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  3/15: Alfred Worden dinner and talk (Pontefract) (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   3/15: Alfred Worden dinner and talk (Pontefract)
Robert Pearlman
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posted 01-28-2013 12:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Lectures (Ken Willoughby) has announced Apollo 15 command module pilot Al Worden will be delivering a lecture and attending a dinner, March 15-6, 2013, in Pontefract (UK).
  • Dinner at Wentbridge House Hotel, The Great North Road, Wentbridge, West Yorkshire. WF8 3JJ on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 7 p.m. Tickets are £60. Photo shoot is £20, payable on night. After dinner auction.

    Checks payable to Ken Willoughby.

  • Public lecture. Saturday, March 16, at Carleton Community High School. Carleton Green, Carleton Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire. WF8 3NW.

    Tickets are £30. Photo shoot is £20, payable at event. Checks payable to Space Lectures.

topmiler
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posted 01-28-2013 03:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for topmiler     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Do our cheques from the previous cancelled event still stand good?

Would Al be able to give one complimentary autograph with the lecture (as with the previous guest)?

OWL
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posted 01-28-2013 03:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for OWL   Click Here to Email OWL     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yes cheques are still good from previous event and it is one autograph per guest.

Tykeanaut
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posted 01-29-2013 05:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What time is the lecture on Saturday night please?

I assume Al Worden's appearance is still dependent on ticket sales?

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 01-29-2013 06:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Let me get back to you with regards the timing of the lecture.

While the event is reliant on ticket sales Al's fee is such that Ken does not need to sell as many tickets for it to proceed so I am very optomistic.

bruce
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posted 01-29-2013 08:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for bruce   Click Here to Email bruce     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I can report from personally attending one of Col. Worden's lectures, that while listening to him describe his deep-space EVA and the fact that he could look up from his work and see a small blue and white marble in the distance (Earth!) and then pivot around 90 degrees and see a huge Moon in front of him, well, let's just say it was an "out of this world" experience for me!

I would also highly recommend his book "Falling To Earth", which is the best astronaut autobiography I've ever read.

spaceman
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posted 01-29-2013 09:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Space Lectures site has all of the details relevant to time, location, photo shoot etc.

moorouge
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posted 01-29-2013 10:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If you can find the times on Ken's site then you're a better man than I am Gungha Din. I remember that for the Cunningham 'do' [wonder if he's been talking to Dr. Schmitt about fees] the photos were from 4pm and the lecture at 6pm.

spaceman
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posted 01-29-2013 10:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Evening meal times are detailed on the 'Dinner' page:
  • Friday March 15th, 19:00-21:00. Photo shoot, 18:00-18:45. Tickets £60. Photo shoot is £20, payable at event. These will be signed after the meal.
...and lecture times on the 'Tickets' page:
  • Public Lecture: Saturday March 16th, 17:00-18:00. Tickets £30. Photo shoot, 16:00-16:45 is £20, payable at event. One free Autograph per person plus Al will also sign a copy of his book free.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 01-29-2013 02:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Ladies and gentlemen, just had confirmation from Ken that the Al Worden event is ON; "The clock is running"!

Furthermore, in addition to the free autograph noted earlier, Al will also sign for free one copy of his autobiography.

Remember, the £80 bonus ticket will get you dinner with Al, the after dinner auction, a lecture and TWO autographs (bring your own copy of his book). For an extra £20 (paid on the day) you can have a professionally produced, signed personal portrait with Al as well.

All round very good value. I am sure Nick and Bryar Deakin will be on hand with a selection of quality merchandise to mark the event.

Get those cheques in guys and bring on March 15/16.

crash
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posted 01-29-2013 05:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for crash   Click Here to Email crash     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Go Air Force!!

Tykeanaut
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posted 01-31-2013 05:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I do hope the autograph session doesn't descend into a "bun fight" once again?

Perhaps a couple of seating rows at a time could be asked to collect their photos (if applicable) and queue? Or perhaps it could be organised dependent on your ticket number?

