posted 10-05-2019 01:00 PM
Ken Willoughby and Space Lectures are delighted to announce the next speaker coming to Pontefract, England: Apollo 12 support crew member, Skylab 4 science pilot — Edward Gibson.
Selected in 1965 as part of NASA's fourth group of astronauts, Gibson logged more than 84 days in space, including three spacewalks lasting more than 15 hours in total.
Details of the event are as follows:
Friday, 24 April 2020: Evening Dinner and Auction £100 Kings Croft Hotel, Pontefract Photo shoot: 18.00-18.45 (£30 payable on the day) Dinner 19.00-21.00 Auction and autograph session
Saturday, 25 April 2020: Lecture £45 Carleton Community High School "The Infinity Theatre" Doors open at 14.00 Photo shoot: 14.45-15.45 (£30 payable on the day) Lecture 16.00-17.00 Q&A session, approximately 15 to 20 minutes Autograph session
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 10-13-2019 04:27 AM
I would like to invite collectSPACE members to submit back drop designs for the Ed Gibson encounter next April.
As Mike Lambert and others will confirm there will be a unique signed portrait up for grabs for the winning designer.
Ken Willoughby will select the winning design a month or so out from Ed's arrival in the UK: April will be upon us before we know it.
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 10-13-2019 01:26 PM
I’m informed that the announcement for the Ed Gibson event received spontaneous applause throughout the auditorium 👏 and so it should. Another incredible coup for Ken and Space Lectures. Great news! The tickets are flying out.
Roll on April 🚀🚀🚀🚀
OWL Member
Posts: 176 From: United Kingdom Registered: Aug 2007
posted 10-13-2019 02:06 PM
Oh no! I have just noticed my better half Mrs Owl is now a member.
Just to endorse her comment there was a loud cheer in the room when we announced Ed Gibson as our April guest. I believe this was on the back of Jack's excellent lecture which seems to have opened up a new chapter in the history of manned space flight here in the UK.
Skylab was ahead of its time and the scientific knowledge gained from these missions can not be understated.
I am reliably informed that Dwight Boniecki, the director of the excellent, recently released "Searching for Skylab" film will once again be with us.
Well done Ken For organising another great guest.
Mike Lambert Member
Posts: 10 From: Newark, England Registered: Apr 2016
posted 10-15-2019 02:39 PM
I'll start the ball rolling on the backdrop.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 10-15-2019 05:22 PM
Great start Mike. I would hope that others will pitch in and Mike is not left with an unfettered run to the prize.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 11-14-2019 03:51 PM
A big thank you to our friends at The British Interplanetary Society for their continued support. The latest edition of "Spaceflight" magazine carries a timely advert for April's event: timely for anybody looking to buy their friend or partner something "spacey" for Christmas!
Remember what Jim Lovell said on Apollo 8. "There is a Santa Claus"
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 11-24-2019 10:05 AM
My possible contender for the photo shoot backdrop. It’s a great image don’t you think?
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 11-24-2019 06:10 PM
Mrs OWL, you might ask our friends at Proffoto to mock up a back drop using this image with Ed's Skylab patch added...
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 12-16-2019 07:05 PM
Hope to see you in April 2020 for the Ed Gibson event, we are counting down.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 12-17-2019 02:12 PM
Nice job Mrs OWL. Bold and striking in equal measure.
Who IS that command module fetishist in the purple shirt? When he's not fondling command modules (I have photographic proof) he's grappling with astronauts!
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 01-07-2020 03:01 PM
A big thank you to the hugely talented Dwight Steven-Boniecki, director of "Searching for Skylab," who has kindly made this video show casing the incredible Ed Gibson. A taster of what is to come this April. Get your tickets.
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 02-07-2020 07:28 PM
From a small group of volunteers and the small town of Pontefract, West Yorkshire UK beats a huge heart.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 02-08-2020 02:11 PM
Nice one Mrs OWL. Is it too late to submit this clip for the Baftas?
