Author
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Topic: 11/17: Neil Armstrong CSL talk (Dublin, Ireland)
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irish guy Member Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 09-02-2003 04:57 PM
I am delighted to inform everyone at collectSPACE of a very special event being held here in Ireland in November. None other then Mr. Armstrong has been confirmed to give a lecture, followed by a question and answer session. November 17 is the big day and tickets are on sale for between 80 and 120 euro. It will be held at the National Concert Hall. I will be receiving an e-mail tomorrow from the organisers and will have some more info. It would be great to meet up with some of you on this weekend. Will keep all informed. |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 09-02-2003 06:57 PM
Do we know the subject of the face to face? From what I know, Mr. Armstrong doesn't talk about Apollo 11 at these events does he? |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 09-04-2003 04:47 AM
I spoke to the National Concert Hall. The guy I spoke to didn't have a lot of information but felt Neil would be talking about the moon landing. |
Steve Procter Member Posts: 1031 From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 09-04-2003 05:19 AM
It would be a nice thought that Neil might be prepared to give lectures on test flying, Apollo and the space programme in general to those really interested, at a reasonable cost.This is rather than the big set piece business conventions where it's too expensive to attend and he doesn't talk a great deal about the subject. We shall see. |
irish guy Member Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 09-04-2003 06:08 PM
If I get a chance to ask Neil a question, I think it might be would he have preferred to have flown on a later flight instead of the first one and not have his life turned upside down. Any other ideas out there? |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 09-05-2003 03:55 AM
For any big spenders out there - the company who are bringing Armstrong over is offering a VIP package including pre-speech drinks and post speech dinner with Armstrong present. Plus free bar all night... £350 all in. |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-05-2003 02:16 PM
quote: Originally posted by irish guy: If I get a chance to ask Neil a question...
That's a good question. It's interesting to speculate about the one question you would ask Neil Armstrong if you got the chance... and here's the opportunity!Have you any further details about the event? Exactly how will it be organised? Will there be any opportunity for people in the "cheap seats" to get to shake his hand? |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 09-05-2003 02:35 PM
I gather that the format of the event is an on-stage interview hosted by Gay Byrne rather than the typical astronaut lecture. Sounds good.As to a chance for a handshake, I'm expecting not. It looks like there are at least several hundred and possibly over a thousand seats in the auditorium, and Armstrong will be up on a stage. Doesn't sound like a mingling sort of event. Plus the company who are offering expensive tickets that provide this sort of access will probably be jealously guarding their turf. |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-06-2003 08:19 AM
I phoned the event organisers yesterday who were very helpful.For £350 you get the package mentioned previously - drinks before and after plus dinner, PLUS premium seats, PLUS a photo of you with Neil. The numbers for this package are limited to 100, so in my opinion it is not an outrageous price to pay to meet a hero — whether he signs or not. After all, the memory of shaking his hand is more valuable to me than some second or third-hand acquired signed litho! Look forward to meeting a few people before or after. |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 09-06-2003 10:00 AM
Paul - I agree entirely. I flew all the way to Reno to meet him and the other Apollo astronauts last year. The handshake and the few words are definitely more valuable to me than any memorabilia. However, two handshakes would be a luxury, so I think I'll just go to the main event this time. |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 09-08-2003 10:13 AM
I have decided to attend the VIP event now. I have booked this through CSL, most helpful. As Matt and others have mentioned with drinks, food, and a photograph of me standing with Neil Armstrong ...definitely a a good deal. I do feel it is good value for money. I still don't think I will arrive carrying any lithos though. I will be very happy to have the photograph to display with the rest of my collection. |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-08-2003 03:47 PM
I'm also going for the full package and have booked two tickets. I will speak to the organisers tomorrow and see if there is a chance to book table places for dinner. If anyone else in the group is going for the "big one" feel free to ask when you book if there's a table with Bramley and Carson on it so at least we might get together. |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-08-2003 04:59 PM
How did you manage to book tickets for the "VIP package" (350 Euros + 21% VAT)? I tried to book one place today. I phoned around 2.10pm and spoke to Liz Long, one of the organisers. She said they had had a lot of enquiries, but were not taking individual bookings for the VIP event, only block-bookings with a minimum of six people. She added that they would keep a note of interested individuals and possibly make up a table for six, but that's clearly not definite. Are you both sure you have firm bookings? If you want to organise a table of six, I'm in! Please let me know, on or off-site! Any other takers for this unique opportunity? Surely we can make up a table of six? |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-08-2003 06:12 PM
I spoke to Joanne at the organisers today and she's holding two places for me and the wife (sudden space enthusiast!) until confirmed Tuesday. Unfortunately I'm off to Spain on Tuesday for a spot of aviating (no internet access), but if anyone can work the system please include me and the wife (Loui) on a table to make up a six if that is what they need. In any case speak to Joanne - she seems to be on the ball and had no problems with a private booking. |
747flyer Member Posts: 99 From: New York, NY Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 09-08-2003 07:09 PM
quote: Originally posted by Blackarrow: Any other takers for this unique opportunity? Surely we can make up a table of six?
