SPRING LEAP 99

FRIDAY I arrived by train just in time for lunch. After dumping a number of things at Penny's home, we went back to check that everything was going well down at the Opera House. The building is late Georgian/early Victorian with a glorious cream, gold and balconied interior. The sort of theatre that makes you wish for a long frock, a mask and a gorgeous man in evening dress on your arm! Definitely first act 'Romance, Romance' stuff!

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

We registered quite a number of attendees and I sold all but one of my fanfics and got some more orders for our exclusive merchandise. The opening ceremony was quiet but well attended by everyone who'd arrived by then. I found myself a bite of supper and changed into my seasonally red outfit for the Xmas disco. Red skirt, top, Santa hat and antlers. (Even red undies....shhhh!).

OUR CONSOLE!

I was warned by Penny to take my coat. I'm glad that I did, because at midnight we dragged John D'Aquino and about a dozen other intrepid con-goes down Poole's Cavern just before midnight! Can you think of ANY other convention that has spent some of it's time down a hole in the ground surrounded by beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and candle-light?!!?

SATURDAY This day came far to early! We were tired! I busked a 'hello' to everyone on stage for a while until the first part of 'Net Force' rolled. I think Scott was more popular than me! The videos rolled happily until just after lunch when John made his first official appearance. He talked warmly for over an hour, then retired to sign autographs. I spent much of this day walking around and quietly checking that everything and everybody was happy. I did manage a change before the evening disco, when Penny and I became Xena (me) and Gabby (her). Now most of you are probably aware that John has been in an episode of Xena (he was Ulysses), so it was with some amusement (and nervousness) that I waited for him to come to the disco!! He expressed surprise and pleasure. I was told more than once how much I look like Xena (I know!!!). John wanted to know how I'd made my costume, so I told him. We'd auctioned off the chance to sing live with John earlier in the day and our lucky bidder dueted with him at the karaoke. Then John kindly sang with both Penny and me. Just for the record, Penny did 'Time of My Life' and I joined John on 'Killing me Softly'. John put in some lovely harmonies once we got going. The whole thing was video-taped, so anyone who's interested can judge for themselves!

My wonderful, crazy Gemini friend Denise. Accelerate 96 and counting..........<G>

Xena at the disco!

1) 'Xena' and 'Ulysses' sing! (Killing me softly with his song) 2) 'Ulysses' decided being with 'Xena' was much nicer than being with Penelope!	1) 'Xena', 'Gabrielle' and 'Ulysses' have a joint hug! 2) 'Xena' and 'Gabby' guard the speaker from harm!

SUNDAY Our second and final guest arrived - Colin Baker from 'Dr Who'. He was, as I'd already found out, witty, charming and very obliging. He was on stage for a good hour and a half until John turned up, telling us many funny and hilarious stories from his multi-faceted career. The auction went well; we had a good selection of things to offer. To our surprise and pleasure we raised over £1,600. Thank-you all for your generosity. John gave a second, very relaxed talk for quite some time. We eventually had a very quiet closing ceremony followed by autographs across the street in the Old Hall, a Victorian hotel. As far as I know, everything ran more or less to time; none of the videos got eaten by the machines and the stewards all rallied round to make sure that most programmes kept running throughout the weekend. Everyone who attended said that they'd enjoyed themselves; I'm just sad that more Leapers didn't come on board to share the warm, informal and wonderful atmosphere.

THINGS TO BUY!

We're afraid the exclusive official merchandise is no longer available, but we do have these goodies for sale!

'BEYOND THE FERMI SUIT'
The collected 'Quantum Leap' fanfic of Philippa Chapman.

Nearly 130 A4 pages of small print (160,000 words)! To read a taster, . Price:£10 plus P&P. Within Britain, this is £2, to America: £3. Anywhere else, please e-mail me and I'll make you a personal quote! I'm sorry I'm only a private individual and I can't take plastic or other currencies.

Also - VIDEO of convention. £9.99 (Sterling!) + £1.50 p&p in UK. PAL or NTSC format - there may be a small extra charge for the latter. Please contact Penny for further details at:-