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Author Topic:   4/8-9: Space Lectures Tom Stafford event (UK)
AirKing
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From: East Yorkshire, England
Registered: Jan 2016

posted 04-07-2016 03:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AirKing   Click Here to Email AirKing     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Prior to the first James Lovell lecture we were informed that the April guest was a moonwalker who had not been to Space Lectures before, which meant it was Gene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, John Young or Dave Scott.

Some of us made the decision to buy tickets without knowing the name of the astronaut but some decided to wait and see before deciding to try to buy tickets. Once it was announced that it was Gene Cernan the remaining tickets sold out very quickly and some people who then sent payments for the dinner and lecture were told that they were too late.

Personally I would rather buy a ticket well beforehand and go to the event rather than waiting and potentially missing out.

gareth89
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From: Ireland
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posted 04-08-2016 01:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
In the airport here in Dublin about to board my flight, can't wait for the weekend, see you all in Pontefract!

Shane Hannon
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posted 04-08-2016 02:48 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Shane Hannon   Click Here to Email Shane Hannon     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I will always support these Space Lectures events when I can work-wise, and although I was extremely disappointed to see Gene has had to cancel, I hope he gets well soon and of course his health is the most important thing.

I have had the honour of meeting both Ken Mattingly and Jim Lovell in Pontefract and they are two astronauts I never thought I would have the opportunity of meeting. I met General Stafford at Autographica in Birmingham back in 2009 and cannot wait to meet him again, and hear him speak this time.

I'm very impressed Ken and the team were able to turnaround an 85-year-old retired astronaut and get him to fly across the Atlantic at such short notice. Looking forward to flying over from Dublin tomorrow morning. See you all at the lecture!

cycleroadie
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From: Apalachin, NY USA
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posted 04-08-2016 06:32 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cycleroadie   Click Here to Email cycleroadie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just a quick thought from someone in the states. I can understand the disappointment that Capt. Cernan is not coming, but you do have a great Apollo era replacement, and this was all done in the last minute. And from a money standpoint, for either man, I figured it was around $238 by my conversion, now you're getting a dinner, lecture, AND an autograph for that money. It's a steal at that price my friends.

Be thankful you have some great people there who volunteer their time and put this one basically at cost for you. I'm not aware of anything on this side of the pond that comes close, yes there is ASF and Spacefest, but those are much larger outlays of cash to do a dinner and lectures, plus an autograph costs you more on top of that.

Anyway, enjoy General Stafford and be thankful for what you have.

Yusuf
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posted 04-08-2016 06:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Yusuf   Click Here to Email Yusuf     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well said Sir. I have a huge debt of gratitude to Ken, his team, Cosmic Con and Space Boosters without whose efforts I would never have met a dozen or so astronauts. They have all inspired myself and my kids with their message to keep calm, work your problem and work as a team and their down to earth "can do" attitude is a great antidote to today's self obsessed media culture.

I am looking forward to meeting Tom Stafford just as much as I would have done if meeting Gene Cernan and I can only applaud Ken for getting an 85 year old to hop across the Atlantic to Pontefract at short notice. Perhaps we ought to send a get well card and some Pomfret cakes from the audience to Gene Cernan to wish him well and entice him over here in the near future?

paulus humungus
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posted 04-09-2016 04:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for paulus humungus   Click Here to Email paulus humungus     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What is there to say about Gen. Stafford's talk at Pontefract this afternoon other than... SUPERB!

I know that choosing a favourite astronaut speech is like choosing a favourite child, however this is possibly the best yet. The level of the man's knowledge, intellect and wit was breathtaking. He ended up talking for nearly two hours and he could have kept going had it not been for the need to press on with the signings part of the day. He also looked as if he was really enjoying the event. It was a good call to let Tom carry on with his talk and loose the Q&A. The Q&A is a great idea but in my view only if time allows. A huge well done to Tom, Ken and the rest of the Pontefract team. It gets even better.

