees will be going with the totals raised from Forever Avon - a one day Blake’s 7 event for The Dogs Trust which was Paul Darrow’s favourite charity. Link above, thank you for looking.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3251715012...Sw49JibqEW

BLAKE'S 7 LOCATIONS:
We are very happy to say that 'Blake's 7 Locations' will be at Forever Avon. The fabulous facebook page is run by John Kelly and he will have a table at the event with a selection of photos, maps and information regarding the many filming locations used in the series. John will be on hand to hopefully help with any queries you may have regarding the Blake's 7 locations. If you have any stories, or photos of your own experiences we, and he, would love to hear them.

TRADER - DAMIEN MAY: We are delighted that the fantastic creations, including artwork prints and 3D creations from Damien May will be on show and available to buy at Forever Avon in July. If you haven't picked up any of his work yet, it is definitely worth paying the table a visit, pop over and say 'Hi' to his glamorous assistant Charlotte Rogers .

TRADER - CENTURY CASTINGS: We are very pleased that Alex of Century Castings will be at Forever Avon with a table. Century Castings makes the most exquisite replicas of various props and models and sells both kits and completed items. Alex has been a strong supporter of the Team Blake events from the very beginning. Century Castings is currently taking a break, but we are delighted that Alex is coming out of the current company hiatus to be with us on the day, a rare opportunity to see and buy his work. Thank you Alex.

TRADER - CULT EDGE: We are very pleased to announce that Cult Edge, the people who produced the recent 1982 Blake's 7 Annual, Scorpio Tales and the B7 Calendar, will be at the event: "Really excited to have a table at 'Forever Avon' this July in Steventon. I'll have some exclusive new poster designs, a couple of one-off collectors items for the auction, a sneak preview of the new Annual and a surprise or two! It'll be nice to finally meet some of you!" I am sure you will join us in giving them a warm welcome on the day and maybe spending a few credits, or Black Gold, at their table.

FEDERATION GUARDS/PHOTO OPS: We have been very lucky on our previous events to have been supported by a group of amazingly accurate, extremely hardworking and totally professional Federation Guard/Troopers. We are thrilled that they are able to be with us for Forever Avon in July. They will be patrolling the event and if you get the chance to get a photo with them it makes a wonderful memento of the day. We are hoping there will also be a couple of pre-arranged/timed photo opportunities (tbc) with the Guards on the schedule (which will be published closer to the date). Thank you to Gary and his group for kindly arranging this again.

PAUL DARROW MEMORY AREA: As with previous events there will be an area set aside in the Fan Zone area where organisers and attendee's can share their memories of Paul Darrow, Avon and Blake's 7. Please note the organisers can take no responsibility for what is left at the area, so photo copies, duplicates, etc are suggested, and not originals, unique items, etc. The table will not be stewarded for the most part.
Artwork, photos, poems, short stories, paper cuttings, simple messages, all would be welcome and it would be great for us all to share our memories of Paul Darrow.
There will be a couple of tables and a display board where items can be left.

CHARITY SALES TABLE: As we have done in the past we will be running the popular 'charity sales table' from registration at Forever Avon. This is only possible due to the kind donations we receive. If you have any unwanted science fiction items you would like to donate, from any genre, not just Blake's 7 be it: Books, DVD's, CD's, Magazines, Collectables, etc, then we would be very glad of them. Kind of like a 'bring and buy' hopefully attendees will be able to pick up a bargain and help boost the funds for the charity. If you have any questions please message us at Maximum Power. Donations can be dropped off on the day at registration.

SUE'S BOOKS: Long time fan, and keeper of the sacred printed material, Sue Little will once again have her incredible display of books, fanzines, magazines, etc, on show in the fanzone area. You may remember the fanzine, the things we used to enjoy pre-internet! There will be an amazing array of items to look at and Sue, along with her extensive knowledge, will be on hand to chat about them.

LUNCH TIME QUIZ: For those who consider themselves 'Galactic Master Standard', or not, we will be having a fun lunchtime quiz at Forever Avon, for those who don't need to eat! Prizes to be won, free to enter, hopefully fun to be had. Look for the timings on the schedule when it is published and come and test your knowledge on Blake's 7, Avon and Paul Darrow!
Ooh, forgot to mention: If you could bring your own writing implement it would be most helpful!
TARRANT: "Graphite writing stick? I've never seen these things outside museums."


