Mailbox

A round-up of the latest news, gossip and other information from members.
Health warning: Anything in this article should not be relied upon as gospel. 

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OCTOSCRIPTO BLOOMSBURY

The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London WC1N 3AL
Tel: 0207 387 7216

London's Most Exciting Writers Club Launches!

OctoScripto Bloomsbury, a new writers club, is set to revive the literary ferment of London’s Bloomsbury. Based at The October Gallery in Holborn, the club launched on Saturday, September 1, with keynote poetry performances by award winning Egyptian poet, Ramses Sidrak, and Ghanaian Avant Garde poet (and founder of OctoScripto), Ishmael Annobil, and a solo operatic recital by exceptional mezzo-soprano, Helen Karikari.

Described by its founder as the most exciting writers club in the last decade or more, OctoScripto has the distinction of embracing cross-media writing. "For the first time, poets, novelists, short story writers, dramatist, screenwriters, journalists, songwriters and musicians of all genres, ages and backgrounds can relate and synergize meaningfully, under one roof," says Ishmael.

OctoScripto also welcomes visiting writers to its weekly meetings, to be held every Saturday at 2pm. "There must surely be a way for the visiting writer to meet his peers instantly, and not feel lost in the awesome whirlwind of literary London," says Ishmael.

For more information call Ishmael on 0207 387 7216 or 0207 242 9831
Or write to him at The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London WC1N 3Al. Email: ishmaelannobil@hotmail.com.


CULT TV 2001

Meet The Stars At CULT TV! More Guests Than Ever Announced For 8th Festival!

Everyone with more than a passing interest in the output of that goggle box, in the corner of almost every living room in the country, will find something for them at the 8th Annual Cult TV Festival. This is an international event that attracts attendees from not only all over the UK, but also all over the globe, and will be held over the weekend of 26-29 October at The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool. A residential holiday break over four days, past events have attracted delegates from as far off as France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and the USA.

"We have stars from Comedy, Action Adventure, Children's Shows, Animation, and Drama, as well as from Science Fiction" notes Cult TV's Main Arena co-ordinator, Idris Evans. "Not only that, but there are also behind-the-scenes personnel, - stuntmen, writers, producers, directors, special effects experts, all of whom will be revealing some of the secrets of their work". Idris is one of two dozen unpaid volunteers who run the Festival to benefit various charities. "Our first seven events have raised over £20,000 for good causes", he confirmed. In 2001 it's all for UNICEF, the UN Children's Charity.

At the Festival, attendees will be able to see interviews with the stars, get hold of star autographs, take part in charity auctions for rare memorabilia, trade with merchandise dealers, and take part in discussion groups concerning the hot issues in the world of television. To complete the fun, there are theme parties every night, a review of the TV year, quiz shows and games to play, a star cabaret, and the presentation of the Cult TV Awards (voted for by the attendees themselves).

Series currently represented in the latest guest list just released by Cult TV include THE AVENGERS (Julie Stevens played Venus Smith in its early days), HERCULES (Michael Hurst played trusty right-hand man Iolaus), ARE YOU BEING SERVED? (Nicholas Smith played Mr Rumbold), DOCTOR WHO (Sarah Sutton and Mark Strickson were companions from the Peter Davison era), ROBIN OF SHERWOOD (Nickolas Grace was the Sheriff of Nottingham), DARK ANGEL (Jennifer Blanc plays Kendra in James Cameron's brand new TV series), ON THE BUSES (Stephen Lewis was the legendary "Blakey") and BLAKE'S SEVEN (Jan Chappell was telepath Cally, and Sally Knyvette was pilot Jenna). Behind-the scenes experts include legendary scriptwriters Ray Galton and Alan Simpson (creators of STEPTOE AND SON and writers for Tony Hancock), director ALAN PERRY(who worked on "Captain Scarlet", "Joe 90" and "UFO") and the wizard of special effects on RED DWARF, Peter Wragg.

"If you're looking for an event populated by anoraks, then this is certainly NOT it", added Cult TV Workshop Director John Godsland. "We attract all sorts of people from all walks of life, united by an appreciation of fictional television that dares to be different, extraordinary." Part of the appeal of the Festival is it is non-stop from Noon Friday until Noon Monday. "One of the biggest problems attendees have is deciding when to sleep, so as to not miss part of the packed programme!" concluded Mr Godlsand.

Prospective attendees can get further information on the Cult TV Festival by writing to Cult TV, P.O. Box 1701, Peterborough PE7 1ER, phoning 01733 205009, or emailing enquiries@CultTV.net (the event website can be found at www.CultTV.org).

And for those of you who think this sounds a riot, but can't book the time off work required at such short notice, then make note that the Cult TV Festival next year will be happening at the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall Complex over the weekend of 25-28 October 2002 - contact details are the same as for this year's extravaganza.

Editor's Note: BSCW Member Ken Basford will be running workshops here.


CANCER RESEARCH CAMPAIGN

The 14th Alan Coren Book Auction will be held on the 21st November in aid of The Cancer Research Campaign.

This prestigious, and well-established, event will be held at The Royal College of Art, Kensington.

A wide range of signed books, many accompanied by unique personalised items, will be auctioned at the event. The extensive catalogue will include book proofs, 1st edition copies and original illustrations, especially in the childrens books.

The evening will commence with an opportunity to view the books and celebrity items at the Champagne Reception, beginning at 6.30pm. The auction itself will then start at 7.15pm.


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