Here's hoping that Gene Cernan gets better soon and is able to return next year.

One Big Monkey
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posted 04-09-2016 04:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for One Big Monkey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Have to agree with that — a truly fascinating presentation, given without any reference to notes.

The anecdotes, the technical knowledge, the insight, the humour, the increasingly panicked looks of the Space Lectures team as Tom talked... and talked... and talked.

shadow1789
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posted 04-09-2016 05:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for shadow1789   Click Here to Email shadow1789     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Great lecture tonight by Tom Stafford in Ponty. He didn't want to stop talking did he? Great to hear about his other life ventures in the military and DoD as well. Too bad the Q&A was missed out but I would much rather he talked longer.

The organization is continually improving. Just a point — would it be worth starting earlier? They also messed the photos up too, fortunately I didn't bother this time.

AirKing
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posted 04-09-2016 05:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AirKing   Click Here to Email AirKing     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
At dinner on Friday night, General Stafford told us the events that led up to him been in Pontefract for the weekend.

When Gene Cernan was admitted to hospital earlier this week his agent could just have made contact with Space Lectures and said that he could not attend. He did not do that. Gene Cernan rang Tom Stafford and asked him to help him out as there were many people in Pontefract who were hoping to see him. Despite being ill he was thinking of others and how he did not want us to be disappointed.

In New York the weather was bad General Stafford's flight was delayed. He got into Manchester at 3.30 on Friday afternoon and at 6.30 he was doing a photo session. Pre-dinner he did a short talk and then we had the meal, raffle, auction and autograph session. The meal was alright but I do have a slight request for Wentbridge House — Treacle sponge and custard for desert.

Tom Stafford talked for one hour 40 minutes and given the chance he would have gone on even longer. The scheduled Q&A session was abandoned so maybe it's just as well that Brian Cox had filming commitments in America and could not attend. I did hear comments that some people were unhappy that Brian Cox cancelled but as has been said before he was attending for free, not under contract, as a fan of the space program.

General Stafford talked about each of his Gemini flights, Apollo 10 and the Apollo Soyuz test project. You could see that he was enjoying himself and kept asking how the time was going.

We should consider ourselves fortunate that Gene Cernan, despite been ill, made the effort to ensure we were not disappointed and that Tom Stafford at such short notice changed his schedule. At 85 he could have had many reasons as to why he could not make the trip but he did an for that we should be grateful.

For the lecture ticket price of £95 we were treated to a long talk and an autograph.

Gene Cernan sent a note saying how disappointed he was to be unable to travel but he still wants to come to Pontefract. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later so start saving up now.

Kite
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posted 04-09-2016 05:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kite     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tom Stafford was absolutely brilliant. I timed his lecture at one hour, 40 minutes and he could have carried on longer if allowed. No time for the Q&A so Brian Cox if he could have made it would have been redundant!

What a superb substitute at such short notice and can't see how anybody could possibly complain. A nice touch with Gene Cernan sending his apologies to us and hopefully he will soon recover and come to Pontefract soon.

Good to see the regular faces, especially cS members, and very well done to Ken and his team who must have really had their work cut out to make this happen but succeed they did. Grateful thanks to them all.

moorouge
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posted 04-10-2016 02:28 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Space Lectures team make General Stafford write out 100 times "I must not mess up our timetable by being so interesting and talking for so long."

AlpinaB10S
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posted 04-10-2016 03:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for AlpinaB10S   Click Here to Email AlpinaB10S     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What a fantastic event from the Space Lectures team, and huge thanks to Gen. Stafford coming over the pond at very short notice to talk to us. And he can sure talk! Well over an hour and a half and really interesting view points and observations of his four flights.

Whilst I understand that some were disappointed that Capt. Cernan would not be attending, I'd be very surprised if anyone failed to find Gen. Stafford entertaining, insightful and a more than worthy stand in!