There is no need or should be so much chaos.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 01-31-2013 06:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Ken has banked the cheques received to date and Al has booked his flight. I think it safe to say, those who may have been sitting on the fence for Walt's event can climb off it now.

crash
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posted 01-31-2013 06:59 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for crash   Click Here to Email crash     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 01-31-2013 09:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Chris, I will have a word with Ken regarding queue control for the post lecture signing. It is true, things got a bit messy for Charlie but it is worth noting that Charlie's was the first such event in the brand new venue and everybody did get their autograph... eventually.

moorouge
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posted 01-31-2013 10:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I've suggested this before. Call those to the table for an autograph by ticket number. This is easily policed (for want of a better word) and it rewards those who sent their cheques in early as asked.

Go to it Rick!!!!

topmiler
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posted 01-31-2013 11:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for topmiler     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Agree, sound idea.

Steve Procter
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posted 01-31-2013 11:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's either that or I bring the electric cattle prod...

spaceman
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posted 01-31-2013 12:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Some would enjoy the prod, please don't encourage them.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 01-31-2013 12:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Something tells me Bryar uses such a prod on Nick; there speaks the voice of experience....

Ken, I understand, is planning on numbered rows and seats being called in sequence; tickets will be checked by somebody you would not want to argue with!

I've also suggested the signing table be roped off to ensure members of the audience do not push in from he sides.

moorouge
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posted 02-01-2013 10:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can't see Ken's idea working too well Rick. Too complicated and easy for the determined to get round. I assume that it will mean issuing a second ticket thus adding an extra complication.

My suggestion is simple and easy to check and still allows late comers sitting anywhere to reap the reward for being among the first to support the event.

topmiler
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posted 02-01-2013 02:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for topmiler     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's got to be ticket number.

robert_l
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posted 02-02-2013 06:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for robert_l   Click Here to Email robert_l     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Excellent news this is going ahead. Al is absolutely magic to hear talking about his flight to the moon. Need to get a copy of his book to bring for him to sign.

We all had a fantastic time when he visited Scotland.

Tykeanaut
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posted 02-02-2013 09:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Will you be wearing your new special Kilt Robert?

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 02-02-2013 11:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
In addition to a "minder" at the entrance to the signing area Ken plans on having "ushers" in the aisle beckoning out one row at a time and blocking others from coming down from the back out of turn.

Probably a better option than ticket numbers as they could penalise people who booked early but arrived late.

When all is said and done everybody will get a chance to meet Al and get potentially two autographs.

Steve Procter
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posted 02-02-2013 02:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Ushers in the aisle? Bride or groom....?

robert_l
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posted 02-02-2013 03:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for robert_l   Click Here to Email robert_l     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Tykeanaut:
Will you be wearing your new special Kilt Robert?
I hope to; it's taking longer as Al Bean wants his tartan included. They have started to make the tartan and should have it before Pontefract. It has a gray background for the moon with green from the Gordon tartan and blue from Aberdeen where Dick Gordon's ancestors came from. It also has yellow from the Apollo 12 badge and think red from the Bean tartan.

moorouge
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posted 02-03-2013 02:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
In addition to a "minder" at the entrance to the signing area Ken plans on having "ushers" in the aisle beckoning out one row at a time and blocking others from coming down from the back out of turn.
Whilst I appreciate Ken's efforts to sort out the chaos at the Duke event, I'm afraid that I can't see his solution working. I can think of several ways to circumnavigate it.
Also, Rick, why is it a better option than ticket numbers? You call for ticket numbered 1 through 25 (note Americanism Robert ) to come forward. It matters not where they are seated and their validity to join the queue is easily checked. To reject this solution because it will penalize early purchasers of tickets but arriving late is erroneous.

topmiler
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posted 02-03-2013 03:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for topmiler     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Absolutely agree.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 02-03-2013 05:09 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
All suggestions are welcome. Queue marshalling is a work in progress.