I was fortunate to spend a little time with Gerry Griffin in 2019. When I told him that Ed Gibson was coming to Pontefract Gerry replied, "I worked with him and have appeared with him at many events over the last several years. He’s a great guy... really a gentleman, friendly, laughs easily and a lot. But he’s very bright and can talk about just anything you bring up. He’s a good friend!"
posted 02-10-2020 04:46 AM
That is a Hoot Mrs Owl! Well done.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 02-10-2020 01:52 PM
All being well, I will be assisting at the signing tables for the Gibson event, as I have been for some years now. I've seen a whole host of pen types and colours all of which have their respective merits. But experience tells me that black Sharpie is usually the best, most consistent and most forgiving of pens.
With that in mind I prefer a backdrop with a predominantly light ground on which to sign. Hence my backdrop suggestion aided by Ken Mattingly... and his "stunt double."
I have no say in the selection of the final design and in the event my design is chosen a bespoke Ed Gibson signed portrait will be winging its way to the runner up courtesy of Space Lectures.
Might I add also that Ken Willoughby has been in an increasingly philosophical mood of late. Perhaps it is because pioneers from the golden age of manned spaceflight are inevitably becoming scarcer and these events tougher each year to put on: make the most of them while you can.
Ken is passionate about meeting astronauts, inspiring youngsters and raising much needed funds for UNICEF and The Fior Di Loto Foundation. Space Lectures to date has donated in excess of £12,000 to these causes and Ken has asked me to remind everybody just what it means to him.
"I know you have mentioned it before but it would be nice to let everybody know that they play their part." Without the support of the astronauts, the schools, our sponsors and supporters this would not have been possible. Thank you!
Incidentally, it is not too late for anybody wishing to throw their own backdrop design in to the ring for consideration. I expect the winning design to be chosen next month.
spaceman Member
Posts: 1126 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 02-14-2020 06:56 PM
Busy preparing table stock for the Space Lectures event.
Depending where you look for information the Skylab numbering sequence has always been a bit of a puzzle, after all the mission patch for the flight of Ed Gibson's mission has a large number three at the centre of it.
Skylab 4 or is it SL-4, SLM-3 or Skylab III. For a clear explanation visit here.
spaceman Member
Posts: 1126 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 02-25-2020 08:16 AM
Variations on a theme.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 02-25-2020 09:23 AM
Thanks Nick!
crash Member
Posts: 331 From: West Sussex, England Registered: Jan 2011
posted 02-25-2020 11:00 AM
At first glance, I do like number 2.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 02-25-2020 02:48 PM
#2 does look nice crash though personally the mission emblem should be in the top left corner in my opinion and should be a graphic illustration rather than the image of an embroidered patch.
spaceman Member
Posts: 1126 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 02-26-2020 11:46 AM
Top left and graphic image, we aim to please!
Have commissioned a couple of very nice montages for the event to be revealed nearer the time.
MrsOwl Member
Posts: 11 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2019
posted 02-28-2020 10:23 AM
I like this very much Nick.
posted 03-09-2020 03:34 PM
The backdrop design to be used for the Ed Gibson event is likely to be chosen by Ken at the beginning of April. Consider this your last call to submit designs for the backdrop selection process.
spacehiker Member
Posts: 417 From: London, UK Registered: Aug 2009
posted 03-14-2020 06:16 AM
Is there any update on whether this event is still taking place bearing in mind the coronavirus and the restrictions on mass gatherings which are coming into place in the UK next weekend?
moorouge Member
Posts: 2481 From: U.K. Registered: Jul 2009
posted 03-14-2020 10:11 AM
As far as I know the situation is being closely monitored by Ken and his team. When things become clearer I'm sure that there will be posts here to advise you on what decisions have been made.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 03-16-2020 05:59 AM
That is correct Eddie. Ken, in conjunction with Ed himself, is looking at all the options and following guidlines from the authorities.
Please stay close to this thread and await further announcements.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 03-19-2020 09:18 AM
It will come as no surprise to hear that the Ed Gibson event planned for April will have to be postponed to a later date. The information from Ken Willoughby is as follows:
I think we have all been aware the event would be cancelled but I had to wait until school/hotel etc had been sorted.
The Dinner is now Friday Oct. 2nd and Lecture Saturday Oct. 3rd at the same venues.
People have a choice:
Transfer the money to October and keep the same seats and tickets if they can make it? Should Ed's fee/flight/hotel etc increase in the mean time those who transfer will not pay anymore but if they want a refund they would pay the increase and lose the seats they have been given.