Now looking forward to October, and saving the pennies for a hopefully rescheduled Capt. Cernan lecture! Thanks again Gen. Stafford and the Space Lectures team!

spaceman
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posted 04-10-2016 05:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for spaceman   Click Here to Email spaceman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Fantastic event especially with the last minute turn around, and behind the scenes drama on Friday. A very well deserved thank you to the Pontefract crew that made it happen. We need a new snappy name for the team and their leader Mr. Ken Willoughby.

Of course the whole thing would have been a non-event without the last minute stand in with Tom Stafford.

What a stand in. Future astronauts will have to pull out all of the stops to equal his performance over the weekend. If I have only of his stamina at his age I'll be laughing.

He was calm, unhurried, humorous and had time for everyone, oozing the right stuff. Long may the events continue.

apollokev
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posted 04-10-2016 07:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for apollokev   Click Here to Email apollokev     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I would like to add my thanks and gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. To Ken and his team and most of all to Gen Stafford. To do what he did to save our weekend was nothing short of incredible.

His lecture was arguably the most entertaining yet and I was in awe of what this man has achieved. If only we were not on a time schedule, I could have sat there until midnight listening to him (and he looked like he could go until then too).

Thanks and well done to all.

Rick Mulheirn
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From: England
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posted 04-10-2016 11:09 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"It is with personal regret that I am unable to be with you this weekend. I have had some health issues and a setback last week that have prevented me from being able to travel. I know you will enjoy my good friend General Tom Stafford, my former Commander on Gemini 9 and Apollo 10. So please welcome him and I look forward to hopefully being able to visit you some time in the future." – Capt. Eugene A. Cernan. Friday April 8th, 2016.
I know I can speak for everybody when I tell you that I was gutted when Capt. Gene Cernan postponed his Space Lectures encounter earlier this week. I think I can speak for everybody that attended the event if I tell you that General Tom Stafford was quite simply outstanding.

Ken Willoughby leads Space Lectures: a small motley band of reprobates many of whom you would not want to meet on a dark night; one or two even smell funny! But we make for a great team that in just two days turned around an event that had been nine months in the planning.

Thanks largely to the efforts of Ken Willoughby, Julie McDermott (Mrs OWL), Gene's PA Claire Johnson and the Captain himself, they managed to conjur up an alternate speaker at the eleventh hour... plus 59 minutes! A personal invitation from Gene Cernan was all it took for Tom to drop everything, reschedule a business trip and step in to help his close friend; such selflessness is what separates Tom Stafford from the many and speaks volumes to the character of the man.

To describe General Tom Stafford as some kind of understudy, stand-in or substitute does the man a huge disservice. A pioneering astronaut with an enviable spaceflight record his NASA days formed just part of an amazing career to which all of his contemporaries could only aspire.

The General was set to arrive at the Wentbridge House hotel at 9.00 a.m. on Friday. Plenty of time you might think to rest, freshen up and sign a few items for the evening auction. But fate once again conspired against us. Weather conditions out of New York meant that Tom had to re-route via Miami and Heathrow. He finally made it at 5.00 p.m., minus some of his luggage, and just one hour before the photo shoot was due to start. If Ken Willoughby had any hairs on his head they would have turned white!

Within the hour Tom had freshened up, signed the auction pieces and was pressing the flesh in the photo room. Circumstances surrounding the event only served to heighten the sense of appreciation and the standing ovation afforded the General as he entered the dining room was genuine and heartfelt.

Tom addressed the audience for 10 minutes or so and it quickly became evident we were in for a good night. "I've travelled all over the world in my career and I'm often asked which is my favourite place to visit? It has to be England — not because I had some great times here as a test pilot, but because the locals speak English!"

Mark Craig, director of the movie "The Last Man on The Moon" joined us (and the Apollo 17 moon rock samples) for the evening. I think he welcomed a break from the stresses associated with having to change the many Mark Stewart Productions' engagements planned for Capt. Cernan in the days that followed our event.