AUCTION, RAFFLE, TOMBOLA: As before we will have an auction at some point during the day, there have been some absolutely amazing items procured and donated for this. There will be a Grand Raffle with some amazing prizes to be won and the ever popular Tombola will be running again, with some truly unique items to be had.
Don't forget to bring your credits with you and please do have a go at some of the activities on offer, it is all for charity, and Paul Darrow's personally chosen charity at that. Have fun and good luck to all.

POSTCARD SET: A very special set (6) of Paul Darrow/Avon commemorative postcards have been produced for Forever Avon, available at the event for just £4.00 per set. No photos here as we don't want to spoil the surprise, but they are fabulous images. The Cards will be available from reception until stocks run out.

SURPRISES: Alongside the usual fayre at our Team Blake events there will be a few surprises at Forever Avon. Some big, some small, things you may not have seen before, things produced especially for the event that we think you will like. People have been working very hard for quite a while behind the scenes, keep your eyes peeled and we hope you enjoy them.

DISPLAYS: There will be a large number of Original Costumes, Props and Models that were used in Blake's 7 exhibited at the event. There will be possibly the largest gathering of original Avon costumes on display as well. Other displays will also be located around the venue. Lots to see, we hope you enjoy getting a close up look at these rare items, taking photos of the exhibits is welcome.

FOOD & DRINK: Please find the following options for food and drink availability in and around the event on Sunday 10th July.

AT THE VENUE:
FISH & CHIP VAN - serving hot food and drinks in the village hall car park for a limited time. For exact times and how to order, ask at registration on the day.

TEA / COFFEE / COLD DRINKS / BASIC SNACKS - available in the village hall cafe in the Fan Zone.

IN THE VILLAGE:
The Fox Inn - Pub/Restaurant - Booking Advised
29 High St,
Steventon,
Abingdon
OX13 6RZ
01235 833151

Cherry Tree -Pub/Restaurant - Booking Advised
33 High St,
Steventon,
Abingdon
OX13 6RZ
01235 831222

Co-Op - Shop / Store Sun: 7am - 10pm
8-10 High St,
Steventon,
Abingdon
OX13 6RS

FURTHER AFIELD:
At the Milton Interchange (aka Milton Gate) there's McDonalds, Costa Coffee, M&S, Beefeater and a Harvester. It's about a mile away.

TRANSPORT: Just a little info with regards to travel, fingers crossed everything is running normally that weekend.
Oh for a working Teleport system!
The nearest Railway Station to the venue is Didcot Parkway, and buses run regularly from there to Steventon Green (just by the hall). We believe the route numbers are X2 and X36. If anyone wants specific info, we will do our best to enquire.
Taxis are available from the rank at the station but it's probably wise to book a return journey for Sunday pm.
There are 3 small car parks in the village – one at the village hall (OX13 6RR), the school (OX13 6SQ) and on the left at the start of Milbank Way (OX13 6FF) as well as various on street parking.
Can we please ask anyone coming by car to park legally and with due consideration to the village residents, not blocking footpaths/ driveways etc, it would be very much appreciated.

( purplecleric lives in Steventon so if you have any specific enquiries about the location or facilities, please PM her or email thepurplecleric@gmail.com)

Not long to go now, see you soon.
Thank you from all at Team Blake.
 
Vargas
Ssssssoooon it musst be soooooon.... Smile
My gang gets free extra strong mints for the rest of their lives!
 
M1795537OCVirn
A REMINDER FROM TEAM BLAKE


TICKETS:
A reminder to attendees: please have your eventbrite ticket order number with you, either printed or on phone, and ready to present at the Registration Desk upon entry.
This will enable us to process you more efficiently and quickly and cut down on queue time.
Thank you


(Forwarded: the Federation exists only to serve its citizens)
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
 
purplecleric
*** UPDATE ***
COVID SAFETY:
Currently there aren’t any official guidelines concerning Covid, so we are appealing for everyone to use the best kind of guideline that there is, Common Sense!
As you/we are all Alpha Grade Blake’s 7 fans we know this will be second nature.
To keep all our guests, and attendees, safe the venue will be as ventilated as possible, hand sanitisers will be available, masks are not required but should attendee’s, exhibitors or guests choose to wear one please respect their decision.
Out of courtesy please do respect each other’s space wherever possible.
If we could, respectfully, ask that people who feel unwell prior to the event, with Covid related symptoms, please take a test before coming and act accordingly.
Please do not ask for ‘selfies’ with the guests at the autograph tables, this is partly in the interests of health & safety, but also a matter of expedience during the autograph sessions.
‘Over the table’ photographs while having something signed will be up to the individual guest’s discretion on the day.
We certainly didn’t want to apply any kind of draconian rules and regulations, after all we are supposed to be having fun, but if we could all be considerate to one another then we will have a much more enjoyable and safe time.
Thank you all in advance for your understanding and co-operation, as always it is very much appreciated.

