The biggest flock of Fools’ fans yet!
Hello there fellow Only Fools fans! Let me begin by telling you a little about myself. My name is Jordan Gale, I am 20 years old (sadly no longer a teenager) and I am a Durham University Student who happens to be a ‘mega-fan’ of the pearl that is Only Fools and Horses! In my (scarce) spare time I am also a comedy script writer having submitted sketches to the BBC, and currently penning my own sitcom. I have a huge collection of memorabilia from the show, which contains everything from props to costumes and hundreds of signed items- not the norm for a teenager’s bedroom (Yes I will still refer to myself as one). I travel, as I am sure you do too, to all the events related to the society and I am thrilled to be one of the new writers for this appreciation website- celebrating all things Fools! And what better way, to kick start my articles than on one which reflects upon the success of the seventeenth annual Convention- it too is fast approaching the end of its teens!
Cast your minds back to Sunday October 26th 2014. It was eventful day with Manchester United drawing against Chelsea at home; Jake Quickenden leaving The X Factor; the clocks going back, and oh yes it was the day which saw over two thousand people travel from across the UK and overseas (fingers crossed not on-board INGE, via Han-glider or jet ski) to theWatford Leisure Centre for a gathering to rejoice all things Trotter!
As the doors opened (a relief to us all queuing) the scramble to the autograph queue commenced. We were spoilt rotten this year, having the chance to meet eleven (yes eleven!) stars from our favourite show- no cwying there then! Regular faces including John Challis – Boycie, Sue Holderness – Marlene, Paul Barber- Denzil, Tessa Peake-Jones – Raquel, and Gywneth Strong – Cassandra, addressed fans from the stage before beginning the marathon signing, lasting around eleven hours. They were joined by other favourites such as Steven Woodcock- Jevon, Philip Pope- Tony Angelino, Nabil Elouahabi – Garrrry and Jeff Stevenson – PC Parker and Rodney’s Stag Night Comedian. There were some new faces this year too, with first time appearances from Sarah Duncan – Lady Victoria and Michael Fenton Stevens – Alan Perkins (Groovy ey!)
As ever the stalls were packed with new merchandise and memorabilia. People bought lost episodes on DVD, framed pictures, calendars, onesies, signed photos, mugs, and even blow up dolls and bottles of Peckham Spring Water- straight from Perry’s tap of course!
The interactive zone made a popular reappearance, allowing us to pose for photographs in the mock-up Nelson Mandela House flat, with lookalikes of Del and Uncle Albert, as well as recreating famous scenes. New costumes and props were also on display, including the newly acquired paintings from the 1996 trilogy. You could even lye on Del’s bed… sweet dreams for many fans!
The actors were all as lovely as ever. Every fan had their special moment with each star, and we loved it! Addressing the crowd on stage and slipping into character as Marlene, Sue joked: “I don’t know what’s up with Boycie he’s in a right mood.” In response John joked about Marleeene “doing her make-up in the back seat on the way” before pleasing us all with his trademark machine gun laugh. Just as well Jevon was on hand to “make those largers long and cool…”
All in all it was yet another huge success! Much appreciation and thanks to Perry and the team for such a memorable day. Some pictures are posted below but do share any others you have with us all. Roll on next years… it’s only 50 weeks away (not that I’m counting down or anything).
Don’t be a plonker and please follow me on Twitter @JordanGale94 where I will share my writing and more Only Fools’ news- You know it makes sense!
Bonjour for now!
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