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LONDON S-F CONVENTION

May 31st - June 1st

WELCOME TO THE CONVENTION !

by Ted Carnell, Chairman of the Convention Committee

This year sees London putting on its sixth official Convention since 1938, and, although it will not be so star-studded with visitors as last year's International Convention, it looks like being the biggest and most interesting the Capital has had the pleasure of organising.

Fans and readers of science fiction who have attended previous Conventions need no introduction into the delights and high lights of a two-day meeting crammed with interesting discussions and personalities connected with their favourite literature, but, for the people who have never attended one, let me make your mind up now for you. It is a memorable occasion and one that gives food for thought and conversation for many months afterwards.

Something will be happening all the time, from the moment the Convention opens at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31st. up until the closing stages on the Sunday evening. The setting of the ballroom in the Royal Hotel is ideal, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, or on the premises.

Make this one of your most memorable Whitsuntide holidays. We shall look forward to meeting you all, either as new or old friends

TED CARNELL

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AND FROM THE CONVENTION SECRETARY ;-

I look forward very much to meeting old friends and new - all two hundred of them! - at the Whitsun Convention.

FRANK ARNOLD

 

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THE TREASURER AND OTHER CONVENTION OFFICIALS WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD REMIT YOUR ADMISSION FEE BY POST BEFORE THE CONVENTION, TO ELIMINATE CLERICAL WORK DURING THE PROCEEDINGS.

*Note. The programme herein is provisional, and although every effort will be made to adhere to it, it is liable to be varied to suit circumstances.

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REMEMBER !!!! It's the ROYAL HOTEL, BLOOMSBURY, for the weekend Main Sessions, but ALL COMMUNICATIONS should go to the WHITE HORSE, where the Preliminary Sessions only will be held.

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AUCTIONS Your donations of fantasy books, magazines and art are requested for the Auctions on Saturday and Sunday, the proceeds of which will help next year's Convention.

Any items will be auctioned on a percentage basis if the owner wishes ... please contact a Committee member beforehand.

This is your chance to help others, and to pick up that item you've been wanting yourself !

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RECORDINGS As most Convention guests will know, Arthur C.Clarke, noted s-f author and astronautics expert is at present visiting the US, following the 'Book-of-the-Month-Club' choice of his recent 'Exploration of Space'.

He echoes our regrets that he cannot be present at the London Convention this year, but has recorded an address which will be played at the Con.

By arrangement with Messrs. Hutchinson, the publishers, a short recording of a scene from Dennis Wheatley's new s-f novel, "Star of Ill Omen" (Hutchinson 12/6d) will be played during the Convention, with Mr. Wheatley in the leading role.

We also hope to present a recording, made at the San Diego S-F Convention a few weeks ago, when many famous s-f personalities were present.

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FILM PROGRAMME  The Committee are attempting the ambitious programme of three full length fantasy films, as well as several shorts of scientific and science-fictional interest.

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EXHIBITORS Anyone wishing to exhibit fantasy books, magazines, or art-work etc., in the Convention Hall, should contact the Sec.

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PAYMENTS  The CONVENTION SOCIETY, membership fee 2/6d, has been founded to cover incidental expenses. Admission to the Convention for Society members will be 5/- per day. (i.e. Total for one guest on Saturday or Sunday, 7/6d. For both days, 12/6d.)

'Teen-agers' will be admitted at half-price.

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SATURDAY

11.00 a.m. Informal Sessions, with general introductions.

Luncheon interval.

2.00 p.m. opening speeches and public introductions.

Representatives from Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, and other centres of s-f activity are invited to speak.

Public Question: Should London monopolise Conventions ?

4.00 p.m. Tea break.

5.00 p.m. Recorded speech by Arthur C.Clarke.
(See notes on previous page)

5.30 p.m. Debate. (Suggested motion: "That science-fiction is true to the facts of human experience." Alternative suggestions from Convention guests are welcomed)

6.00 p.m. First Auction of s-f books, magazines, artwork etc. ( Auctioneer E.C. (Ted) Tubb)

7.00 p.m. Supper break.

8.00 p.m. Film Show: It is hoped to show "The Man Who Could Work Miracles' and 'Paris Qui Dort'.

10.30 p.m. Conclusion of Saturday sessions.

NOTE. It has been suggested that those centres wishing to hold the national s-f Convention in ' 53 should put forward their case during the afternoon session, and at the conclusion of the Convention on Sunday, a vote is taken.

SUNDAY

11.00 a.m. Informal session. Repeat of Arthur Clarke's recorded speech.