- Team Blake
 
GanMiniMe
Is anybody still planning a location visit to Steventon Priory?
 
Cygnus Bazza

GanMiniMe wrote:

Is anybody still planning a location visit to Steventon Priory?

As a near-local who regrettably can't be at the event, I thought it might be worth highlighting some local Steventon 'sights' if any of you like a bit of history, or simply gawping at strange stuff:

- a mysterious mile-long, rather impressive causeway runs right by Steventon Hall in both directions. It's especially impressive heading up towards the church (you'll need to cross the main road to follow it in that direction). As far as I'm aware, it's at least 600 years old (though a lot of the stones would doubtless have been replaced down the centuries) but there's no real consensus on its exact age or precise original purpose
- sundry, bloomin' big, bloomin' old timbered buildings, basically hugging the causeway on the way to the church
- the Manor by the church, with its big animal sculptures (gorilla etc) and array of mini-ordnance
- 'Skyfall' (no, really) just on the right beyond the church, complete with ornamental stags
- fans of proper music may also be interested to know that the legendary 'Whispering' Bob Harris of Old Grey Whistle Test fame lives there or thereabouts

The Cherry Tree and The Fox are both nice pubs with decent food and beers. (There's a third pub called The North Star but I've never been in it.)
We took the wrong step years ago...
 
Obsidian

GanMiniMe wrote:

Is anybody still planning a location visit to Steventon Priory?


I think GanMiniMe is referring to Abingdon. I'd be very interested, too, if there is a location visit.
Don't philosophise at me you electronic moron.
 
https://www.seraglio-design.com/
GanMiniMe

Obsidian wrote:

GanMiniMe wrote:

Is anybody still planning a location visit to Steventon Priory?


I think GanMiniMe is referring to Abingdon. I'd be very interested, too, if there is a location visit.


Indeed I am, it was formerly in the cards in previous years, but thanks all the same for the tip off about the causeway and interesting sights, I do also love gawping at stuff!!
 
Anniew
What a lot on offer. I’m very sad Michael won’t be there - hope he’s okay. But it’s shaping up to be fab!
Play the hand fate deals you.
 
purplecleric
The Abbey ruins in Abingdon are a popular location visit for fans who come to the area. If anyone needs details or directions, please contact me.

Also we will be having the usual informal gathering from Saturday afternoon onwards in the Cherry Tree to catch up with old friends and welcome new friends. If this is your first time, it's a great way to break the ice before the big day. And as Cygnus Bazza pointed out, they serve a beer called Horizon...
 
Anniew
I have a spare ticket unexpectedly, if anyone wants one. Just pm me. It’s free.
Play the hand fate deals you.
 
clanger68
Hi All,

Please find the Schedule for the event at Steventon on Sunday 10th July

As always timings are approximate and may change on the day

The reason for the early opening of the registration desk is to hopefully ease the length of wait time.

The main hall opens at about 9.45am

Thank you

i.imgur.com/oTjsgt6.jpg
"I plan to live forever, or die trying!"
 
Cygnus Bazza
If you're thinking of using one of the Steventon pubs this weekend, head for The Fox as The Cherry Tree is likely to be out of bounds, except for those who've booked accommodation there.
Edited by Cygnus Bazza on 05-07-2022 20:57
We took the wrong step years ago...
 
Lurena
I'm wishing everybody who attends the Forever Avon Con a wonderful time!
I will not be there, sadly, as conditions to travel (flight cancellations and airport chaos, as well as covid numbers rising) are too bad.
I will think of you all and wear my Avonesque outfit + the convention button Gary gave to me.
I hope to read many great reports here.
*No, I am not. I am not expendable, I'm not stupid, and I'm not going.*
Lara&Sue's Blake's 7 stories will be back soon at a new website!
 
ellen york
I'm not able to make it either. Hope everyone has fun and I look forward reading the reports.
 
purplecleric

Cygnus Bazza wrote:

If you're thinking of using one of the Steventon pubs this weekend, head for The Fox as The Cherry Tree is likely to be out of bounds, except for those who've booked accommodation there.