The format of the evening was typical. The photo opportunity, a fine meal then the raffle, an auction and then autographs. When we finished the team expected the General to fall off his chair and straight in to bed — he must have been shattered. Not Tom, "I'd like a night cap. Do you have an port?"

We retreated to a quiet room where Howard, our resident whit, raconteur and Mick Jagger look alike talked about the Battle of Trafalgar. Tom was fascinated to hear how the British sailors outgunned the French, (due largely to training with the parrallels that had with the military of today) the damage sustained by the French as a result and the kinds of injuries meted out by such fire power. Before retiring to bed Tom thanked everybody for the day. "I've really enjoyed myself. I'd heard good things about you, but from the photographer to the signing, the organisation and the finesse have been excellent."

I thought perhaps this was some kind of motivational speech to rally the troops for the day ahead but Andrew McDermott (OWL) told me later that Tom reiterated the point as he was escorting the General to his room. That kind of endorsement means more than he will ever know.

Naturally Tom was tired after his long flight. He could be forgiven a lie-in the next morning. He at least avoided OWL's tricky encounter with Ken MacTaggert's sausage but that's a story for another day.

Carleton Community High School was again the venue for the lecture. The vendors Nick, Briar and Richard set up early and the place filled quickly. The lecture began with the message from Capt. Cernan (first read to the dinner guests the previous evening) expressing his personal regret at the late turn of events but assuring everybody that in Tom Stafford we were in safe hands.

And so it proved. Never before have we had a speaker with such a breadth of knowledge and first-hand experience of the aerospace industry. From his early days as a test pilot at Edwards Force Air Base through firing "bottle rockets" at Soviet policemen in 1974 and his aerospace work beyond, the breadth of knowledge, detail and insight afforded by Tom sprinkled with a goodly number of anecdotes and jokes was quite remarkable. And the less said about Ron Evans and the Playboy centre fold magazine the better!

It was evident both at the lecture and in private conversation that General Stafford is rightly as proud of his career with the US Air Force and the US Government as he was with his NASA days.

In May 1990, Tom was made chair of a committee to independently advise NASA how to carry out President George H.W. Bush's vision of returning to the Moon, this time to stay, and then go on to explore Mars. The resulting publication, "America at the Threshold," a road map for the next 30 years of U.S. manned spaceflight is still viewed as the blueprint for future space exploration.

Tom Stafford may be a veteran of four historic space missions but the fact that 60% of the current US Air Force strike capability (stealth bombers to F-16s, refuelling tankers to Tomahawk missiles) is directly attributable to him should give you a sense of his place in aerospace history.

General Stafford's list of honours and accolades for services to aerospace and engineering reads like a who's who of such and of itself speaks volumes for the man's achievements. But I know he is particularly proud of being the 2011 recipient of The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy: an annual award bestowed upon some of the most historic aviation leaders the world has known. It would seem only right and fitting.

The lecture was arguably our best yet. That is what I heard time and again as the audience in turn thanked Tom at the signing table. At one hour 40 minutes it was unquestionably our longest and had we not stepped it would have been considerably longer.

At this point, we would like to apologise for the lack of the 20 minute Q&A. All that money our resident compere David Jones had spent on Grecian 2000 had been wasted but I think it safe to say, most think that a small price to pay for the length and calibre of the lecture. The audience had been blown away by what they had just heard.

And to cap it all, we had a personal video message from Scott Kelly, via the ISS inviting the audience to join him and his brother Mark at our next event in October. Please visit the Space Lectures website for details but I suspect if you have not ordered tickets you may already be too late.

Over the two days I spoke to literally hundreds of people. Each to a man/woman would like to offer Gene Cernan their VERY best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. The resounding message from Pontefract was "Get well soon Gene!"