11.30 a.m. Magazine editors 'talk shop' and answer questions.

12.30 p.m. Luncheon break.

2.00 p.m. Author's Circle; a group of s-f authors have been invited to speak on "Why I write science-fiction", and associated matters.
Comments on s-f are invited from the audience.

3.30 p.m. Announcement: The International Fantasy Award.

4.00 p.m. Tea Break

5.00 p.m. Informal sessions.

6.00 p.m. The second Auction of s-f books, magazines, art work etc. (Auctioneer E.C. Tubb)

7.00 p.m. Supper Break.

8.00 p.m. Film Show; It is hoped to show 'Metropolis' and a number of short films of science-fictional interest.

10.30 p.m. Official close. Final words and farewells.

NOTE. Any plans for parties, etc., on Monday, June 2nd, or extra to the Convention sessions during the weekend, will be announced.

If time permits, we hope to include a playlet by the S-F.Soap Opera Company during the weekend proceedings.

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SCIENCE FICTION 'FAN' ACTIVITIES

MEETINGS

Details of Britain's oldest regular meeting, the informal LONDON CIRCLE group, will be found opposite.

LIVERPOOL SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY have a separate club room to which members have a key. Details from the Vice-Chairman, John.D. Roles, 28, Pine Grove, L'pool 22.

MANCHESTER fans can meet others in the NOR'WEST S-F CLUB. Details from Dave Cohen, 32, Larch St, Hightown, Manchester 8.

An s-f club is now active in BRADFORD. Details can be obtained from Derek Pickles, 22, Marshfield Place, Bradford, Yorks.

A postal club for TEEN AGE FANS has been started by Ken Potter, 5, Furness Street, Marsh, Lancaster.

The MEDWAY SCIENCE-FICTION FAN CLUB has recently opened in Gillingham, Kent. Fans in the vicinity should contact. Anthony Thorne, 21, Granville Road, Gillingham, Kent.

Newest club is the NEW LANDS S-F FAN CLUB, in Glasgow. Scottish fans get in touch with Matt. A. Elder, 37, Moray Place, Glasgow, S.I.

FANZINES

Amateur magazines, 'fanzines' range from printed to hand-written copies. Specimens will be on show at the Convention. Details of these and many other fan activities here and abroad can be found in the OPERATION FANTAST HANDBOOK 1952, issued by Capt. K.F. Slater, (RPC), No. 28 PCLU Detachment, BAOR 29. (enclose an s.a.e.)

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THE CONVENTION COMMITTEE WISHES TO RECORD ITS APPRECIATION OF THE PUBLICITY GIVEN TO THE CONVENTION BY 'NOVA PUBLICATIONS' AND ITS MAGAZINES 'NEW WORLDS' & 'SCIENCE FANTASY', AND TO MESSRS HAMILTON AND THEIR MAGAZINE 'AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION MONTHLY. THANK YOU, PUBLISHERS AND EDITORS!

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UNDERGROUND ROUTES TO THE CONVENTION HALL

RUSSELL SQUARE is the nearest station to the Royal Hotel (3 minutes walk. It is on the Piccadilly Line, and is the next station South of KINGS CROSS.

KINGS CROSS interchange for Metropolitan, Piccadilly, and Northern lines.

HOLBORN Interchange for Central & Piccadilly lines.

 

FROM MAIN LINE STATIONS BY UNDERGROUND

EUSTON...........Northern Line to KINGS X., change to Piccadilly Line.

LONDON BRIDGE " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

CHARING CROSS  " " " " " " " " LEICESTER SQ. " " " " " " " " " " " "

WATERLOO......... " " " " " " " " " " "  " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

VICTORIA...........Circle or Metropolitan Line to CHARING CROSS (q.v. )

PADDINGTON......Metropolitan Line to KINGS CROSS, change to Pic. Line.

LIVERPOOL STREET..Central Line to HOLBORN, then change to Piccadilly, or Metropolitan Line to Kings Cross, change.

KINGS CROSS & ST. PANCRAS ..Piccadilly Line to Russell Square

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THE WHITE HORSE

Preliminary, informal sessions will be held at the famous LONDON CIRCLE rendezvous, the WHITE HORSE, Fetter Lane, E.C. 4., on May 29th. & 30th. ((An informal meeting is held here every Thursday night)) Numerous bus routes pass along High Holborn and Fleet Street, at either end of Fetter Lane, but the only near Underground St. is CHANCERY LANE on the Central Line. (( Next station East of HOLBORN))

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