Thanks for the update, Cygnus Bazza. I've checked with The Fox and they are open all day, and will be serving food, so the pre-convention meet-up will move there. Sorry for the Cherry Tree residents who will have to make the arduous trek next door!
 
Welsh Rebel
@Cygnus Bazza & purplecleric

Thanks for the update both. Just waiting for the Cherry Tree to confirm they have our reservation as spoken to someone there just now and they couldn't find it. Sad

Becky has just booked us into the Premier Inn in case Smile

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the weekend.
 
Cygnus Bazza

Welsh Rebel wrote:

Thanks for the update

No worries - have a brilliant weekend!
We took the wrong step years ago...
 
GanMiniMe

purplecleric wrote:

Cygnus Bazza wrote:

If you're thinking of using one of the Steventon pubs this weekend, head for The Fox as The Cherry Tree is likely to be out of bounds, except for those who've booked accommodation there.


Thanks for the update, Cygnus Bazza. I've checked with The Fox and they are open all day, and will be serving food, so the pre-convention meet-up will move there. Sorry for the Cherry Tree residents who will have to make the arduous trek next door!


Yippeeeee!! I was really worried for a bit that we wouldn’t have anywhere to drink!!!
 
Cygnus Bazza

GanMiniMe wrote:

Yippeeeee!! I was really worried for a bit that we wouldn’t have anywhere to drink!!!

I've tipped off The Fox and they're getting contractors in on Thursday/Friday to lay pipelines to two of the local micro-breweries, to cope with the surge in demand. And that's just GanMiniMe I'm talking about.

The club sandwich at The Fox is quite nice BTW.
We took the wrong step years ago...
 
GanMiniMe

Cygnus Bazza wrote:

GanMiniMe wrote:

Yippeeeee!! I was really worried for a bit that we wouldn’t have anywhere to drink!!!

I've tipped off The Fox and they're getting contractors in on Thursday/Friday to lay pipelines to two of the local micro-breweries, to cope with the surge in demand. And that's just GanMiniMe I'm talking about.

The club sandwich at The Fox is quite nice BTW.


I shall endeavour to be worthy of their building work. Grin
 
Welsh Rebel
Welsh Rebels down and safe.
 
Supreme Commander
Hi everyone, I'm really looking forward to catching up with everyone I already know and meeting anyone I've yet to meet. Do come and say hello.

I'm staying at the Premier Inn (Didcot) tomorrow (ie Saturday) night and Sunday night. My biggest dilemma at the moment is whether to have dinner up at the hotel restaurant or come down to the Fox Inn. I know people are staying up at the Premier but also some staying in Fox Inn or Cherry Tree so not sure where everybody will be. I'd thought Saturday night at the Premier Inn and Sunday after the con to the Fox Inn but if no-one is dining at the Premier and all headed down to the Fox Inn, maybe my little crowd should go down there...

Who's staying where? And where will you be Saturday night?

HORIZON MERCHANDISE - I don't have a sales table this time but will be bringing along a selection of things including some fanzines, a couple of sets of our Technical Manuals, some copies of Paul's 'Man of Iron' unproduced script, back issues of our available original print-run fan club back issue magazines (from 26 to 40), photos (signed & unsigned - NB won't have signed photos of any of the attending guests as obviously you can get them at the event. They normally have their own photos with them for you to get signed, but I'll have some unsigned ones too which they'd be happy to sign also)

I'll have a small box of B7 notepads & writing paper sets, some photo stamp sheets & our famous 'I love Blake's 7' car/window stickers. Possibly some scripts if I can find the box... A few of our specially made Servalan/Jacqueline Pearce t-shirts which have her signature on as well as picture & slogan 'I'm just the girl next door' in Large (and 1 Extra Large), a couple of our Horizon sweat shirts, and 3 Deliverance '98 jackets, some D98 mugs and the Souvenir Brochure & Exhibition catalogue.

Taking requests if anyone knows they want anything in particular - trying to finish packing tonight but will still have a bit of time in the morning... Hoping to bring my little portable card machine (if I can remember how it actually works) but otherwise cash.
"Some days are better than others, Section Leader"
 
http://blakes7online.com
GanMiniMe
GanMiniMe is on the train, about to depart for Reading. Eek!
 
GanMiniMe
I’m having a pint in the Fox. The landlady told me some of you have gone off on a jolly to Didcot!! So I’ll have my pint, check into my digs and catch up with you all later on!
 
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