They don't have to reply straight away but find out if they can make the new dates first.
18blue78 Member
Posts: 136 From: UK Registered: Aug 2013
posted 03-19-2020 09:37 AM
Thanks for the update Rick. I think this announcement was inevitable but completely understandable. The health of everyone has to be the priority not least that of Ken, the Space Lecture team and of course Ed himself.
Fingers crossed that this has passed by October and we can all get back to a bit of normality.
spaceman Member
Posts: 1126 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 03-19-2020 02:38 PM
The show will go on, just later than planned. Volcanic dust prevented one event and now a global virus — getting my meteorite shelter prepared... just in case.
posted 03-21-2020 05:07 PM
Unfortunately won't be able to make the new date due to work commitments.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 05-16-2020 11:02 AM
Important update: While Covid 19 continues to stalk the globe, casting its long shadow on a host of space events in Europe, the US and elsewhere I can confirm that the Space Lectures Ed Gibson event will still go ahead... but not quite as planned.
Within weeks of rescheduling the event to October, Ed informed us that a "routine" but overdue operation for a mobility issue had subsequently been scheduled for late summer. While Ed is expecting a full recovery ("after a couple of months of rehabilitation I will be as good as new") it does mean that we will have to postpone October's event to the 23rd and 24th of April 2021. It is my understanding that the hotel and lecture locations remain the same.
On this occasion perhaps fate has done us a favour. While many events around the globe are being switched or even cancelled altogether, the current pandemic suggests that even October would be an optimistic expectation.
It goes without saying that existing ticket holders can roll over their October tickets to April 2021 with the added bonus that several regulars who had been unable to make the initial October switch will now be able to attend.
As and when details for April are confirmed I will post on this thread and updates will be added to the usual Space Lectures social media outlets. Anybody wishing to confirm their ticket switch to April please contact Ken directly.
Thank you everybody for your continued support. Stay safe and we will see you again in April.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 06-19-2020 05:25 AM
Ed Gibson's wife Julie has been in touch to confirm that "Ed is recovering nicely." April next may seem a long way off but Ed is already raring to go!
Kite Member
Posts: 902 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 06-19-2020 04:35 PM
That's good news.
18blue78 Member
Posts: 136 From: UK Registered: Aug 2013
posted 06-20-2020 02:33 AM
That is good news. Thanks for keeping us updated Rick.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4282 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 08-09-2020 05:55 AM
Regrettably it falls to me to break the news that the Space Lectures' Ed Gibson event planned for April 2021 has been cancelled.
I would like to stress that the decision to cancel was made by Ed himself. Following successful surgery for an age related mobility issue, his condition has failed to improve as he had hoped… and expected.
I regret to inform you that I will not be able to meet the commitments that we both agreed to earlier, it is best that I back out now and give you some time to make alternate plans. I understand that I am not making life any easier for you now, but I wish to avoid a disastrous performance that would not be good for anyone. I have never had to do this before, and I very much regret having to do it now.
It goes without saying that Ken Willoughby and everybody associated with Space Lectures is bitterly disappointed with this turn of events but we all wish Ed the best for a successful if not so speedy recovery.
Plans were already in place for October's speaker and consideration was given to bringing this event forward. But different speakers command different fees: October's speaker would have meant a modest increase in ticket prices and we felt it unfair "moving the goal posts" after so many folks had already paid for their Gibson tickets.
So it has been decided to make refunds available (please e-mail Ken directly) so we can reset and move ahead to the next event with a clean slate.
Again my apologies but such is life. Just as soon as plans are in place for Space Lectures' next event I will update members accordingly. Stay safe!
spaceman Member
Posts: 1126 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 08-09-2020 10:02 AM
Sad news Rick and all at Space Lectures. Unfortunately we still do not know how things are going to work out regarding Covid-19 and larger gatherings at this stage for the New Year. Best wishes to Ed and looking forward to the new normal in the not too distant future.
Kite Member
Posts: 902 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 08-09-2020 05:17 PM
Sorry to see this but here is wishing Ed Gibson a full recovery, he is a true gentleman.
18blue78 Member
Posts: 136 From: UK Registered: Aug 2013
posted 08-12-2020 12:40 AM
Very disappointing but also entirely understandable. I hope Ed makes a full and speedy recovery.