Fanderson is 30 - Here's to the Next 30 Years!
21st August 2011
Fanderson's 30th Birthday Party went with a bang at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Marlow on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon in late August.
Before the party kicked off a small group of fans embarked on a location tour of the area, and filmed a number of sights familiar to all Anderson fans including Stirling Road Studios, Black Park and a number churches used in The Secret Service!
Watch a 'vlog' of the trip here by Jack Knoll
There were plenty of photo opportunities during the evening thanks to the presence of several special guests who have given the Club extra-special support over the years. TV21 artist Mike Noble was the first to arrive, followed by the much-loved Thunderbirds trio of David Graham, Shane Rimmer and Matt Zimmerman. Gerry Anderson and his wife Mary arrived around 6pm.
Rain briefly threatened to put a dampener on proceedings, but as the party got underway around 4pm the beautiful grounds of the hotel were bathed in sunshine, and attendees left the conservatory that had been booked for the event and gathered on the terrace overlooking the lake. It turned out to be perfect conditions for the delicious barbeque provided by the hotel staff.
While everyone tucked into burgers, salads and baked potatoes, some people were left scratching their heads as they tried to date photographs from the past 30 years in our 'But What was the year?' birthday quiz. Geoffrey Ellis was later announced the winner, and his prize: a free 30 year Fanderson membership!
For those who couldn't be there, you can still do the quiz here
After dinner, speeches were made by a number of Fanderson committee members, past and present. Long-standing Fanderson Sales Co-ordinator Stephen Brown read out a speech prepared by current Chairman Nick Williams, before handing over to FAB Co-Editor Ian Fryer. Ian paid special tribute to both Stephen Brown and Lynn Simpson, who will be taking more of a backseat after many years masterminding the whole sales process for Club merchandise. It was also announced that Fanderson will be introducing online payments for merchandise in the near future.
Next up, one of the founders of Fanderson David Nightingale paid tribute to many past committee members, while Chris Bentley read out the minutes from the very first Club meeting. This explained the origins of the Club's name and that Gerry is owed several crates of wine under the terms of the Club's authorisation!
Fittingly the toasts followed soon afterwards, and all the guests assembled for the ceremonial cutting of a gigantic 30th Birthday cake.
Fanderson would like to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the club over the years, from fans to committee members, to special guests and - of course - Gerry Anderson. Thanks again, and here's to the next 30 years!
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