Such have been recent circumstances there is a huge amount of good will on the part of Capt. Cernan to make good on his promise to attend a future Space Lectures event. That may be next year; it may be a short notice opportunist event should Gene be fit and find himself in the UK on other business later this year. Who knows? We are committed and excited at the prospect of Mark and Scott Kelly joining us in October but I think it prudent to keep your piggy banks topped up and have a bag packed just in case. Priority for such an event should it happen, will be given to all those who bought tickets for this event and should such a short notice "splash and dash" opportunity arise, only then to be postponed at the last minute, all monies would be refunded.

Ken would like to take this opportunity to thank his team of "merry men" and Howard, for their efforts over the last few days. Of course a huge thank you to Capt. Cernan and General Stafford for what ultimately was a brilliant occasion. But above all to everybody that attended and supported the event. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Despite all the issues the total amount raised by Space Lectures (since inception) for UNICEF and Foundation di Loto to date has now risen to £8,800 with possibly more to come. Thank you again!

Here's to the next one in October and stand by your beds for news of Capt. Cernan.

One Big Monkey
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From: West Yorkshire, UK
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posted 04-10-2016 01:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for One Big Monkey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Some information on the lunar disk that was on display is here. You can search for the specific one (number 147) on that site.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-10-2016 01:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The professional photographers (Proffoto -James, Karen and Jack) for all our events have now made available a complimentary download of all the photo shoot images taken at the weekend. Thank you guys; much appreciated.

Ken has asked me to remind folks that photo shoots are paid for on the day directly to the photographers; not Ken. Thanks.

18blue78
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posted 04-10-2016 07:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 18blue78     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's difficult to elaborate anymore on the above comments. So I will just add my thanks to Ken for making this whole thing possible. To the Space Lectures crew for all they do. To Gene Cernan for persuading Tom Stafford to take his place. And of course to Gen. Stafford for agreeing to come over and give one of the best talks we will ever hear.

moorouge
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posted 04-11-2016 12:53 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for moorouge   Click Here to Email moorouge     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

gareth89
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posted 04-11-2016 12:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What a fantastic weekend! Again, not to repeat what what was already said but I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the whole Space Lectures team who made it possible. It makes the weekend to be around such warm and knowledgeable people, Ken, Rick, Andy, Andrew and Julie, Paul and Howard, Aileen and Ruth and Paul the pilot to name but a few! And then of course there's the Irish contingent of Shane, James, Derek and Paul Ryan. It was also great to see fellow cS'rs Chris and Yusuf!

I thoroughly enjoyed both the dinner in the Wentbridge and the lecture on Saturday. General Stafford was on top form, his anecdotes were witty and incredibly interesting. His recollections of Gemini 9 (in particular Deke Slayton's "pep talk" before the launch!) and the 4th of July antics in Star City were definite highlights for me!

I've got my tickets for the Kelly brothers, and have reset my Ponte countdown clock, roll on October!

Tykeanaut
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posted 04-11-2016 01:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Now that was value for money! What a pity we ran out of time, I could have listened all night. Thanks to the Space Lectures Team for another fantastic event, and great to meet-up with everyone once again.

prontouk
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posted 04-12-2016 07:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for prontouk   Click Here to Email prontouk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to add to the other posts, my thanks for the great effort in getting General Stafford for this event. I have to admit I did have a moment when I thought about not attending when Gene Cernan withdrew, as it was a busy weekend for me fitting this lecture in between work commitments. However I am so glad I attended. It was the best lecture and I sat in awe listening to him. No notes, no slides, just his memory and boy did he remember a lot of things, even after all the nights in Russia he mentioned. Thanks once again to all involved. These lectures have been the highlight of the past 4 years for me.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-12-2016 11:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
General Stafford's lecture from last weekend is now available to view on YouTube: all one hour 40 minutes worth.

Ian Limbrey
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posted 04-12-2016 01:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ian Limbrey   Click Here to Email Ian Limbrey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was hoping the lecture would have been filmed especially after reading all the wonderful comments by those lucky enough to have attended the event and wish I had been there myself!

Many thanks Rick for posting this, most enjoyable and fascinating!