Tykeanaut
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posted 02-03-2013 08:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think row-by-row may be a better idea. If you use ticket numbers you will have people pushing past people on every row.

topmiler
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posted 02-03-2013 09:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for topmiler     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't see why that is a problem. Surely it's better for the people who've supported the event from the start to be given first dibs.

rgarner
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posted 02-03-2013 10:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for rgarner   Click Here to Email rgarner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Who cares in what sequence you receive the picture and autograph? I'm sure Col. Worden won't leave until everyone has what they paid for.

This sounds very much like a playground to me, and not one that I would want to be involved in. Surely this can't be a serious issue? Don't get me wrong, the idea of meeting an astronaut is exciting to anyone, but nobody can be that big of a child to kick up a fuss because they were last?

Tykeanaut
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posted 02-03-2013 11:23 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We all know everyone will get their items signed. The discussion is to try and prevent some of the chaos experienced at previous events happening again and thus making it more efficient for everyone including Col. Al Worden.

Have you been to any of these events? If you haven't then believe me it has sometimes been a "bun-fight!"

Steve Procter
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posted 02-03-2013 11:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Everyone will get their stuff signed for sure. Doesn't bother me particularly hanging around (I only live 20 minutes away) but you can understand someone who has made a 500 mile return journey wanting to get an item signed quickly and get off home, rather than standing in a queue for a further two hours.

rgarner
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posted 02-03-2013 11:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for rgarner   Click Here to Email rgarner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Tykeanaut:
Have you been to any of these events? If you haven't then believe me it has sometimes been a "bun-fight!"

I've never been to one of these events. As much as I would like to my funds have always been... used elsewhere, to a similar end I might add.

But given that there is a need to organise to such an extent as to avoid this kind of behaviour, I very much doubt I would ever attend one. That said, streamlining is a good way to make the signing go that much quicker, it is just sad that this isn't being implemented for that purpose, it is simply a byproduct.

I think I will keep my hobby out of this game for now

rgarner
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posted 02-03-2013 11:47 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for rgarner   Click Here to Email rgarner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Procter:
...but you can understand someone who has made a 500 mile return journey wanting to get an item signed quickly and get off home, rather than standing in a queue for a further two hours.
On the contrary, I can't understand it at all. To meet Col. Worden, let alone shake his hand, is worth the wait. I just find the thought of such an occurrence highly disrespectful and if I witnessed it personally (if I were in his place), it would make me think twice before attending such an event in future.

Food for though to those who would.

Nigel Mc
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posted 02-03-2013 01:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nigel Mc   Click Here to Email Nigel Mc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think row by row would work fine - Maybe alternate one from front then one from back etc.

Steve Procter
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posted 02-03-2013 05:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Procter   Click Here to Email Steve Procter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I would point out for the benefit of those who haven't attended these events before that from what you have read you would think that some unholy ruck occurs once the announcement has been made as regards the signing session.

You would be forgiven for thinking that actual physical violence breaks out as people rush the queue clambering over the seats and pushing others out of the way.

In reality once the announcement is made people tend to move 'smartly' towards the queue but there is no pushing or shoving and the whole thing, despite seeming a little disorganised at times, is good natured. As the queue does form everyone takes their place in reasonably orderly and civilised fashion.

Folk then wait for their turn for most part chatting to friends or indeed strangers who after all share the same interest. I've made a few pals in the queues over the years!

Certainly some element of queue management is preferable but some of this thread might give the impression that the signing session is some unsavoury free for all when nothing is further from the truth.

Apollo14LMP
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posted 02-03-2013 05:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Apollo14LMP   Click Here to Email Apollo14LMP     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A very good summary of how the queue and signing pans out. I was surprised to see how far the queue extended all the way round the school hall for Fred Haise.

Steve makes some very good points here. I have met a few interesting people at these events and standing in the queue!

If you have not heard these men speak about their lives and journey to the Moon in person then you have not lived - honestly!

I hope those that are able can attend and support the people who are bringing these people to your door!

Never seen any disorder — just a long queue.

Going back to 1970(s) I stood for 3 hours just to see the Apollo 10 CSM and some Apollo 11 Moonrocks when I was six years old at the Liverpool Show still remember it to this day.


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