I'm interested! I haven't called to try and book yet - glad I read this posting before I did so! If I get a different answer, I'll let you all know. In the meantime, I'd like to be included in the table of six (if it's not already full!!). |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-08-2003 09:23 PM
I make that five so far... |
Steve Procter Member Posts: 1031 From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 09-09-2003 09:22 AM
Just got an e-mail from Joanne regarding the dinner. She is reserving me a place and sending the booking form to me today. I mentioned Paul and Andrew and she kindly offered to sit me at the same table (assuming you'll have me gentlemen!)Hoping everything works out okay. |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 09-09-2003 09:42 AM
Steve, a pleasure. I look forward to meeting you.Got to the bottom of the confusion last night... Joanne says due to the number of one person reservations they had to consult Neil's agents to see if the number of one person photos they would have to take would be a problem. I believe at the moment it is not a problem. I understand that CSL may draw a line and consider block bookings only. The number mentioned was six. Corporate events are I understand usually not sold in ones but in groups of six. Therefore as they have allowed us to make individual reservations, fine. If any group member is left out due to the number(s) factor please mention that I have booked and join our six or more. Numbers to this event as previously mentioned are limited... |
john ffoulkes Member Posts: 146 From: United Kingdom Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-09-2003 01:15 PM
I too have now booked and paid deposit on VIP package and will be flying from Bournemouth via Ryanair. It should be a great evening. |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-10-2003 05:07 PM
The organisers have accepted my booking. I took the liberty of mentioning Andrew and Paul's bookings and pointing out that they can put us all together to make up a table. Their usual minimum is six, but the average "corporate entertainment" table is TEN, so there's still room!The reason they felt it necessary to contact Neil Armstrong's agent is because the event was being advertised as a corporate entertainment event with block-booked tables. They didn't anticipate a lot of individual applications. I think they are concerned that our guest would be put off by the thought of 50 or 60 people trying to get photographed individually with him. I think we should be prepared to have "group photos". Personally, I would have absolutely no problem sharing a photograph with all of you other space-enthusiasts in the company of the first man on the Moon. In fact, it might make it more memorable. (Better a group shot with a happy, smiling Armstrong than a two-person photo where he looks like he's posing for a passport photo!) |
747flyer Member Posts: 99 From: New York, NY Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 09-11-2003 07:45 AM
I was able to make an individual booking today without mentioning the table (I forgot), but I'll mention it when I fax back the booking form and I would still like to be at the table. In the e-mail I got from CSL, they stated that they may reconsider allowing individual bookings "next week". |
john ffoulkes Member Posts: 146 From: United Kingdom Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-11-2003 02:28 PM
When I booked I said I was from the "collectSPACE" crowd, and Joanne said she would be seating us together, so see you there for what I hope will be a great evening. |
Frederic Janik Member Posts: 320 From: Helsinki, Finland Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 09-13-2003 05:45 PM
Well well although I can not unfortunately make it with you to Dublin (damn I just visited the place a month ago, should have postponed the trip!!), I am thrilled for you at the prospect of meeting Neil Armstrong. I had the chance to do so a few months ago and while I could not really have a chat with him I still got a handshake and a photo and I won't forget it! The good thing with you guys going is that I'm sure you won't bother him and insist for him to sign anything, as educated collectors. Still wish I could join you! |
Steve Procter Member Posts: 1031 From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 09-14-2003 01:46 PM
You can rest assured I won't be approaching him for any signatures. I might have something in my black bag just in case he suddenly opens up and offers to sign stuff for people, but otherwise it will stay in there unmentioned!The chance to meet him far outweighs an autograph and I wouldn't even think of putting him in a position to have to decline. I think he'll be in safe hands! |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-14-2003 01:58 PM
It did occur to me that if we are all identified as "collectSPACE people" he might be wary of us. Let's not give him any reason for discomfort, and we might all enjoy a truly memorable event. |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-22-2003 04:20 PM