Larry McGlynn
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posted 04-12-2016 07:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry McGlynn   Click Here to Email Larry McGlynn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Gene called today. He is on the mend, but he will need some time to rest and recoup. He thanks everybody for their concern.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-13-2016 02:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for that update Larry: the icing on the cake!

robert_l
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posted 04-13-2016 05:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for robert_l   Click Here to Email robert_l     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks again to Ken and everyone at Space Lectures that make this possible! A big surprise when I found out it was General Stafford as Gene Cernan was unable to come, hopefully he will be in Pontefract soon.

Apollo 10 was the first space mission I remember sitting down to watch and I have watched every space mission since then. Tom Stafford was brilliant. He thanked me for coming from Scotland to hear his talk!

I have now met all three Apollo 10 astronauts! To add to all three Apollo 12 and 15 crew and have met someone from every Apollo flight now! Looking forward to the next event in October!

Neil McRae
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posted 04-15-2016 10:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil McRae   Click Here to Email Neil McRae     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was at the event and the General was outstanding. I actually felt for him as he didn't stop from the moment he got in to the moment the event ended; he did himself proud and after hearing from him I expected no less. He is the definition of the right stuff.

I don't think anyone would complain about how long the General spoke for but the event organisation could have been better to maximise the time. Less is more, felt like too many chefs stirring the broth, but the people supporting were super friendly and helpful nearly all of the time. It was my first event so perhaps now I've been to one it will be easier next time.

(Feedback is to ensure the events are good rather than just whinge and blow smoke — please take it in the spirit that its given!)

Of course people are free to leave when they choose but if you wanted your picture that you had paid for (£20!) you had to wait. Many people who travelled up for the day had trains and planes to catch and its worth bearing this in mind in the future.

The raffle was excellent though and so pleased I won the metal print of the lunar rover — its outstanding! If anyone has the contact details of the chap that made these I'd love to get more of these made.

Just hope we get over the season one of Deep Space Nine situation the space programme has got itself into, I can't imagine an STS or ISS cosmonaut (astronauts go places) as entertaining as the general; so that these lectures are as interesting for my granddaughter, as the general was for me, 40 years from now!

Ken is also a hero in my view, very great guy to deal with and talk too. Many thanks to all involved in bringing the lecture to life.

Tykeanaut
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posted 04-15-2016 12:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Neil, glad you enjoyed it. I'm not one of the organisers, however I did hear them say that you could collect your photo and "jump the queue" if you had public transport to catch.

In the past folks have picked up their photos and then joined the queue straight away even if they were sat on the last row. This system is only employed so that in true British fashion the last shall not be the first!

Hope you can make it to another event soon.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-15-2016 02:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Neil, I am delighted you enjoyed the Stafford encounter last week. It was something rather special.

And I can speak for Ken and the rest of the team when I say we welcome constructive criticism. If you trawl back over past coverage of Space Lectures events you will note that we have used such to improve each event going forward.

Many of those at both the dinner and the lecture are regulars of many years standing. As a newcomer you will not have witnessed Space Lectures as it has evolved over the years; the first event circa 2005. That said, we are always looking at ways to make the next better still and October's event will be no different.

Our astronaut speakers typically speak for an hour, with a Q&A to follow. At one hour forty minutes General Stafford was a real treat, but going forward we will see to it that normality is resumed with a status quo in keeping with your own observation ie. less WILL be more.

Chris is correct in what he says. Several people who had trains to catch showed the marshalls their tickets and were brought out to join the queue close to the signing table. Several others who could not wait gave their pieces to Mrs OWL and she saw to it that they were signed and will be forwarded on.

With regards the photos, I remember some years ago that they were not be ready until after the signing was well under way. I think the Alan Bean event in 2013 was the first time that they were ready before the signing began.

The audience is brought up a row at a time and routed past the photos: they can be collected on route to the signing table. The scrummage that on occasion has happened as soon as the photos are brought out serves only to delay proceedings and the resulting sense of injustice felt for the queue jumpers raises tempers.

Talking of which, my first event was Alan Bean the first time he came to Ponte in 2007. The signing session was pretty chaotic and from memory took around three and a half hours. Everybody it seemed stood up at once and descended upon Alan from all points west.

I think General Stafford completed the signing in one hour twenty.... a little short of our record Lovell signing (one hour ten). And that is with the same numbers in the audience as for Alan Bean way back. The current process means people further back (particularly those on the back rows) are seated for much of the time and are only standing in the queue for 15 minutes or so.

As for chefs stirring the broth.... I would not recommend eating anything I had cooked. But both in person and in correspondence since the event, General Stafford stated that "this was the best organised and most professional event I have attended". Perhaps the Space Lectures team should enter the next series of "Masterchef"!

Thanks again Neil and we look forward to seeing you in October.

moorouge
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posted 04-16-2016 01:05 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:
Perhaps the Space Lectures team should enter the next series of "Masterchef"!
Bagsie I the wooden spoon. (Thinks - Rick will say I do enough stirring without it so perhaps not.)

This post makes a nice round 150 for Tom Stafford. And yes - Rick, bless his little (large?) cotton socks is quite right - the photo processing has been speeded and there are arrangements in place to cater for those who have time constraints.

It's worth noting also that although there is a timetable to the event, things do tend to sometimes take longer than planned. Nevertheless, every effort is made to ensure that the event is run smoothly and an enjoyable experience for all those attending.

Kite
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posted 04-16-2016 05:47 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kite     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Although I realise that there has to be a timetable it is nice that it can be flexible and Tom Stafford was able to do his lecture in his own time which made it so much more comprehensive and memorable. The organisers scrubbed the Q&A, which was fair enough to save some time and hopefully this did not cause too much trouble to some attendees as the relaxed atmosphere is much better than a regimental and strict procedure which has no time for off the cuff decisions.

A wonderful event and thanks once more to Ken and his brilliant team.

apollokev
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posted 04-16-2016 07:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for apollokev   Click Here to Email apollokev     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think the organisation is good at the events and everyone is made to feel both welcome and well looked after.

Is there a need to make sure that the one hour time for the lecture is adhered to though? If, like Gen Stafford, they wish to talk for longer, why should we stop them? I certainly don't think less would have been more in his case. With us having two speakers in October, one could argue that they may feel pressured to both get their stories across in one hour.

A possible solution is a 3 p.m. start, which would allow some slippage in the schedule if the astronauts do over run.

After some very short lectures at other events, I welcomed Gen Stafford's protracted offering.

Whatever happens in the future, one thing I do know is that Space Lectures will remain THE place to go for great astronaut encounters.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-16-2016 09:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
One hour for the lecture is an approximation; naturally there is a little wiggle room... but General Stafford took wiggling to a whole new level.

Two astronauts brings with it some challenges; this is unchartered territory for us but discussions are already taking place to make the event go as smoothly as possible.

Davestory
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posted 04-19-2016 11:22 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Davestory   Click Here to Email Davestory     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Great lecture AGAIN. Wouldn't it be better if the photo tables were outside the theatre, as I think many people didn't get to appreciate that fantastic Apollo model or get a good look at the moon rock on display.

Rick Mulheirn
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posted 04-19-2016 01:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That is an option that has been considered Dave but we decided to stick with the current arrangement. If the photo tables were outside the theatre, the audience would have to feed out of the theatre and then back again through the "bottleneck" doors to the left- we aren't allowed to move the piano out of the way because it would then need retuning apparently .

Alternately out of the theatre to the right, around the back, past the loos and such before re-entering again stage left. That would require more manpower and there would be the added distractions and potential issues as people using the loos on route slipped back in the queue or attempted to rejoin the queue in what they believed was their rightful place.

Given the issues we have had in the past we believe the current arrangement works well and it affords us good control over the signing process.


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