According to the National Concert Hall website seats to the event are now sold out! |
irish guy Member Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 10-28-2003 04:09 PM
So a little more then two weeks to go, what are the numbers looking like so far? |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-28-2003 04:18 PM
Numbers are looking good... We have about ten or so cS members going to the VIP function, as previously organised.The National Concert Hall is sold out. Thanks for the information and guiding us to this unique opportunity. I know a lot of members are attending the face to face interview. Some members are fortunate to have met Dr. Armstrong before. |
irish guy Member Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 10-28-2003 04:30 PM
Two important details: no cameras allowed as the event is to televised some time in the future, also there is to be a strict no autographs policy imposed for the night. I have a beautiful shot of Neil taking a shot in Ballybunion which I would love to present to him put I don't think I will get a opportunity. |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 10-28-2003 04:52 PM
Can you take cameras to the post event supper? |
john ffoulkes Member Posts: 146 From: United Kingdom Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 11-06-2003 01:25 PM
I found out that dress is "smart casual." |
andrewcarson Member Posts: 349 From: Liverpool UK Registered: Sep 2002
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posted 11-06-2003 05:20 PM
Itinerary if anyone is interested is as follows: - 7pm: Guests arrive at the National Concert Hall for Drinks Reception.
- 8pm: Face to Face Interview plus Questions & Answers.
- 10pm: Supper with Wine. Opportunity to meet with Personality.
- 11:15pm: Evening Ends. (Approx)
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747flyer Member Posts: 99 From: New York, NY Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 11-06-2003 06:48 PM
I invested in a new jacket and tie for this event. I figured the picture would be hanging on my wall for a good number of years, so it might be a good idea to look presentable.  |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 11-06-2003 07:07 PM
Don't forget to smile as well! Sounds stupid, but it's easy to forget at the big moment when you meet the man himself.There's nothing worse than a calm, at ease Neil Armstrong standing next to a pale, sweating dead-man-walking version of yourself when you get your photos back from Boots.  |
747flyer Member Posts: 99 From: New York, NY Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 11-07-2003 04:22 PM
quote: Originally posted by Matt T: Don't forget to smile as well! Sounds stupid, but it's easy to forget at the big moment when you meet the man himself.
There's no chance of me forgetting to smile - I've been looking forward to this so much that I'm likely to have a fixed grin on my face for the entire evening (with or without the free bar!). According to the schedule that Andrew posted, the time available for photographs amounts to only 75 minutes. With 100 VIP tickets sold (if I recall correctly), that gives each of us less than a minute with the great man, including time to get from person to person. I hope they give us time to stand still before snapping away!  |
john ffoulkes Member Posts: 146 From: United Kingdom Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 11-08-2003 03:28 PM
It may not be as bad as it looks, the event was staged for "Corporate Entertaining", with tables booked by companies for ten guests and one photo taken with those people.That is why they were reluctant to sell too many tickets for single bookings like ourselves. Therefore hopefully photos will not be too rushed.
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gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 11-11-2003 05:09 AM
Cameras are not allowed during the dinner either. Each guest will receive a picture with Neil Armstrong at the end of the evening. |
747flyer Member Posts: 99 From: New York, NY Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 11-11-2003 02:28 PM
Interesting wording. I'm sure it's just badly phrased, but this could be taken to mean much less than the individual photograph per person which I think I signed up for. Okay, I'm just being paranoid... |
MarylandSpace Member Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 11-17-2003 09:00 PM
C'mon lads, let us know about the evening. |
derek Member Posts: 297 From: N.Ireland. Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 11-18-2003 10:00 AM
Where can I start!!! Neil proved to be humorous, witty, and extremely articulate. He regards the autograph business as "unsavory," repeated his belief that it was easier to go to the moon than fake it to a sceptic (angry murmers in the hall) denied his supposed reference to Mr. Gorski, and praised "2001" above other space films for its effects. Relating his life story, he deadpanned, "Having a fire in your house can be extremely trying ...especially when you happen to be in it." (!!!) The best astronaut talk I've yet heard — and on my birthday too! |